Eip74EF is a dominant modifier for ALS-FTD-linked VCPR152H phenotypes in the Drosophila eye model

OBJECTIVES

In 2012, Liu et al. reported that miR-34 is an age-related miRNA regulating age-associated events and long-term brain integrity in Drosophila. They demonstrated that modulating miR-34 and its downstream target, Eip74EF, showed beneficial effects on an age-related disease using a Drosophila model of Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 expressing SCA3trQ78. These results imply that miR-34 could be a general genetic modifier and therapeutic candidate for age-related diseases. Thus, the goal of this study was to examine the effect of miR-34 and Eip47EF on another age-related Drosophila disease model.

RESULTS

Using a Drosophila eye model expressing mutant Drosophila VCP (dVCP) that causes amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), or multisystem proteinopathy (MSP), we demonstrated that abnormal eye phenotypes generated by dVCP^R152H were rescued by Eip74EF siRNA expression. Contrary to our expectations, miR-34 overexpression alone in the eyes with GMR-GAL4 resulted in complete lethality due to the leaky expression of GMR-GAL4 in other tissues. Interestingly, when miR-34 was co-expressed with dVCP^R152H, a few survivors were produced; however, their eye degeneration was greatly exacerbated. Our data indicate that, while confirming that the downregulation of Eip74EF is beneficial to the dVCP^R152HDrosophila eye model, the high expression level of miR-34 is actually toxic to the developing flies and the role of miR-34 in dVCP^R152H-mediated pathogenesis is inconclusive in the GMR-GAL4 eye model. Identifying the transcriptional targets of Eip74EF might provide valuable insights into diseases caused by mutations in VCP such as ALS, FTD, and MSP.

Metallic Phase Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Quantum Dots as Promising Bio-Imaging Materials

Transition metal dichalcogenide-based quantum dots are promising materials for applications in diverse fields, such as sensors, electronics, catalysis, and biomedicine, because of their outstanding physicochemical properties. In this study, we propose bio-imaging characteristics through utilizing water-soluble MoS2 quantum dots (MoS2-QDs) with two different sizes (i.e., ~5 and ~10 nm). The structural and optical properties of the fabricated metallic phase MoS2-QDs (m-MoS2-QDs) were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, UV–vis absorption spectroscopy, and photoluminescence. The synthesized m-MoS2-QDs showed clear photophysical characteristic peaks derived from the quantum confinement effect and defect sites, such as oxygen functional groups. When the diameter of the synthesized m-MoS2-QD was decreased, the emission peak was blue-shifted from 436 to 486 nm under excitation by a He-Cd laser (325 nm). Density functional theory calculations confirmed that the size decrease of m-MoS2-QDs led to an increase in the bandgap because of quantum confinement effects. In addition, when incorporated into the bio-imaging of HeLa cells, m-MoS2-QDs were quite biocompatible with bright luminescence and exhibited low toxicity. Our results are commercially applicable for achieving high-performance bio-imaging probes.

TDP-43 and PINK1 mediate CHCHD10S59L mutation-induced defects in Drosophila and in vitro

Mutations in coiled-coil-helix-coiled-coil-helix domain containing 10 (CHCHD10) can cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia (ALS-FTD). However, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Here, we generate CHCH10^S59L-mutant Drosophila melanogaster and HeLa cell lines to model CHCHD10-associated ALS-FTD. The CHCHD10^S59L mutation results in cell toxicity in several tissues and mitochondrial defects. CHCHD10^S59L independently affects the TDP-43 and PINK1 pathways. CHCHD10^S59L expression increases TDP-43 insolubility and mitochondrial translocation. Blocking TDP-43 mitochondrial translocation with a peptide inhibitor reduced CHCHD10^S59L-mediated toxicity. While genetic and pharmacological modulation of PINK1 expression and activity of its substrates rescues and mitigates the CHCHD10^S59L-induced phenotypes and mitochondrial defects, respectively, in both Drosophila and HeLa cells. Our findings suggest that CHCHD10^S59L-induced TDP-43 mitochondrial translocation and chronic activation of PINK1-mediated pathways result in dominant toxicity, providing a mechanistic insight into the CHCHD10 mutations associated with ALS-FTD.

Selective modulation of the androgen receptor AF2 domain rescues degeneration in spinal bulbar muscular atrophy

Spinal bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) is a motor neuron disease caused by toxic gain of function of the androgen receptor (AR). Previously, we found that co-regulator binding through the activation function-2 (AF2) domain of AR is essential for pathogenesis, suggesting that AF2 may be a potential drug target for selective modulation of toxic AR activity. We screened previously identified AF2 modulators for their ability to rescue toxicity in a Drosophila model of SBMA. We identified two compounds, tolfenamic acid (TA) and 1-[2-(4-methylphenoxy)ethyl]-2-[(2-phenoxyethyl)sulfanyl]-1H-benzimidazole (MEPB), as top candidates for rescuing lethality, locomotor function and neuromuscular junction defects in SBMA flies. Pharmacokinetic analyses in mice revealed a more favorable bioavailability and tissue retention of MEPB compared with TA in muscle, brain and spinal cord. In a preclinical trial in a new mouse model of SBMA, MEPB treatment yielded a dose-dependent rescue from loss of body weight, rotarod activity and grip strength. In addition, MEPB ameliorated neuronal loss, neurogenic atrophy and testicular atrophy, validating AF2 modulation as a potent androgen-sparing strategy for SBMA therapy.

C9orf72 Dipeptide Repeats Impair the Assembly, Dynamics, and Function of Membrane-Less Organelles

Expansion of a hexanucleotide repeat GGGGCC (G₄C₂) in C9ORF72 is the most common cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Transcripts carrying (G₄C₂) expansions undergo unconventional, non-ATG-dependent translation, generating toxic dipeptide repeat (DPR) proteins thought to contribute to disease. Here, we identify the interactome of all DPRs and find that arginine-containing DPRs, polyGly-Arg (GR) and polyPro-Arg (PR), interact with RNA-binding proteins and proteins with low complexity sequence domains (LCDs) that often mediate the assembly of membrane-less organelles. Indeed, most GR/PR interactors are components of membrane-less organelles such as nucleoli, the nuclear pore complex and stress granules. Genetic analysis in Drosophila demonstrated the functional relevance of these interactions to DPR toxicity. Furthermore, we show that GR and PR altered phase separation of LCD-containing proteins, insinuating into their liquid assemblies and changing their material properties, resulting in perturbed dynamics and/or functions of multiple membrane-less organelles.

Genetic interaction of hnRNPA2B1 and DNAJB6 in a Drosophila model of multisystem proteinopathy

Adult-onset inherited myopathies with similar pathological features, including hereditary inclusion body myopathy (hIBM) and limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD), are a genetically heterogeneous group of muscle diseases. It is unclear whether these inherited myopathies initiated by mutations in distinct classes of genes are etiologically related. Here, we exploit a genetic model system to establish a mechanistic link between diseases caused by mutations in two distinct genes, hnRNPA2B1 and DNAJB6. Hrb98DE and mrj are the Drosophila melanogaster homologs of human hnRNPA2B1 and DNAJB6, respectively. We introduced disease-homologous mutations to Hrb98DE, thus capturing mutation-dependent phenotypes in a genetically tractable model system. Ectopic expression of the disease-associated mutant form of hnRNPA2B1 or Hrb98DE in fly muscle resulted in progressive, age-dependent cytoplasmic inclusion pathology, as observed in humans with hnRNPA2B1-related myopathy. Cytoplasmic inclusions consisted of hnRNPA2B1 or Hrb98DE protein in association with the stress granule marker ROX8 and additional endogenous RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), suggesting that these pathological inclusions are related to stress granules. Notably, TDP-43 was also recruited to these cytoplasmic inclusions. Remarkably, overexpression of MRJ rescued this phenotype and suppressed the formation of cytoplasmic inclusions, whereas reduction of endogenous MRJ by a classical loss of function allele enhanced it. Moreover, wild-type, but not disease-associated, mutant forms of MRJ interacted with RBPs after heat shock and prevented their accumulation in aggregates. These results indicate both genetic and physical interactions between disease-linked RBPs and DNAJB6/mrj, suggesting etiologic overlap between the pathogenesis of hIBM and LGMD initiated by mutations in hnRNPA2B1 and DNAJB6.

Enhancing the mechanical and thermal properties of boron nitride nanoplatelets/elastomer nanocomposites by latex mixing

Hexagonal boron nitride nanoplatelets (BNNPs) can serve as two-dimensional (2D) fillers for elastomer nanocomposites due to their excellent and intriguing mechanical and thermal properties.

Clinicopathologic correlation of autophagy-related Beclin-1 expression in gallbladder cancer

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Autophagy plays critical roles in both cell survival and cell death. Beclin-1, a key modulator of autophagy function, is considered a haploinsufficient tumor suppressor. The role of Beclin-1 expression in cancer is still controversial. Some studies favor the idea that autophagy suppresses tumor development, whereas other researchers suggest that autophagy enhances tumorigenesis. The expression and function of Beclin-1 in gallbladder cancer (GBCA) remain largely unknown.

METHODOLOGY

Methodology: We performed immunohistochemical staining for Beclin-1 in 119 GBCA cases, and investigated whether Beclin-1 expression correlated with clinicopathologic characteristics and prognosis of patients.

RESULTS

Beclin-1 was expressed in the cytoplasm of cancer cells with occasional nuclear staining in 53 (44.5%) of the 119 cases of GBCA with no expression in adjacent normal epithelial cells. Increased expression of Beclin-1 was significantly associated with longer survival rate of patients with GBCA in univariate (p=0.006) and multivariate analyses (p=0.005). There is no association between Beclin-1 expression and clinicopathologic characteristics.

CONCLUSIONS

Beclin-1 was highly expressed in GBCA, and positive expression in cancer cells was significantly related with favorable prognosis in GBCA patients. Our results suggest that the expression of Beclin-1 may be an independent predictive marker of favorable prognosis in GBCA.

Comments on “SVD-based modeling for image texture classification using wavelet transform”

This correspondence points out that in [1] there are some errors in two important formulas and the performance of the proposed singular value decomposition (SVD) feature is severely overestimated. It also presents a modified SVD feature which competes with the Gabor feature.

Abstract PR11: Medulloblastoma-associated mutations in the DEAD box RNA helicase DDX3X impair protein translation

Whole genome sequencing technologies recently identified novel recurrent mutations in childhood medulloblastomas (MB), including missense mutations in the DEAD box RNA helicase DDX3X. In the present study, we used complementary genomic approaches to illuminate normal DDX3X function and the impact of cancer-associated mutations. We used CLIPseq to identify the RNA targets of endogenous DDX3X. This analysis revealed that DDX3X primarily binds mature mRNAs and, further, that the distribution of DDX3X binding sites in targets spans the full length of these mRNAs, with enrichment in the coding regions, suggesting a role for DDX3X in translation elongation. Consistent with this observation, we detected a fraction of wild type DDX3X in polysomes by sedimentation experiments. In contrast, MB-associated DDX3X mutants appear to associate poorly with polysomes, but induce spontaneous stress granule (SG) formation in cells, suggesting a role of mutant DDX3X in triggering translation silencing. In fact, the RNA binding capabilities of DDX3X are still preserved in the context of cancer-associated mutations further supporting a role of mutant DDX3X in repressing translation of specific RNAs by retaining them within SGs. Interestingly, gene ontology analyses find mRNAs encoding translation factors themselves to be highly enriched among DDX3X RNA targets, suggesting that perturbations of DDX3X functions could have far-reaching impact on cellular translation. Indeed, knocking down DDX3X with siRNA or overexpressing a mutant led to a significant impairment in global translation as measured by S35-methionine metabolic labeling. Furthermore, assessment of whole-genome protein translation by ribosomal profiling analyses in cells overexpressing cancer-associated mutant DDX3X confirmed a decreased translation rate of direct DDX3X mRNA targets in particular, but also numerous other mRNAs. Finally, we have generated an allelic series of transgenic fruit flies expressing wild type or mutant versions of human DDX3X or its Drosophila ortholog Belle, and have captured mutation-dependent phenotypes when these transgenes are expressed in specific tissues. Together, our data show that DDX3X regulates the translation of a key subset of mRNAs and thereby indirectly influences cellular translation globally, and that this function is perturbed by cancer-associated mutations.

This abstract is also presented as poster C48.

Citation Format: Yasmine A. Valentin-Vega, Matthew Parker, Michael Rusch, Demelza Smeeth, Nam Chul Kim, Jinghui Zhang, Richard J. Gilbertson, Joseph P. Taylor. Medulloblastoma-associated mutations in the DEAD box RNA helicase DDX3X impair protein translation. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Third AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Basic Cancer Research; Sep 18-22, 2013; National Harbor, MD. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(19 Suppl):Abstract nr PR11.

Mutations in prion-like domains in hnRNPA2B1 and hnRNPA1 cause multisystem proteinopathy and ALS

Algorithms designed to identify canonical yeast prions predict that around 250 human proteins, including several RNA-binding proteins associated with neurodegenerative disease, harbour a distinctive prion-like domain (PrLD) enriched in uncharged polar amino acids and glycine. PrLDs in RNA-binding proteins are essential for the assembly of ribonucleoprotein granules. However, the interplay between human PrLD function and disease is not understood. Here we define pathogenic mutations in PrLDs of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs) A2B1 and A1 in families with inherited degeneration affecting muscle, brain, motor neuron and bone, and in one case of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Wild-type hnRNPA2 (the most abundant isoform of hnRNPA2B1) and hnRNPA1 show an intrinsic tendency to assemble into self-seeding fibrils, which is exacerbated by the disease mutations. Indeed, the pathogenic mutations strengthen a 'steric zipper' motif in the PrLD, which accelerates the formation of self-seeding fibrils that cross-seed polymerization of wild-type hnRNP. Notably, the disease mutations promote excess incorporation of hnRNPA2 and hnRNPA1 into stress granules and drive the formation of cytoplasmic inclusions in animal models that recapitulate the human pathology. Thus, dysregulated polymerization caused by a potent mutant steric zipper motif in a PrLD can initiate degenerative disease. Related proteins with PrLDs should therefore be considered candidates for initiating and perhaps propagating proteinopathies of muscle, brain, motor neuron and bone.

Relay of retrograde synaptogenic signals through axonal transport of BMP receptors

Neuronal function depends on the retrograde relay of growth and survival signals from the synaptic terminal, where the neuron interacts with its targets, to the nucleus, where gene transcription is regulated. Activation of the Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) pathway at the Drosophila larval neuromuscular junction results in nuclear accumulation of the phosphorylated form of the transcription factor Mad in the motoneuron nucleus. This in turn regulates transcription of genes that control synaptic growth. How BMP signaling at the synaptic terminal is relayed to the cell body and nucleus of the motoneuron to regulate transcription is unknown. We show that the BMP receptors are endocytosed at the synaptic terminal and transported retrogradely along the axon. Furthermore, this transport is dependent on BMP pathway activity, as it decreases in the absence of ligand or receptors. We further demonstrate that receptor traffic is severely impaired when Dynein motors are inhibited, a condition that has previously been shown to block BMP pathway activation. In contrast to these results, we find no evidence for transport of phosphorylated Mad along the axons, and axonal traffic of Mad is not affected in mutants defective in BMP signaling or retrograde transport. These data support a model in which complexes of activated BMP receptors are actively transported along the axon towards the cell body to relay the synaptogenic signal, and that phosphorylated Mad at the synaptic terminal and cell body represent two distinct molecular populations.

Identification of downstream targets of the bone morphogenetic protein pathway in the Drosophila nervous system

Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) signaling mediated by the receptor Wishful thinking (Wit) is essential for nervous system development in Drosophila. Mutants lacking wit function show defects in neuromuscular junction development and function, specification of neurosecretory phenotypes, and eclosion behavior that result in lethality. The ligand is Glass bottom boat, the Drosophila ortholog of mammalian BMP-7, which acts as a retrograde signal through the Wit receptor. In order to identify transcriptional targets of the BMP pathway in the Drosophila nervous system, we have analyzed the gene expression profile of wit mutant larval central nervous system. Genes differentially expressed identified by microarray analysis have been verified by quantitative PCR and studied by in situ hybridization. Among the genes thus identified, we find solute transporters, neuropeptides, mitochondrial proteins, and novel genes. In addition, several genes are regulated by wit in an isoform-specific manner that suggest regulation of alternative splicing by BMP signaling.

Methods for nutrigenomics and longevity studies in Drosophila: effects of diets high in sucrose, palmitic acid, soy, or beef

Nutrigenomics is the study of gene-nutrient interactions and how they affect the health and metabolism of an organism. Combining nutrigenomics with longevity studies is a natural extension and promises to help identify mechanisms whereby nutrients affect the aging process, life span, and, with the incorporation of age-dependent functional measures, health span. The topics we discuss in this chapter are genetic techniques, dietary manipulations, metabolic studies, and microarray analysis methods to investigate how nutrition affects gene expression, life span, triglyceride levels, total protein levels, and live weight in Drosophila. To better illustrate nutrigenomic techniques, we analyzed Drosophila larvae or adults fed control diets (high sucrose) and compared these with larvae or adults fed diets high in the saturated fat palmitic acid, soy, or 95% lean ground beef. The main results of these studies are, surprisingly, that triglyceride and total protein levels are significantly decreased by the beef diet in all adults, and total protein levels are significantly increased in male flies fed the soy diet. Furthermore, and less surprisingly, we found that all three experimental diets significantly decreased longevity and increased the length of time to develop from egg to adult. We also describe preliminary microarray results with adult flies fed the different diets, which suggest that only about 2-3% of the approx 18,000 genes have significantly altered mRNA expression levels compared with flies fed a control sucrose diet. The significance of these results and other types of nutrigenomics and longevity analyses is discussed.

In vitro study of microencapsulated isoflavone and beta-galactosidase

This study was designed to find the optimum conditions for isoflavone or beta-galactosidase microencapsulation and to examine the release efficiency of microcapsules in simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Coating materials were either medium-chain triacylglycerol (MCT) or polyglycerol monostearate (PGMS). The highest rate of microencapsulation was found at 15:1 (w/w) ratio of MCT to isoflavone or beta-galactosidase as 70.2 or 75.4%, respectively. When PGMS was used as the coating material, 91.5% beta-galactosidase was microencapsulated with 15:1 mixture (w/w). In vitro study, less than 6.3-9.3% of isoflavone was released in simulated gastric fluid (pH 2-5) during 1 h incubation. Comparatively, isoflavone release increased dramatically to 87.8% at pH 8 for 1 h incubation in simulated intestinal fluid and was maintained thereafter. The release of beta-galactosidase showed a similar trend to that of isoflavone. It appeared in the range of 12.3-15.2% at pH 2-5; however, it increased significantly to 80.6% as the highest value at pH 8. Among the released isoflavones, 53.5% was converted into the aglycone form of isoflavone at pH 8 for 3 h incubation. The present study indicated that isoflavone or beta-galactosidase could be microencapsulated with fatty acid esters and released effectively in simulated intestinal condition.

Establishment of a bovine leukemia virus-free dairy herd in Korea

In view of the high prevalence rate of bovine leukemia virus (BLV) infections in cattle over the entire country, a large dairy farm in Chungnam province was chosen and 'test and segregate' program was instituted. On July 1999, ELISA test was performed on 491 animals on the farm and only 163 cattle (139 adult cows, 18 female and 6 male calves)were BLV-seronegative. From February 2000 through April 2004, the seronegative group was placed in barns 1,500 to 2,000 m from seropositive group and thereafter tested at 3-to 5-month intervals by ELISA. Animals seroconverted in consecutive tests were removed from the seronegative group immediately after the detection of anti-BLV antibodies. The changes in management were aimed at preventing iatrogenic transfer of blood between cattle. Replacement heifers imported from other countries and calves born at the farm were repeatedly tested by ELISA, and only seronegative animals were introduced into the group. As of April 2004, there were 311 cattle in the BLV seronegative group of the farm. Twenty four cows of the initial 139 adult cows were seroconverted in 2000, and no seropositive animals were found since February 2001. Follow up of the group, from which all seropositive cattle were moved to a separate location, revealed no recurrence of BLV infection for three years. The approach in the present study might be valuable for Korean producers who would like to move toward a BLV-negative status.

Development of Gerontological Nursing Curriculum Model

PURPOSE

This study was conducted to develop gerontological curriculum model which reflects the need of Korean society.

METHOD

Three round Delphi survey method was applied to find consensus of gerontological nursing competencies (knowledge, attitudes and skills) for graduates of nursing schools from the panel of gerontological nursing practice experts. Important concepts in gerontological nursing were delineated from literature review and discussions of gerontological nursing educators. Based on these results the gerontological nursing curriculum model was developed and course structure outlined by the researchers as a group.

RESULT

As the result of delphi survey, 32 items of knowledge, 29 items of attitude, and 21 items of skill were identified. The curriculum model constructed around a cube with three plane- functional capacity levels, settings, and nursing practice. Specific knowledge, attitudes and skills for gerontological theory and practicum course were suggested. Competency items were assigned to theory and/or practice.

CONCLUSION

A curriculum model for gerontological nursing has been developed by a group of gerontological nursing educators. The curriculum model should be further tested and developed with detailed theory and practicum course outline and textbooks.

Macharistol, a new cytotoxic cinnamylphenol from the stems of Machaerium aristulatum

A new cinnamylphenol, macharistol (1), along with a known pterocarpan, (+)-medicarpin (2), were isolated as cytotoxic constituents from the stems of Machaerium aristulatum. In addition, a known pterocarpan, (+)-maackiain (3), and a known isoflavone, formononetin (4), were identified as inactive constituents. Compound 1 was evaluated in the in vivo hollow fiber assay with KB, Col-2, and hTERT-RPE1 cells and found to be inactive at the highest dose (25 mg/kg body weight) tested.

Knowledge and performance of the universal precautions by nursing and medical students in Korea

BACKGROUND

Like the health care workers, nursing and medical students have to go through clinical practices; accordingly, they run a high risk of being exposed to bloodborne diseases. But there are few studies on the realities of preventive education or measures to be taken after exposure to such diseases. The purpose of this study was to identify a knowledge of universal precautions and their performance in practice among the nursing and medical students in Korea.

METHOD

This study was based on survey questionnaires with a total of 714 nursing and medical students for the period between November 2, 1998, and April 30, 2000.

RESULTS

The average knowledge level of the universal precautions was 267.8 +/- 21.3 (scores ranged from 150 to 300). The knowledge level of the universal precautions of the nursing students (270.4 +/- 19.4) was higher than that of the medical students (261.0 +/- 24.4; P =.000). The average performance level of the universal precautions was 52.7 +/- 6.2 (scores ranged from 14 to 70). The students of the nursing college showed a higher performance level of the universal precautions (53.2 +/- 5.9; P =.002). The correlation between knowledge and performance of the universal precautions showed a weak and positive correlation (r =.317; P=.000).

CONCLUSION

The study demonstrated that the knowledge level of the nursing students about universal precautions was relatively higher than that of medical students. The group that receives education about universal precautions has a higher level of knowledge and performance of the universal precautions than that group that receives no such education. The education about universal precautions is indispensable; it is desirable to raise the relative importance for the curriculum of both nursing and medical colleges.

Isolation of symlandine from the roots of common comfrey (Symphytum officinale) using countercurrent chromatography

Three pyrrolizidine alkaloids, symlandine, symphytine, and echimidine (1-3), were isolated from the roots of Symphytum officinale using a one-step countercurrent chromatography procedure. The structures of 1-3 were confirmed by several spectroscopic techniques including 2D NMR methods. This is the first description of the separation of symlandine (1) from its stereoisomer, symphytine (2).

Activity of triterpenoid glycosides from the root bark of Mussaenda macrophylla against two oral pathogens

Four new triterpenoid glycosides were isolated from the root bark of Mussaenda macrophylla. Their structures were determined as 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-28-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-16alpha- hydrox y-23-deoxyprotobassic acid (1), 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-16alpha-hydroxy-23-deoxyprotobassic+ ++ acid (2), 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-28-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-16alpha- hydrox yprotobassic acid (3), and 3-O-¿[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)]-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2 )-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)¿-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-O- beta-D-glucopyranosyl-cycloarta-22,24-dien-27-oic acid (mussaendoside W, 4). Four known triterpenoids [3-O-acetyloleanolic acid (5), 3-O-acetyldaturadiol (6), rotundic acid (7), and 16alpha-hydroxyprotobassic acid (8)] were also isolated. The structures of 1-4 were determined by several spectroscopic techniques including 2D NMR methods. Compounds 1-6 showed inhibitory activity against a periodontopathic bacterium, Porphyromonas gingivalis, but were inactive against the cariogenic organism, Streptococcus mutans.

Semisynthesis of abrusoside A methyl ester

Abrusoside A methyl ester was prepared from abrusogenin through methylation (CH2N2) and a subsequent coupling reaction with 1-chloro-2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acethylglucopyranose in the presence of AgOTf and TMU in CH2Cl2, followed by deacetylation using K2CO3 in MeOH-H2O.

The effect of thermal biofeedback and progressive muscle relaxation training in reducing blood pressure of patients with essential hypertension

In order to assess the effectiveness of the thermal biofeedback training combined with the progressive muscle relaxation therapy in the treatment of patients with essential hypertension, blood pressure decline was measured on the treatment group who had the combined thermal biofeedback and progressive muscle relaxation training (N = 11), and on the control group who had only the progressive muscle relaxation training (N = 8). Baseline blood pressure was measured four times for two weeks on both groups. For the treatment group, blood pressure was measured twice before and after each of eight sessions of thermal biofeedback training for four weeks. For the control group, blood pressure was measured every two visits to a clinic for progressive muscle relaxation self-training twice before and after the self-training. A significant decline of the systolic blood pressure by 20.6 mmHg and of the diastolic blood pressure by 14.4 mmhg was observed in the treatment group. There was a tendency for both blood pressures to increase in the control group.

[Quality of life of middle aged persons who have cancer]

This descriptive study was under taken to explore relationships among the quality of life, health locus of control and perceived state of health persons with cancer to contribute theoretical understanding about these phenomenon of interest to the quality of nursing care. The subjects of this were 200 persons with cancer (100-in patients and 100-out patients), both male and female, between 30 and 59 years of age. Data were obtained using a convenience sample technique from two university hospitals in seoul from August, 1989, to June, 1990. The instruments used for this study were the Quality of life scale developed by Ro, You-Ja and the Health Locus of Control scale developed by Wallston & Wallston. Data were analyzed using a SAS program for ANOVA, t-test, Schefffé test, Pearson Correlation Coefficients and Stepwise multiple regression. The results were as follows: 1. The scores on the quality of life scale ranged from 95 to 191 with as mean of 147.85 (range 47 to 235). The Mean scores (range 1-5) on the different dimensions were family relationships 3.50, relationships with neighbours 3.48, self-esteem 3.17, physical state and function 2.99, economic life 2.93 and emotional life 2.91. 2. Significantly higher scores on the quality of life and demographic characteristics were as follows: the quality of life for women (t = 2.80, p = .006), for those without complications (t = 2.54, p = .013), and for those who perceived their illness as mild (F = 4.85, p = .009). Higher scores on quality of life were correlated with the following: 1) emotional state and the age group 50-59 (F = 3.43, p = .34). 2) economic life and higher income (F = 6.72, p = .002), those without complications (t = 2.68, p = .00), and those who perceived their illness as mild (F = 3.11, p = .05). 3) self-esteem and marriage (F = 3.64, p = .028), those without complications (t = 2.18, p = .03), and those who perceived their illness as mild (F = 7.72, p = .000). 4) physical state and function and the age group 30-39 (F = 4.65, p = .010), those without complications (t = 2.00, p = .05), and those who perceived their illness as mild (F = 3.38, p = .04). 5) family relationship and those who live with their spouse (t = 2.82, p = .005).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

[The effect of EMG level by EMG biofeedback with progressive muscle relaxation training on tension headache]

The purpose of this study is to assess if EMG biofeedback training with progressive muscle relaxation training is effective in reducing the EMG level in patients with tension headaches. This study which lasted from 23 October to 30 December 1989, was conducted on 10 females who were diagnosed as patients with tension headaches and selected from among volunteers at C. University in Seoul. The process of the study was as follows: First, before the treatment, the baseline was measured for two weeks and the level of EMG was measured five times in five minutes. And then EMG biofeedback training was used for six weeks, 12 sessions in all, and progressive muscle relaxation was done at home by audio tape over eight weeks. Each session was composed of a 5-minute baseline, two 5-minute EMG biofeedback training periods and a 5-minute self-control stage. Each stage was followed by a five minute rest period. So each session took a total of 40 minutes. The EMG level was measured by EMG biofeedback (Autogenic-Cyborg: M 130 EMG module). The results were as follows: 1. The average age of the subjects was 44.1 years and the average history of headache was 10.6 years (range: 6 months-20 years). 2. The level of EMG was lowest between the third and the fourth week of the training except in Cases I and IV. 3. The patients began to show a nonconciliatory attitude at the first session of the fifth week of the training.

[Discrepancy in the scores of uncertainty perceived by patients and nurses' interperson perception]

The purpose of this study was to assess and compare discrepancy in the scores of uncertainty perceived by patients and nurses' interperson perception. For this study, 124 hospitalized patients and the same numbered nurses assigned for direct care of each 124 patients were selected from general ward of C. University Hospital in Seoul during the time period from September to November 1987. Degree of uncertainty was measured by 27 items modified from Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale (M-UIS), and was utilized by a Likert type scale The data were analysed by Mcnemar-test, Unpaired t-test, ANOVA, Scheffé-test and Stepwise multiple regression. The results are summarized as follows: 1. The discrepancy in the scores of uncertainty perceived by patients and nurses' interperson perception showed significant differences in 23 of 27 items: 11 of 23 items showed that the scores of patients' perception of uncertainty were higher than that of nurses' interperson perception of uncertainty. but 12 of 23 items were revealed reversely. 2. With regard to nurse's demographic variables, the discrepancy scores were the highest in the group under 22 years of age (F = 3.20, p = .026) and in the group less than 1 year of nursing experience among 4 groups (F = 4.41, p = .006). 3. The discrepancy scores had a tendency to be lowered in the higher age group (r = .27, p = .0026) and in the longer experienced group (r = .25, p = .0052).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)