Molecular genetic analysis of 30 families with Joubert syndrome

Joubert syndrome (JS) is rare recessive disorders characterized by the combination of hypoplasia/aplasia of the cerebellar vermis, thickened and elongated superior cerebellar peduncles, and a deep interpeduncular fossa which is defined by neuroimaging and is termed the 'molar tooth sign'. JS is genetically highly heterogeneous, with at least 29 disease genes being involved. To further understand the genetic causes of JS, we performed whole-exome sequencing in 24 newly recruited JS families. Together with six previously reported families, we identified causative mutations in 25 out of 30 (24 + 6) families (83.3%). We identified eight mutated genes in 27 (21 + 6) Japanese families, TMEM67 (7/27, 25.9%) and CEP290 (6/27, 22.2%) were the most commonly mutated. Interestingly, 9 of 12 CEP290 disease alleles were c.6012-12T>A (75.0%), an allele that has not been reported in non-Japanese populations. Therefore c.6012-12T>A is a common allele in the Japanese population. Importantly, one Japanese and one Omani families carried compound biallelic mutations in two distinct genes (TMEM67/RPGRIP1L and TMEM138/BBS1, respectively). BBS1 is the causative gene in Bardet-Biedl syndrome. These concomitant mutations led to severe and/or complex clinical features in the patients, suggesting combined effects of different mutant genes.

Relationship and factor structure in multisystem neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease

OBJECTIVES

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a multisystem neurodegenerative disease. We aimed to identify the relationship and factor structure among its different features.

MATERIALS & METHODS

Motor, olfactory and cognitive function, and cardiac sympathetic denervation were evaluated in 125 patients with PD using the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) part III score, odor stick identification test for the Japanese (OSIT-J), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and [(123) I] meta-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) cardiac scintigraphy (heart-to-mediastinum (H/M) ratio). Pearson's correlation and multiple regression analysis were used to evaluate the association among the four measures with age, gender, and disease duration as the covariates. Exploratory factor analysis was used to identify the underlying factor structure among the measures and covariates.

RESULTS

Pearson's correlation and multiple regression analysis showed correlations between OSIT-J score and MIBG H/M ratio, OSIT-J and MMSE scores, UPDRS part III score and MIBG H/M ratio, UPDRS part III score and disease duration, and MMSE score and age. Factor analysis identified three factors: (i) age and MMSE score; (ii) MIBG H/M ratio and OSIT-J score; and (iii) UPDRS part III score and disease duration.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that aging, PD-related pathogenesis, and disease duration underlie the multisystem neurodegeneration present in PD. Moreover, age and disease duration are the major risk factors for cognitive impairment and motor symptoms, respectively. Olfactory impairment and cardiac sympathetic denervation are strongly associated in PD.

[Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with hemolytic crisis developed twenty years after the onset of Evans syndrome]

A 65-year-old woman was diagnosed with Coombs-positive autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) and pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) in May 1992. One month later, her PRCA went into remission following treatment but she developed idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and was diagnosed with Evans syndrome. Although her condition resolved with administration of prednisolone and azathioprine, it was necessary to continue treatment with gradual tapering over the following two decades. In October 2012, her hemolytic anemia again worsened, and lymph node swelling, splenomegaly and B symptoms developed. She was diagnosed as having diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) based on lymph node biopsy. However, AIHA was not considered to be the cause of her hemolytic anemia, but rather to be related to DLBCL. This was because a Coombs test and other extensive investigations for Coombs negative-AIHA yielded negative results. The patient underwent CHOP therapy, and all of her symptoms improved. Herein, we report this rare case in which DLBCL developed after the onset of Evans syndrome.

[Cerebral toxoplasmosis after umbilical cord blood transplantation diagnosed by the detection of anti-toxoplasma specific IgM antibody in cerebrospinal fluid]

Cerebral toxoplasmosis is a rare, potentially fatal, complication of hematopoietic cell transplantation. Early definitive diagnosis is very difficult and it may be associated with a poor prognosis. Herein, we describe a 60-year-old woman who developed cerebral toxoplasmosis after cord blood transplantation for myelodysplastic syndrome. During treatment with tacrolimus and methylprednisolone for relapsed grade 2 acute gut GVHD, fever and disturbance of consciousness occurred on day 210. Brain MRI showed multiple ring-enhancing nodular lesions in the thalamus, basal ganglia, brainstem, and subcortical white matter. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) assessment revealed elevations of both anti-to-xoplasma IgM and IgG, which were also elevated in serum, but no evidence of other infections or malignancies. Notably, the IgM level was higher in the CSF than in serum. Thus, cerebral toxoplasmosis was diagnosed. Soon after administration of oral sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim and intravenous clindamycin in combination with short-term dexamethasone for the cerebral edema, her symptoms and signs began to improve. On day 229, both IgM and IgG titers in CSF had clearly decreased but remained essentially constant in serum. She was discharged without clinically significant neurological disorders. This case suggests that CSF specific anti-toxoplasma IgM titers might be useful for early diagnosis of cerebral toxoplasmosis after transplantation.

[Usefulness of measuring serum procalcitonin levels by immunochromatographic assay in febrile neutropenia]

In order to clarify the usefulness of measuring procalcitonin (PCT) values under the extreme condition called febrile neutropenia (FN), PCT was measured with immunochromatographic assay (ICA) and electro-chemi-luminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) at two time points: upon FN occurrence and 12 to 24 hours after FN occurrence, and correlations and associations between the two methods were reviewed. A strong correlation between the ICA and ECLIA results was observed when Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was 0.878, and the association was also demonstrated by Fisher's direct test since P=4.68×10(-10). Special equipment is not required, the operations are simple, and the ICA method currently adopted by many facilities can be used as the standard method even for the clinical condition known as FN.

[Angioimmunoblastic T cell lymphoma complicated with endocapillary proliferative glomerulonephritis]

A 30-year-old female developed fever and multiple lymphadenopathy in September 2011. Her symptoms improved with antibiotic treatment. However, she again presented with fever and multiple lymphadenopathy in December 2011. In addition, she suffered from nephrotic syndrome with severe edema. She was therefore hospitalized to undergo detailed examinations. Renal biopsy revealed endocapillary proliferative glomerulonephritis. Since her renal function deteriorated rapidly, she was given steroid pulse therapy with methylprednisolone, followed by maintenance therapy with prednisolone. After treatment, her renal function improved but multiple lymphadenopathy persisted. Biopsy of a left axillary lymph node was then performed and revealed angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL). She received CHOP therapy but showed no response. Therefore, she was given ESHAP therapy. A partial response was achieved and the nephrotic syndrome also resolved completely. We report this extremely rare case of renal dysfunction due to endocapillary proliferative glomerulonephritis complicated by AITL.

[Acute myeloid leukemia with monosomy 7 and inv(3)(q21q26.2) complicated with central diabetes insipidus]

A 20-year-old female presented with thirst, polyposia, and polyuria and was referred to our hospital because of leukocytosis and anemia. Bone marrow aspiration revealed 66.8% myeloperoxidase-positive blasts and trilineage myelodysplasia. The karyotype was 45, XX, inv(3)(q21q26.2), -7[19]. Therefore, a diagnosis of AML with inv(3)(q21q26.2) complicated by -7 was made. Moreover, hyposthenuria and a low anti-diuretic hormone (ADH) level were observed. Although cerebrospinal fluid analysis was normal, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed the absence of hyperintensity in the neurohypophysis in T1-weighted images. Therefore, she was also diagnosed with diabetes insipidus. After she was administered a desmopressin nasal spray, the volume of urine produced decreased. Following treatment with second induction therapy containing high-dose cytarabine for AML, she achieved complete remission in the bone marrow. Moreover, when the abnormality on MRI and the volume of urine were normalized, she discontinued desmopressin. Although diabetes insipidus is a rare complication of AML, the majority of AML patients who have diabetes insipidus have the abnormal karyotypes with inv(3)(q21q26.2)/t(3;3)(q21;q26.2) and monosomy 7. Further study is required to clarify the pathogenesis and develop a strategy for the treatment of this category of AML.

Prolonged sinus tachycardia caused by human herpesvirus 6 (HHV6) encephalomyelitis after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation

A 19-year-old man with Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia received an allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant with unrelated bone marrow. On day 20, the patient developed impaired consciousness and disorientation. Examination of the cerebrospinal fluid showed 2×10(4) copies/mL of HHV6B. HHV6 encephalitis was diagnosed, as had HHV6 myelitis based on symptoms that included lancinating pain/pruritus in the lower limbs and dysuria/dyschezia. Concurrently, he showed sinus tachycardia. Even after clearance of the HHV6 genome from the plasma and CSF was achieved by treatment with foscarnet, sinus tachycardia persisted for another 100 days. We suspected prolonged sinus tachycardia due to dysautonomia caused by HHV6 encephalomyelitis.

Gastric ulcerogenic and healing impairment effects of risedronate, a nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate in rats. Comparison with alendronate and minodronate

We examined the mucosal irritating and healing impairment effects of risedronate, a nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate (BPP), on rat stomachs, in comparison with those of alendronate and minodronate. Male SD rats were used in the following two studies; 1) the ulcerogenic effects of risedronate, alendronate and minodronate in the antral mucosa, and 2) the healing impairment effect of these drugs on gastric ulcers induced by thermocauterization. A single administration of BPPs to fasted rats produced ulcers in the antrum with severe edema and inflammation 3 days after refeeding, although the doses required for this action differed among these BPPs: alendronate >100 mg/kg, risedronate >300 mg/kg, minodronate >10 mg/kg. The generation of antral ulcers induced by these BPPs was accompanied by an increase in myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and lipid peroxidation as well as a decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and glutathione (GSH) content in the mucosa; the extent order of these changes was minodronate >alendronate >risedronate. On the other hand, the healing of gastric ulcers was significantly delayed by daily administration of alendronate (>30 mg/kg) and minodronate (>10 mg/kg), but not by risedronate, even at 60 mg/kg. Mucosal vascular endothelium-derived growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) protein expressions were up-regulated after ulceration, in parallel with angiogenesis. Alendronate and minodronate decreased these expressions and angiogenesis, while risedronate had no effect. In conclusion, the gastric adverse effect of risedronate is less potent than alendronate and minodronate. It is assumed that risedronate may be used more safely than other BPPs as an antiresorptive drug in patients.

Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma diagnosed by FDG-PET/CT and endometrial biopsy

Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (IVLBCL) is a rare form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma characterized by a proliferation of tumor cells within the lumina of small to medium-sized vessels. Because there are few or no concomitant solid lesions, a diagnosis of IVLBCL usually cannot be established by CT or MR imaging. Herein, we describe a case of IVLBCL involving the uterus, in which (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) was useful for diagnosis. A 47-year-old woman was referred to our hospital because of fever and anemia. Laboratory examination demonstrated anemia and thrombocytopenia. Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy showed hemophagocytosis without involvement of lymphoma cells. Random skin biopsy did not demonstrate lymphoma involvement. FDG-PET/CT imaging showed FDG accumulation in the uterus. MR imaging demonstrated uterine leiomyoma only. Based on these findings, uterine endometrial biopsy was performed and histological diagnosis of IVLBCL involving the uterus was established. She received 6 courses of R-CHOP therapy and high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. At present, she remains in complete remission after 33 months.

Synthesis and properties of trefoil-shaped tris(hexadehydrotribenzo[12]annulene) and tris(tetradehydrotribenzo[12]annulene)

[reaction: see text] Trefoil-shaped tris(hexadehydrotribenzo[12]annulene) possessing a substructure of the ultimate two-dimensional C(sp)-C(sp(2)) network, graphyne, and the related tris(tetradehydrotribenzo[12]annulene) were synthesized, and their ground- and excited-state properties were investigated.

Regulatory mechanisms of ethylene biosynthesis in response to various stimuli during maturation and ripening in fig fruit (Ficus carica L.)

In order to obtain a greater uniformity of maturation, the growth of the fig fruit (Ficus carica L.) can be stimulated by the application of either olive oil, ethrel/ethephon or auxin. The three treatments induce ethylene production in figs. In this study, we investigated the regulatory mechanisms responsible for oil, auxin and ethylene induced ethylene production in figs. The ethylene production in response to olive oil, auxin, and propylene treatments and during ripening were all induced by 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) and inhibited by propylene indicating a negative feedback regulation mechanism. Three 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) synthase genes (Fc-ACS1, Fc-ACS2 and Fc-ACS3) and one ACC oxidase gene (Fc-ACO1) were isolated and their expression patterns in response to either oil, propylene or auxin treatment in figs determined. The expression patterns of Fc-ACS1 and Fc-ACO1 were clearly inhibited by 1-MCP and induced by propylene in oil treated and ripe fruits indicating positive regulation by ethylene, whereas Fc-ACS2 gene expression was induced by 1-MCP and inhibited by propylene indicating negative regulation by ethylene. The Fc-ACS3 mRNA showed high level accumulation in the auxin treated fruit. The inhibition of Fc-ACS3 gene by 1-MCP in oil treated and in ripe fruits suggests that auxin and ethylene modulate the expression of this gene by multi-responsive signal transduction pathway mechanisms. We further report that the olive oil-induced ethylene in figs involves the ACC-dependent pathway and that multiple ethylene regulatory pathways are involved during maturation and ripening in figs and each specific pathway depends on the inducer/stimulus.

The Crystalline Structures of Carboxylic Acid Monolayers Adsorbed on Graphite

X-ray and neutron diffraction have been used to investigate the formation of solid crystalline monolayers of all of the linear carboxylic acids from C(6) to C(14) at submonolayer coverage and from C(8) to C(14) at multilayer coverages, and to characterize their structures. X-rays and neutrons highlight different aspects of the monolayer structures, and their combination is therefore important in structural determination. For all of the acids with an odd number of carbon atoms, the unit cell is rectangular of plane group pgg containing four molecules. The members of the homologous series with an even number of carbon atoms have an oblique unit cell with two molecules per unit cell and plane group p2. This odd-even variation in crystal structure provides an explanation for the odd-even variation observed in monolayer melting points and mixing behavior. In all cases, the molecules are arranged in strongly hydrogen-bonded dimers with their extended axes parallel to the surface and the plane of the carbon skeleton essentially parallel to the graphite surface. The monolayer crystal structures have unit cell dimensions similar to certain close-packed planes of the bulk crystals, but the molecular arrangements are different. There is a 1-3% compression on increasing the coverage over a monolayer.

Reversible acute axonal polyneuropathy associated with Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome: impaired physiological nerve conduction due to thiamine deficiency?

Acute axonal polyneuropathy and Wernicke-Korsakoff encephalopathy developed simultaneously in three patients. Nerve conduction studies (NCS) detected markedly decreased compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs) and sensory nerve action potentials (SNAPs) with minimal conduction slowing; sympathetic skin responses (SSRs) were also notably decreased. Sural nerve biopsies showed only mild axonal degeneration with scattered myelin ovoid formation. The symptoms of neuropathy lessened within two weeks after an intravenous thiamine infusion. CMAPs, SNAPs, and SSRs also increased considerably. We suggest that this is a new type of peripheral nerve impairment: physiological conduction failure with minimal conduction delay due to thiamine deficiency.

High voltage electrical stimulation of the proximal hypoglossal nerve in normal subjects

OBJECTIVES

It is often difficult to stimulate the proximal hypoglossal nerve by magnetic occipital stimulation, even in normal subjects. Therefore, we tested an improved method of stimulating the proximal hypoglossal nerve, using high voltage electrical stimulation.

METHODS

The proximal hypoglossal nerve was activated by high voltage electrical stimulation using surface electrodes over the occipital skull. The compound muscle action potential (CMAP) was recorded from the lingual muscles using surface electrodes in 10 normal subjects. CMAP and F waves produced by distal hypoglossal nerve stimulation and motor evoked potentials produced by transcranial magnetic stimulation were also recorded.

RESULTS

When the anode electrode was placed at the mastoid process and the cathode below the inion, the unilateral proximal hypoglossal nerve was readily stimulated supramaximally in all the subjects. The CMAP latency was the same as that obtained with magnetic occipital stimulation. The central motor conduction time (CMCT) calculated from the proximal CMAP was 4.1+/-0.4 ms in the contralateral corticobulbar tract and 4.4+/-0.4 ms in the ipsilateral. The CMCT calculated from the minimal F wave latency was 3.3+/-0.2 ms.

CONCLUSIONS

The high voltage electrical stimulation is a useful method for stimulating the proximal hypoglossal nerve to estimate the CMCT of the corticobulbar tract.

Delayed-onset ataxia in mice lacking alpha -tocopherol transfer protein: model for neuronal degeneration caused by chronic oxidative stress

alpha-Tocopherol transfer protein (alpha-TTP) maintains the concentration of serum alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E), one of the most potent fat-soluble antioxidants, by facilitating alpha-tocopherol export from the liver. Mutations of the alpha-TTP gene are linked to ataxia with isolated vitamin E deficiency (AVED). We produced a model mouse of AVED by deleting the alpha-TTP gene, which showed ataxia and retinal degeneration after 1 year of age. Because the brain alpha-TTP functions in maintaining alpha-tocopherol levels in the brain, alpha-tocopherol was completely depleted in the alpha-TTP(-/-) mouse brain, and the neurological phenotype of alpha-TTP(-/-) mice is much more severe than that of wild-type mice when maintained on an alpha-tocopherol-deficient diet. Lipid peroxidation in alpha-TTP(-/-) mice brains showed a significant increase, especially in degenerating neurons. alpha-Tocopherol supplementation suppressed lipid peroxidation and almost completely prevented the development of neurological symptoms. This therapy almost completely corrects the abnormalities in a mouse model of human neurodegenerative disease. Moreover, alpha-TTP(-/-) mice may prove to be excellent animal models of delayed onset, slowly progressive neuronal degeneration caused by chronic oxidative stress.

Determination of amino acid sequence responsible for suppression of bone resorption by serum calcium-decreasing factor (caldecrin)

We previously reported on the serum calcium-decreasing activity of recombinant protein factor referred to as caldecrin [Tomomura et al. (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 30315-30321]. To address the mechanism of this serum calcium-decreasing activity, we investigated the effect of rat caldecrin on osteoclastic bone-resorbing activity. Wild-type caldecrin suppressed resorption pit formation by osteoclast on a dentine slice in a dose-dependent manner. The suppressive effect on the bone resorption was not affected by treatment of caldecrin with phenylmethyl sulfonyl fluoride or by use of protease-deficient mutant caldecrins. Recombinant procaldecrin (-13-239), and its fragments (-13-125), (1-111), (1-46), (47-111), and (126-239) were expressed as His-tagged thioredoxin fusion proteins and investigated for their ability to suppress bone resorption. The proform (-13-239) and fragment (-13-125) did not affect the suppressive activity, whereas fragments (1-111) and (126-239) did suppress the bone resorption. The bone-resorbing activity was also suppressed by fragment (47-111), not by fragment (1-46). Overlapping fragments (47-62), (47-79), (47-98), (56-111), (71-111), and (85-111) were compared for their suppressive activity. The fragments (47-62) and (85-111) did not affect the activity, but the other fragments suppressed the bone resorption. A synthetic peptide having the (71-79) sequence suppressed the bone resorption. These results suggest that amino acid sequence corresponding to rat caldecrin (aa 71-79) is responsible for the suppression of bone resorption by caldecrin.

Proximal motor conduction evaluated by transcranial magnetic stimulation in acquired inflammatory demyelinating neuropathies

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate conduction abnormalities in the proximal motor nerve in patients with acquired inflammatory demyelinating neuropathies by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).

METHODS

TMS intensity and background voluntary contraction (BVC) to evoke maximal size of motor evoked potential (MEP) in hand muscle were investigated in 24 normal subjects. Effect of experimentally induced conduction block by injecting local anesthetics in the peripheral nerve on MEP size was also studied in two normal subjects. In 22 patients with inflammatory demyelinating neuropathies, maximal MEPs were recorded in the deteriorating and recovery stages of the illness.

RESULTS

In normal subjects, the MEP became maximal with 30-50% of maximal BVC and at more than 80% the maximal stimulator output of the 2.0 T circular coil. The change in MEP size well reflected the degree of conduction block induced by local anesthetics. Findings for patients suggested conduction abnormalities proximal to axilla in 9 patients, and that the abnormal reduction of Erb CMAP was the result of submaximal stimulation, not true conduction block, in 3 patients. The increase in MEP/wrist CMAP ratio was better correlated with improvement in muscle strength than with change in the axilla or Erb CMAP/wrist CMAP ratio.

CONCLUSIONS

Problems such as conduction abnormalities in the motor tract of the central nervous system could not fully be excluded, but we consider that maximal MEP size can be used to predict proximal motor nerve conduction abnormalities.

Synthesis of differentially substituted hexaethynylbenzenes based on tandem Sonogashira and Negishi cross-coupling reactions

[reaction: see text] Synthesis of polyethynyl-substituted aromatic compounds was achieved efficiently by the use of the Negishi cross-coupling reaction, and this method, coupled with the Sonogashira reaction, was applied to the synthesis of differentially substituted hexaethynylbenzenes from chloroiodobenzenes.

Validation study of assay method for DX-8951 and its metabolite in human plasma and urine by high-performance liquid chromatography/atmospheric pressure chemical ionization tandem mass spectrometry

A new liquid chromatographic/mass spectrometric assay has been developed for the determination of DX-8951, a new anti-tumor drug, and its 4-hydroxymethyl metabolite (UM-1) in human plasma and urine. Solid-phase extractions were used for sample preparation. A gradient reverse-phase HPLC separation was developed with mobile phases consisting of trifluoroacetic acid and methanol. The detection was conducted using atmospheric pressure chemical ionization tandem mass spectrometry in the selected reaction monitoring mode. A structural analog, camptothecin (CPT), was used as the internal standard. The assay was validated for the determination of DX-8951 and UM-1 in human plasma and urine. The lower limits of quantitation of DX-8951 and UM-1 were 0.1 ng/mL in plasma and 1 ng/mL in urine. The method showed a satisfactory sensitivity, precision, accuracy, recovery and selectivity.

Role of the conserved Ser-Tyr-Lys triad of the SDR family in sepiapterin reductase

Sepiapterin reductase (EC 1.1.1.153; SPR) is an enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of tetrahydrobiopterin; and SPR has been identified as a member of the NADP(H)-preferring short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR) family based on its catalytic properties for exogenous carbonyl compounds and molecular structure. To examine possible differences in the catalytic sites of SPR for exogenous carbonyl compounds and the native pteridine substrates, we investigated by site-directed mutagenesis the role of the highly conserved Ser-Tyr-Lys triad (Ser and YXXXK motif) in SPR, which was shown to be the catalytic site of SDR-family enzymes. From the analysis of catalytic constants for single- and double-point mutants against the triad, Ser and YXXXK motif, in the SPR molecule, participate in the reduction of the carbonyl group of both pteridine and exogenous carbonyl compounds. The Ser and the Tyr of the triad may co-act in proton transfer and stabilization for the carbonyl group of substrates, as was demonstrated for those in the SDR family. But either the Tyr or the Ser of SPR can function alone for proton transfer to a certain extent and show low activity for both substrates.

Urinary metabolites of gallic acid in rats and their radical-scavenging effects on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical

As a part of our studies on the metabolism of natural compounds, gallic acid was orally administered to rats. The urinary metabolites were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography, and their structures were determined to be pyrogallol (M1), pyrogallol-1-O-beta-D-glucuronide (M2), 4-O-methylgallic acid-3-O-sulfate (M3), 2-O-methylpyrogallol-1-O-beta-D-glucuronide (M4), 2-O-methylpyrogallol (M5), 4-O-methylgallic acid (M6), and unchanged gallic acid on the basis of chemical and spectral data. The radical scavenging effects of gallic acid and its urinary metabolites were evaluated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical.

Characterization of ethylene biosynthesis associated with ripening in banana fruit

We investigated the characteristics of ethylene biosynthesis associated with ripening in banana (Musa sp. [AAA group, Cavendish subgroup] cv Grand Nain) fruit. MA-ACS1 encoding 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) synthase in banana fruit was the gene related to the ripening process and was inducible by exogenous ethylene. At the onset of the climacteric period in naturally ripened fruit, ethylene production increased greatly, with a sharp peak concomitant with an increase in the accumulation of MA-ACS1 mRNA, and then decreased rapidly. At the onset of ripening, the in vivo ACC oxidase activity was enhanced greatly, followed by an immediate and rapid decrease. Expression of the MA-ACO1 gene encoding banana ACC oxidase was detectable at the preclimacteric stage, increased when ripening commenced, and then remained high throughout the later ripening stage despite of a rapid reduction in the ACC oxidase activity. This discrepancy between enzyme activity and gene expression of ACC oxidase could be, at least in part, due to reduced contents of ascorbate and iron, cofactors for the enzyme, during ripening. Addition of these cofactors to the incubation medium greatly stimulated the in vivo ACC oxidase activity during late ripening stages. The results suggest that ethylene production in banana fruit is regulated by transcription of MA-ACS1 until climacteric rise and by reduction of ACC oxidase activity possibly through limited in situ availability of its cofactors once ripening has commenced, which in turn characterizes the sharp peak of ethylene production.

Selective suppression of cerebellar GABAergic transmission by an autoantibody to glutamic acid decarboxylase

Humoral immune response to glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of stiff-man syndrome and cerebellar ataxia, but the underlying pathomechanism is unclear. Using a whole-cell patch-clamp technique with rat cerebellar slices, we found that immunoglobulins present in the cerebrospinal fluid of an ataxic patient acted presynaptically to cause a selective suppression of GABAergic transmission. This synaptic depression was most likely elicited by an autoantibody to GAD.

An inherited prion disease with a PrP P105L mutation: clinicopathologic and PrP heterogeneity

OBJECTIVE

To clarify a clinical and neuropathologic phenotype of an inherited prion disease associated with a missense mutation at codon 105 in the prion protein (PrP) gene that was originally described as a variant of Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker disease demonstrating spastic paraparesis.

METHODS

Two siblings from a Japanese family are described. PrP gene analyses, neuropathologic studies with immunohistochemistry, and Western blot analysis of the PrP were performed.

RESULTS

Both patients showed a missense (proline-->leucine) mutation at codon 105 and a methionine/valine polymorphism at codon 129 of the PrP gene. Clinically, Patient 1 presented with progressive spastic paraparesis, ataxia, and dementia. Patient 2, the sister of Patient 1, showed prominent action myoclonus and dementia. Neuropathologically, multiple PrP-positive amyloid plaques and diffuse PrP deposition in the deep cortical layers were found in the cerebral cortex with primarily frontal dominant atrophy in both patients. Tau-positive pathologic structures including neurofibrillary tangles, neuropil threads, and dystrophic neurites around the plaques were abundant in the brain of Patient 2. In contrast, the tau pathology was scarce in Patient 1. Western blot analysis of the brain showed different patterns of detergent-insoluble PrP fragments between the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the identical codon 105 mutation and codon 129 polymorphism of the PrP gene, remarkable clinical and neuropathologic differences, and PrP heterogeneity were present between the affected siblings. The phenotypic variability might be related to PrP heterogeneity.

Role of prostaglandin E2 in rat colon carcinoma

BACKGROUND/AIMS

It has previously been reported that prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) promotes colon carcinogenesis. We therefore studied the effects of long-term administration of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) on colon carcinogenesis in rats.

METHODOLOGY

Rats received intrarectal n-methyl-n-nitrosourea (MNU) or n-methyl-n-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) to induce the formation of colonic tumors. Rates then received indomethacin (IND) and/or PGE2, or nothing. After 44 weeks (MNU group) or 46 weeks (MNNG group), colon lesions were identified histologically and colonic mucosa PGE2 concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay.

RESULTS

The incidence of colon carcinoma in the control, MNU, MNU + IND, MNU + PGE2, and MNU + IND + PGE2 groups was 0/14, 5/15, 0/14, 4/10, and 2/9, respectively. In the MNNG group, no tumors were observed. Induction of colon carcinomas by MNU was completely inhibited by IND, while exogenous PGE2 blocked the inhibitory effect of IND. However, PGE2 administration did not accelerate colon carcinogenesis. Neither MNU nor MNNG alone resulted in increased colonic mucosal PGE2 concentrations, whereas exogenous PGE2 administration significantly increased mucosal PGE2 concentrations. IND significantly decreased the mucosal concentration of PEG2 with or without PGE2 administration.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that endogenous PGE2 in colon mucosa may be adequate to promote colon carcinoma. To block colon carcinogenesis, PGE2 levels in colonic mucosa must be decreased to less than endogenous levels.

Expression characteristics of CS-ACS1, CS-ACS2 and CS-ACS3, three members of the 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase gene family in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) fruit under carbon dioxide stress

We investigated the expression pattern of three 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) synthase genes, CS-ACS1, CS-ACS2 and CS-ACS3 in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) fruit under CO2 stress. CO2 stress-induced ethylene production paralleled the accumulation of only CS-ACS1 transcripts which disappeared upon withdrawal of CO2. Cycloheximide inhibited the CO2 stress-induced ethylene production but superinduced the accumulation of CS-ACS1 transcript. At higher concentrations, cycloheximide also induced the accumulation of CS-ACS2 and CS-ACS3 transcripts. In the presence of CO2 and cycloheximide, the accumulation of CS-ACS2 transcript occurred within 1 h, disappeared after 3 h and increased greatly upon withdrawal of CO2. Inhibitors of protein kinase and types 1 and 2A protein phosphatases which inhibited and stimulated, respectively, CO2 stress-induced ethylene production had little effect on the expression of these genes. The results presented here identify CS-ACS1 as the main ACC synthase gene responsible for the increased ethylene biosynthesis in cucumber fruit under CO2 stress and suggest that this gene is a primary response gene and its expression is under negative control since it is expressed by treatment with cycloheximide. The results further suggest that the regulation of CO2 stress-induced ethylene biosynthesis by reversible protein phosphorylation does not result from enhanced ACC synthase transcription.

Differential expression and internal feedback regulation of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase, and ethylene receptor genes in tomato fruit during development and ripening

We investigated the feedback regulation of ethylene biosynthesis in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) fruit with respect to the transition from system 1 to system 2 ethylene production. The abundance of LE-ACS2, LE-ACS4, and NR mRNAs increased in the ripening fruit concomitant with a burst in ethylene production. These increases in mRNAs with ripening were prevented to a large extent by treatment with 1-methylcyclopropene (MCP), an ethylene action inhibitor. Transcripts for the LE-ACS6 gene, which accumulated in preclimacteric fruit but not in untreated ripening fruit, did accumulate in ripening fruit treated with MCP. Treatment of young fruit with propylene prevented the accumulation of transcripts for this gene. LE-ACS1A, LE-ACS3, and TAE1 genes were expressed constitutively in the fruit throughout development and ripening irrespective of whether the fruit was treated with MCP or propylene. The transcripts for LE-ACO1 and LE-ACO4 genes already existed in preclimacteric fruit and increased greatly when ripening commenced. These increases in LE-ACO mRNA with ripening were also prevented by treatment with MCP. The results suggest that in tomato fruit the preclimacteric system 1 ethylene is possibly mediated via constitutively expressed LE-ACS1A and LE-ACS3 and negatively feedback-regulated LE-ACS6 genes with preexisting LE-ACO1 and LE-ACO4 mRNAs. At the onset of the climacteric stage, it shifts to system 2 ethylene, with a large accumulation of LE-ACS2, LE-ACS4, LE-ACO1, and LE-ACO4 mRNAs as a result of a positive feedback regulation. This transition from system 1 to system 2 ethylene production might be related to the accumulated level of NR mRNA.

Electrophysiological features of central motor conduction in spinocerebellar atrophy type 1, type 2, and Machado-Joseph disease

OBJECTIVES

To characterise electrophysiologically the central motor conduction of spinocerebellar atrophy type 1 (SCA1), type 2 (SCA2), and Machado-Joseph disease (MJD).

METHODS

Motor evoked potentials (MEPs) triggered by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was used to investigate the functions of corticospinal tracts of 10 patients with SCA1, 10 with MJD, and eight with SCA2 in addition to pathological study of the spinal cord in a patient with SCA1.

RESULTS

Central motor conduction time (CMCT) was extremely prolonged and the MEP threshold increased in all patients with SCA1, whereas both were normal in patients with SCA2 or MJD. The MEP size in MJD was larger than normal, but was normal in SCA1 and SCA2. A pathological investigation of the corticospinal tract of the spinal cord of a patient with SCA1 showed selective loss of large diameter fibres.

CONCLUSIONS

SCA1, SCA2, and MJD differ in their pathophysiological features of the central motor tract and can be differentiated from each other by MEP values for the lower limb muscles, even though their neurological symptoms are sometimes similar.

Neighborhood Women's Health Watch: partners in community care

A successful program for delivering prenatal care in rural Hawaii incorporated women volunteers from the local community known as the "Neighborhood Women's Health Watch" (NWHW). Knowledgeable about the cultural mores among the various Asian American and Pacific Islander ethnic groups within the community, these respected women established strong collegial relationships with a public health nursing team to assist in various monitoring and care activities designed for pregnant and postpartum women. This article will address recruitment, training, and role functions of the NWHW, including recommendations for the development of similar programs.

Expression and internal feedback regulation of ACC synthase and ACC oxidase genes in ripening tomato fruit

We have examined whether or not a positive feedback regulation of gene expression for 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) synthase and ACC oxidase also operates in ripening tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) fruit during the burst of ethylene production. Two cDNA fragments for ACC synthase and one for ACC oxidase were cloned with high homology to already known genes involved in ethylene biosynthesis in ripening tomato fruit. Accumulation of mRNAs which hybridize to these cDNA probes were induced in mature green fruit within two days by treatment with propylene. In the fruit ripened from the turning stage, red color development, ethylene production, ACC content, and activities of ACC synthase and ACC oxidase increased as maturity progressed. The abundance of two ACC synthase and one ACC oxidase mRNAs in the fruit increased from the turning to pink stage and were followed by a slight decline towards the red stage. These increases in mRNAs abundance with ripening were prevented to a large extent by treatment with the ethylene action inhibitor, 1-methylcyclopropene (MCP). This was most pronounced in the fruit treated with MCP at the turning stage, in which the accumulation of ACC synthase and ACC oxidase transcripts was almost completely eliminated in the first two d, precisely the same stage at which the control fruit had the greatest level of each mRNA accumulation. The inhibition of transcript accumulation recovered to the control level within two to four d. MCP also decreased ethylene biosynthetic activity, although this decrease did not reflect the reduction in the mRNAs accumulation. These results suggest that a strong positive feedback regulation is involved in ethylene biosynthesis at the gene transcriptional level in tomato fruit, even at the stage with a burst of ethylene production.