256 Body Condition Association with Production Records and Feed Management Decisions

Body condition prior to and after farrowing has been shown to be associated with sow productivity. The objective for this study was to evaluate body condition impacts at a snapshot in time and determine its association with sow production measures. Data were collected from Midwestern commercial breed-to-wean farms (n = 3). These farms represented typical commercial genetic maternal lines and management systems. Two separate sow groups were measured at each farm representing sows entering farrowing (pre-farrow, n = 717, d 90 – 113 gestation) and sows that had been most recently weaned (post-farrow, n =756, d 2 – 30 post-weaning). A BCS sow caliper was used to objectively assess body condition. Using the caliper measurements, condition was broken into 3 categories: “thin” (< 12), “ideal” (13-15), and “fat” (>16). Production records were obtained for number born live, stillborn, mummified, and weaned piglets as well as the wean-to-estrus interval. Data were evaluated using the mixed model methods (PROC MIXED, SAS Institute, Cary, NC). Pre-farrow caliper measurements indicated sows categorized as “fat” had fewer pigs born live compared with “thin” sows (P < 0.15). Sows classified as “fat” prior to farrowing had the least number of pigs weaned compared with sows in “ideal” or “thin” condition (P < 0.05). Retrospective post-farrow results revealed there was tendency for “thin” sows to have had more pigs born live than “fat” sows (P < 0.15). “Thin” sows had weaned the most pigs when compared with sows in either the “ideal” or “fat” category (P < 0.05). This suggests that gestational feed management and preventing sows from putting on excessive body fat prior to farrowing has positive effects on the number of pigs born alive at the subsequent farrowing and pigs weaned following lactation. This leads to feed savings and economic benefits.

152 Body Weight Standardized Cull Sow Non-edible Trim Loss Evaluation

Non-edible trim loss has been shown to reduce value in market hogs (Johnson et al., 2013). Non-edible trim loss from pork carcasses results from; adhesions, arthritis, and abscess (Keenlislide, 2005). Sow harvest facilities often encounter sow carcasses having one or more non-edible trim loss factors (Knauer, 2007). Non-edible trim loss observed repeatedly in high levels will result in carcass discounts to the seller. The objective of this study was to evaluate the economic impact of non-edible trim loss from cull sow carcasses. Data were collected as a convenience sample from a Midwestern cull-sow harvest facility. This facility focuses on harvesting high quality animals and harvesting “lean” or “boner” sows occurs relatively infrequently. For this study, trim was expressed as a percentage of carcass weight. At this harvest facility all carcasses have some non-edible trim loss. The average total pre-trim carcass weight was 149 kgs (n = 87). The relative percentage of non-edible trim loss was sorted into quartiles. Based on percent trim and average carcass weight the quartiles were classified as 1st Qu. = normal trim (0.5% – 1.2%, n = 22), 2nd Qu. = low trim (1.2% – 2.1%, n =20), 3rd Qu. = medium trim (2.1% – 3.4%, n = 21), and 4th Qu. = high trim (3.4% – 20.9%, n = 22). A 5-year average cull sow price (USDA, ERS) was utilized to calculate the economic loss represented from each quartile of percentage trim. Normal trim, low trim and medium trim showed to have low economic impact. High trim loss had an average economic loss of $9.37 (s.d. = 6.9) on a standardized basis. Substantial economic losses are observed when high trim is measured. Additional work is needed in identifying significant trim loss prior to harvest.

PSVII-11 Utilizing digital images to evaluate accuracy and repeatability of body condition score in cull sows

The objective of this study evaluated the accuracy and repeatability when determining cull sow body condition scores (BCS) evaluated by scorers utilizing digital images. Participants (n=6) were selected based on previous BCS scoring on live sows. Group standards were established utilizing the scores from two participants with extensive experience BCS sows. Other scorers were not provided training before they scored images and no “scorer calibration” activity occurred to ensure that each scorer was observing similar traits when applying BCS. Two separate groups of sows were scored and video images for each sow were collected and stored for evaluation. The images were recorded as a convenience sample from a cooperating sow abattoir. The cull sow video images were assigned a BCS using an 8-point scale (1,1+,2-,2,3,4,5,NS). Scores from the lower portion of the scale were classified (+ and -) to provide a more specific BCS difference evaluation among sows that were thin. When scorers evaluated the sows (n=165) from the first group, they scored the BC for each sow. Additionally, a random group of sows (n=40) images were selected to be scored a second time by the same scorer. Repeatability (inter- and intra- scorer), individual bias, group bias, and group deviation from standard’s mean BCS were calculated. Data from the first sow group showed that relative to the standard’s mean scores, participants overestimated BCS by .41 (P=0.0001). A similarly selected second set of cull sow images obtained from the same abattoir was recorded. The second group included more sow images (n=220) and a greater number images that were scored a second time(n=55) in order to calculate the repeatability values. The same measures described for group 1 were calculated. After data analysis from the second sow group, it was again noted that participants overestimated BCS by 0.1 (P=0.0009).

Sacral osteomyelitis after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis: report of four cases

PURPOSE

This study describes an institutional experience with sacral osteomyelitis after proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis.

METHODS

A total of 2,375 patients underwent ileal pouch-anal anastomosis at the Mayo Clinic between January 1981 and January 2002. In addition, we have served as a tertiary referral base for patients with complications after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis performed at other institutions. Review of our ileal pouch-anal anastomosis prospective database and directed search of the central pathology, microbiology, radiology, and surgical records at the Mayo Clinic was performed using these keywords: osteomyelitis, ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease.

RESULTS

Two of 2,375 patients (0.08 percent) with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis performed at our institution have had sacral osteomyelitis. In addition, two patients have been referred for continuing care after construction of an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis and diagnosis of sacral osteomyelitis at another institution. Two of the four patients maintained normal pouch function after sacral debridement and a period of fecal stream diversion. One patient remains diverted with resolved sacral osteomyelitis after debridement. The last patient died from squamous-cell cancer involving the sacrum.

CONCLUSIONS

Sacral osteomyelitis is a rare and heretofore unreported complication of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. Conservative measures using antibiotics alone proved unsuccessful, and delaying definitive management may have contributed to the degeneration of a chronic sacral abscess into squamous-cell cancer. With more aggressive treatment comprising sacral debridement, long-term antibiotics, and fecal diversion, pouch function can potentially be preserved.

Intraoperative electron radiotherapy as a component of salvage therapy for patients with colorectal cancer and advanced nodal metastases

PURPOSE

To define the survival rates and relapse patterns in patients with isolated advanced nodal metastases secondary to colorectal cancer, treated with curative intent using aggressive combined-modality treatment.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Forty-eight patients with isolated advanced lymph node metastases secondary to colorectal cancer received intraoperative radiotherapy as part of curative-intent treatment. Forty-seven patients also received external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). Chemotherapy was delivered concomitantly with EBRT in 35 patients. The median intraoperative radiotherapy dose was 1250 cGy. End points included local failure within the EBRT field, central failure within the intraoperative radiotherapy field, distant metastases, survival, and toxicity.

RESULTS

The median survival time and 5-year survival rate were 35 months and 34%, respectively. At 3 years, the local control and central control rates were 81% and 93%, respectively. Macroscopically complete resection and colonic primary site were predictors of survival and disease control. The median survival time and 5-year survival rate in patients with colonic primary sites and macroscopically complete resection were 53 months and 49%, respectively. Intraoperative radiotherapy-related neuropathy occurred in 3 patients and ureteral fibrosis in 1.

CONCLUSION

With aggressive combined-modality therapy that includes intraoperative radiotherapy, long-term survival is achievable in colorectal cancer patients presenting with nodal relapse or advanced nodal disease. Survival and disease control rates are highest in those without gross residual disease.

The Mayo Clinic experience with multimodality treatment of locally advanced or recurrent colon cancer

BACKGROUND

Patients with incompletely resected locally advanced and recurrent colon cancers have a dismal prognosis. Since 1981, 100 colon cancer patients have been treated with combination therapy including surgical resection, chemotherapy, and external plus intraoperative radiotherapy.

METHODS

A prospective computerized intraoperative radiation database identified patients for this retrospective review. Data collection included patient demographics, tumor and treatment variables, and morbidity, recurrence, and survival statistics.

RESULTS

The mean age was 55.2 years. Follow-up was available for all patients. Fifty-nine patients have died. Median follow-up of survivors was 70.5 months. Twenty-five patients with locally advanced colon cancer had a median survival of 38.2 months and a 5-year survival of 49%. Eleven of these patients are still free of disease. Seventy-three patients treated for recurrent colon carcinoma had a median survival of 33.3 months from the time of recurrence, with a 5-year survival of 24.7%. Twenty-one are alive without evidence of recurrence. The 38 patients with recurrent disease whose disease was completely resected had a 37.4% 5-year survival.

CONCLUSIONS

A multimodality approach using en-bloc surgical resection with radiotherapy and chemotherapy affords some patients with locally advanced and recurrent colon cancer a chance for long-term survival.

Myostatin inhibits cell proliferation and protein synthesis in C2C12 muscle cells

Myostatin mutations in mice and cattle are associated with increased muscularity, suggesting that myostatin is a negative regulator of skeletal muscle mass. To test the hypothesis that myostatin inhibits muscle cell growth, we examined the effects of recombinant myostatin in mouse skeletal muscle C2C12 cells. After verification of the expression of cDNA constructs in a cell-free system and in transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells, the human recombinant protein was expressed as the full-length (375-amino acid) myostatin in Drosophila cells (Mst375D), or the 110-amino acid carboxy-terminal protein in Escherichia coli (Mst110EC). These proteins were identified by immunoblotting and were purified. Both Mst375D and Mst110EC dose dependently inhibited cell proliferation (cell count and Formazan assay), DNA synthesis ([3H]thymidine incorporation), and protein synthesis ([1-14C]leucine incorporation) in C2C12 cells. The inhibitory effects of both proteins were greater in myotubes than in myoblasts. Neither protein had any significant effects on protein degradation or apoptosis. In conclusion, recombinant myostatin proteins inhibit cell proliferation, DNA synthesis, and protein synthesis in C2C12 muscle cells, suggesting that myostatin may control muscle mass by inhibiting muscle growth or regeneration.

Organization of the human myostatin gene and expression in healthy men and HIV-infected men with muscle wasting

Myostatin, a member of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily, is a genetic determinant of skeletal muscle growth. Mice and cattle with inactivating mutations of myostatin have marked muscle hypertrophy. However, it is not known whether myostatin regulates skeletal muscle growth in adult men and whether increased myostatin expression contributes to wasting in chronic illness. We examined the hypothesis that myostatin expression correlates inversely with fat-free mass in humans and that increased expression of the myostatin gene is associated with weight loss in men with AIDS wasting syndrome. We therefore cloned the human myostatin gene and cDNA and examined the gene's expression in the skeletal muscle and serum of healthy and HIV-infected men. The myostatin gene comprises three exons and two introns, maps to chromosomal region 2q33.2, has three putative transcription initiation sites, and is transcribed as a 3.1-kb mRNA species that encodes a 375-aa precursor protein. Myostatin is expressed uniquely in the human skeletal muscle as a 26-kDa mature glycoprotein (myostatin-immunoreactive protein) and secreted into the plasma. Myostatin immunoreactivity is detectable in human skeletal muscle in both type 1 and 2 fibers. The serum and intramuscular concentrations of myostatin-immunoreactive protein are increased in HIV-infected men with weight loss compared with healthy men and correlate inversely with fat-free mass index. These data support the hypothesis that myostatin is an attenuator of skeletal muscle growth in adult men and contributes to muscle wasting in HIV-infected men.

The genetic basis of male infertility

Defective spermatogenesis can be the end result of a multitude of causes, such as systemic disease, malnutrition, endocrinologic disorder, genetic defects, anatomic obstruction of the passage of spermatozoa, infections, and environmental toxins. A genetic basis of infertility is thought to exist in a majority of infertile men currently classified as having idiopathic infertility. Despite advances in molecular technology, the pathophysiology of spermatogenic failure in a majority of infertile men remains unknown. Although a large number of genes and loci in experimental animals are associated with sterility, the human homologues of most of these genes have not been cloned yet. Infertility is a heterogeneous syndrome in men; therefore, it is likely that a multitude of genes and loci will be implicated in different infertility subsets.

Chromosomal mapping of two members of the human dynein gene family to chromosome regions 7p15 and 11q13 near the deafness loci DFNA 5 and DFNA 11

We mapped expressed tagged sequences (ESTs) corresponding to two human dynein heavy chain genes: beta heavy chain of the outer dynein arm and heavy chain isotype 1B (DYH1B), by using somatic cell hybrids and radiation hybrid panels. The EST for the beta heavy chain of the outer dynein arm mapped to chromosome region 7p15, and the EST for DYH1B mapped to 11q13.5. Two loci for nonsyndromic forms of deafness, DFNA5 and DFNA11, have previously been mapped to these two chromosomal regions. Including the gene for the axonemal light chain, hp28, we have mapped three different dynein genes near loci for different forms of nonsyndromic deafness. The hypothesis that mutations in some dynein genes are associated with nonsyndromic deafness should now be tested.

Complementary deoxyribonucleic acid cloning and characterization of a putative human axonemal dynein light chain gene

Immotile Cilia Syndrome (ICS) is characterized by recurrent sinus and lung infections, bronchiectasis, and sperm immotility. Nasal cilia and sperm tails in patients with ICS exhibit a variety of ultrastructural defects, often including shortening or absence of the inner dynein arms. Immotile mutant strains of Chlamydomonas, a biflagellated algae, have ultrastructural defects similar to those seen in patients with this clinical disorder. Furthermore, splice-site mutations in the Chlamydomonas inner dynein arm gene (p28) are associated with impaired flagellar motility. We therefore hypothesized that the human homologue of the Clamydomonas dynein p28 gene would be an attractive candidate gene for patients with ICS. Accordingly, we cloned the full length complementary DNA (cDNA) and genomic clone by screening of appropriate libraries and databases, using the protein sequence of the Chlamydomonas p28 gene. The human homologue is encoded by a 921 bp transcript (accession no. AF006386) with an open reading frame of 257 amino acids. Using somatic cell and radiation hybrid panels, the hp28 gene was mapped to human chromosome 1p35.1. The hp28 cDNA probe hybridizes to sequences in all species on a zoo blot containing genomic DNA from yeast to human. Northern blot analysis reveals two hp28 gene transcripts, 0.9 and 2.5 kb, in many tissues. The 0.9 kb transcript is expressed at a 20-fold higher level than the 2.5-kb transcript in the testis. The entire gene is included in a 20-kb EcoRI genomic fragment and has 7 exons and 6 introns. Cloning of the hp28 cDNA and mapping of the intron-exon junctions should now make it possible to test whether a subset of ICS is a consequence of mutations in the human axonemal dynein light chain gene hp28.

Human stem cell factor promoter deoxyribonucleic acid sequence and regulation by cyclic 3',5'-adenosine monophosphate in a Sertoli cell line

Stem cell factor (SCF) gene expression is regulated by FSH in testicular Sertoli cells. Many functions of FSH are mediated through the second messenger cAMP. We show that cAMP activates transcription of the human SCF promoter in a Sertoli cell line. The human SCF promoter was cloned in cosmid vector pWE15, and its DNA sequence was determined for the promoter region extending 2.3 kilobase pairs upstream from the translation start site at +184 bp. The in vivo messenger RNA (mRNA) start site, by primer-extension studies, was located in exon 1 at +109 bp in human testis mRNA, and at +99 bp in mouse SF7 Sertoli cell line or GC1 germ cell line mRNA. To test which regions of the SCF promoter are necessary for regulation by cAMP, a series of 5'-end deletions of this region were cloned onto the luciferase reporter gene in plasmid pXP1. The SCF promoter region was fused to luciferase downstream (at +120) from its +109 mRNA start site, extending upstream a variable distance to BstXI (-162), BamHI (-313), Bgl2 (-853), or XbaI (-2185). The shortest of these fragments extending only to -162 bp, contains possible SP1 and AP-2 elements. When mouse Sertoli SF7 or human JEG.3 cell lines were transfected with these plasmids, all of the mutants were regulated by 8Br-cAMP or forskolin, as expected for the SCF gene, whereas FSH and TPA had no effect. In the shortest promoter deletion -162, luciferase expression from SF7 cells in serum-free media was at a moderate basal level, but it was induced in six h about 2-fold by 8Br-cAMP, and over 7-fold by forskolin (an adenylate cyclase activator) to high levels, similar to the SV40 positive control promoter. In SCF-luc plasmids extending to -853 or -2185, luciferase expression was still inducible by 8Br-cAMP and forskolin to high levels, but basal promoter activity was repressed to levels over 15-fold lower, in both the absence or presence of testosterone in the media for SF7 cells. The distal portion of the human SCF promoter (between -313 and -853, and also -853 and -2185) inhibits the basal level of transcription, while the proximal region (5' of -162) can mediate activation by cAMP.

An avirulent ICP34.5 deletion mutant of herpes simplex virus type 1 is capable of in vivo spontaneous reactivation

The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) ICP34.5 gene is a neurovirulence gene in mice. In addition, some ICP34.5 mutants have been reported to have a reduced efficiency of induced reactivation as measured by in vitro explantation of latently infected mouse ganglia. However, since spontaneous reactivation is almost nonexistent in mice, nothing has been reported on the effect of ICP34.5 mutants on spontaneous reactivation in vivo. To examine this, we have deleted both copies of the ICP34.5 neurovirulence gene from a strain of HSV-1 (McKrae) that has a high spontaneous reactivation rate in rabbits and used this mutant to infect rabbit eyes. All rabbits infected with the ICP34.5 mutant virus (d34.5) survived, even at challenge doses greater than 4 x 10(7) PFU per eye. In contrast, a 200-fold-lower challenge dose of 2 x 10(5) PFU per eye was lethal for approximately 50% of rabbits infected with either the wild-type McKrae parental virus or a rescued ICP34.5 mutant in which both copies of the ICP34.5 gene were restored. In mice, the 50% lethal dose of the ICP34.5 mutant was over 10(6) PFU, compared with a value of less than 10 PFU for the rescued virus. The ICP34.5 mutant was restricted for replication in rabbit and mouse eyes and mouse trigeminal ganglia in vivo. The spontaneous reactivation rate in rabbits for the mutant was 1.4% as determined by culturing tear films for the presence of reactivated virus. This was more than 10-fold lower than the spontaneous reactivation rate determined for the rescued virus (19.6%) and was highly significant (P < 0.0001, Fisher exact test). Southern analysis confirmed that the reactivated virus retained both copies of the ICP34.5 deletion. Thus, this report demonstrates that (i) the ICP34.5 gene, known to be a neurovirulence gene in mice, is also important for virulence in rabbits and (ii) in vivo spontaneous reactivation of HSV-1 in the rabbit ocular model, although reduced, can occur in the absence of the ICP34.5 gene.

Localization of glucose transporter GLUT 3 in brain: comparison of rodent and dog using species-specific carboxyl-terminal antisera

The carboxyl-terminal amino acid sequences of the canine and gerbil glucose transporter GLUT3 were determined and compared to the published rat sequence. Eleven of 16 amino acids comprising the carboxyl terminus of GLUT3 were found to be identical in rat and dog. However, the canine sequence "ATV" substitutes for the rat sequence "PGNA" at the end of the molecule. The gerbil sequence has 12 of 16 amino acids identical to the rat, including the PGNA terminus. Based on these sequences, four peptides were synthesized, and two polyclonal antisera (one to the canine sequence and one to the rat sequence) were raised to examine the distribution of GLUT3 in canine and rodent brain. Immunoblots of brain membrane preparations showed that both antisera identified peptide-inhibitable protein bands of molecular weight 45,000-50,000. Immunocytochemical studies demonstrated that binding sites for these antisera were abundantly distributed in neuropil in all brain regions. Areas rich in synapses and areas surrounding microvessels exhibited especially high reactivity. GLUT3 reactivity was similarly distributed in canine and rodent brain, except at the blood-brain barrier. GLUT3 was not detected in the blood-brain barrier in gerbil and rat but was present in many canine cerebral endothelial cells, particularly in cerebellum and brain stem. The carboxyl-terminal antisera employed in this study exhibited high degrees of species specificity, indicating that the three or four terminal amino acids of the immunizing peptides (ATV and PGNA) are important epitopes for binding the polyclonal antibodies. These antisera exhibited only minimal binding to brain tissue of non-target species, yet yielded similar staining patterns in neuropil of rodent and canine brain. This finding provides strong evidence that the observed staining patterns accurately reflect the distribution of GLUT3 in brain. In addition, the presence of vascular GLUT3 in dog brain suggests that the canine blood-brain barrier may be preferable to that of the rat as a model for studies of glucose transport relevant to human brain.

Designing zinc-finger ADR1 mutants with altered specificity of DNA binding to T in UAS1 sequences

Yeast ADR1 contains two Cys2,His2 zinc fingers needed for DNA binding to the upstream activation sequence UAS1, with bases T5T6G7-G8A9G10 in the ADH2 promoter. Potential DNA-contacting amino acid residues at -1, +3, and +6 in the alpha-helical domains of ADR1's fingers one and two include RHR-RLR; however, the latter finger two residues Leu146 and Arg149 had not proved to be crucial for ADR1 binding, even though Leu146-T6 and Arg149-T5 interactions with UAS1 DNA were predicted. We altered Leu146 or Arg149 by PCR cassette mutagenesis, to study ADR1 mutant binding to 16 UAS1 variants of thymine bases T5 and T6. Mutation of Leu146 to His, making finger two (RLR) like finger one (RHR), decreased binding to wild type UAS1 having T6, but enhanced its binding strength to sequences having purines G6 or A6, similar to binding seen between finger one's His118 and base A9 of UAS1. Mutating Leu146 to Lys caused this finger two RKR mutant to bind strongly to both G6 and T6, possibly by lysine's amine H-bonding to the carbonyl of guanine or thymine. Specificity of ADR1 for UAS1 with T6 may thus be due to hydrophobic interaction between Leu146 and the T6 methyl group. ADR1 mutants with either His or Lys in the central +3 residue (146) of zinc finger two, which have Arg149 in the +6 alpha-helical position, bind with UAS1 mutant sequences having G5 very strongly, T5 strongly, A5 intermediately, and C5 weakly.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

GLUT1 and GLUT3 gene expression in gerbil brain following brief ischemia: an in situ hybridization study

GLUT1 and GLUT3 mRNAs in normal and post-ischemic gerbil brains were examined qualitatively and semi-quantitatively using in situ hybridization in conjunction with image analysis. Coronal brain sections at the level of the anterior hippocampus were prepared three hours, one day, and three days after animals were subjected to six min of ischemia. The sections were hybridized with vector- and PCR-generated RNA probes labeled with 35S. Microscopic evaluation of hybridized brain sections coated with autoradiographic emulsion indicated that GLUT1 mRNA was associated with brain microvessels, choroid plexus, and some ependymal cells. GLUT1 mRNA was not observed in neurons, except that one day following ischemia, this mRNA was induced in neurons of the dentate gyrus. GLUT3 mRNA was detected only in neurons. Image analysis of film autoradiograms revealed that both the GLUT1 and GLUT3 messages increased following ischemia but returned nearly to control levels by day three. In the CA1 region of the hippocampus the increase in GLUT3 mRNA was not statistically significant, and by day three the level had fallen significantly below the control, coinciding with the degeneration of the CA1 neurons. Our results suggest that the brain possesses mechanisms for induction and up-regulation of glucose transporter gene expression.

Barium sulfate crystals in a fine needle aspiration biopsy specimen from a neck mass in a patient with squamous cell carcinoma. A case report

A fine needle aspirate of a neck mass in a 79-year-old man with a previous laryngectomy for squamous cell carcinoma was submitted for examination. In addition to cytologic findings of squamous cell carcinoma, there were numerous birefringent crystals of varying shapes and sizes. Energy dispersive x-ray analysis confirmed that these crystals were barium sulfate. Recognition of barium sulfate crystals in a fine needle aspiration or other cytologic specimens is important since barium granulomas may mimic neoplasms clinically. Barium sulfate may also indicate rupture of an organ or the presence of a fistula.

cAMP-dependent phosphorylation and inactivation of yeast transcription factor ADR1 does not affect DNA binding

Transcription factor ADR1 increases the level of ADH2 gene expression 200-fold by binding to a palindromic upstream activation sequence (UAS1) in the glucose-repressible ADH2 promoter in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. cAMP-dependent protein kinase (cAPK) phosphorylates ADR1 in vitro and a yeast strain with elevated cAPK activity inhibits the ability of ADR1 to activate ADH2 transcription in vivo [Cherry, J. R., Johnson, T. R., Dollard, C., Schuster, J. R. & Denis, C. L. (1988) Cell 56, 409-419]. Intact ADR1 protein was detected at comparable levels in extracts made from repressed or derepressed yeast cells, indicating that glucose repression is not due to absence of ADR1. ADR1 in extracts made from glucose-repressed and -derepressed cells bound UAS1 DNA with similar affinities despite having greatly different abilities to activate ADH2 gene expression in vivo. A mutant form of ADR1 encoded by ADR1-5c, which has an altered consensus sequence for phosphorylation by cAPK conferred constitutive expression on ADH2 but bound DNA to the same extent as wild-type ADR1 protein. Similarly, normal DNA binding was seen for ADR1 produced in mutants with altered levels of cAPK activity. Because inactivation of ADR1 by phosphorylation has no detectable effect on either DNA binding or ADR1 levels, ADR1 probably binds to UAS1 constitutively and phosphorylation prevents it from promoting transcription.

The yeast regulatory protein ADR1 binds in a zinc-dependent manner to the upstream activating sequence of ADH2

The yeast ADR1 protein contains two zinc finger domains that are essential for its role in transcriptional activation of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH2). These domains are thought to function as DNA-binding structures. An ADR1-beta-galactosidase fusion protein made in Escherichia coli and containing the finger domains of ADR1 binds in vitro in a zinc-dependent manner to DNA fragments containing the two ADH2 upstream activation sequences. The strongest binding is to upstream activation sequence 1, a 22-base-pair palindrome.

Zinc-dependent structure of a single-finger domain of yeast ADR1

In the proposed "zinc finger" DNA-binding motif, each repeat unit binds a zinc metal ion through invariant Cys and His residues and this drives the folding of each 30-residue unit into an independent nucleic acid-binding domain. To obtain structural information, we synthesized single and double zinc finger peptides from the yeast transcription activator ADR1, and assessed the metal-binding and DNA-binding properties of these peptides, as well as the solution structure of the metal-stabilized domains, with the use of a variety of spectroscopic techniques. A single zinc finger can exist as an independent structure sufficient for zinc-dependent DNA binding. An experimentally determined model of the single finger is proposed that is consistent with circular dichroism, one- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance, and visual spectroscopy of the single-finger peptide reconstituted in the presence of zinc.

Transcription of the ADH2 gene in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is limited by positive factors that bind competitively to its intact promoter region on multicopy plasmids

Transcription of the ADH2 gene in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae was inhibited by excess copies of its own promoter region. This competition effect was promoter specific and required the upstream activation sequence of ADH2 as well as sequences 3' to the TATA box. Introducing excess copies of ADR1, an ADH2-specific regulatory gene, did not alleviate the competition that was observed in these circumstances during both constitutive and derepressed ADH2 expression. Excess copies of the upstream region did not release ADH2 from glucose repression, consistent with the view that ADH2 is regulated by positive trans-acting factors.

Use of scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDXA) in identification of foreign material on bullets

The authors report two cases in which examination of foreign material embedded in or adherent to bullets provided critical information in the reconstruction of a crime scene. Analysis of small particles by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXA) can be accomplished without destruction or injury of the particles. In one case, the detection and identification of mineral fragments embedded near the nose of a bullet provided conclusive evidence that the bullet had ricocheted from a fireplace before striking the victim. In the second case, analysis of particles from two bullets identified them as them as bone fragments, thus proving which shots fired from a police officer's gun had killed a suspected burglar. SEM-EDXA has not been widely used to identify such material on bullets, but should be considered a potentially powerful tool in forensic science.

Stringent response in Escherichia coli induces expression of heat shock proteins

The rpoD gene (encoding the 70,000 Mr sigma subunit of Escherichia coli RNA polymerase) is the most distal gene in an operon that contains three genes. The promoter-proximal gene is rpsU (encoding ribosomal protein S21) and the middle gene is dnaG (encoding DNA primase). During the stringent response, caused by a deficiency in an aminoacyl-tRNA, expression of rpsU is decreased, while expression of rpoD is not. This disco-ordinate regulation is due to increased transcription from a minor promoter upstream from rpoD, in the dnaG gene. Transcription from this promoter is also increased during the heat shock response. Expression of other heat shock proteins was found to increase during the stringent response. Thus, the stringent response in E. coli induces expression of heat shock proteins. The requirements for this stringent induction of the heat shock proteins differ from those for temperature induction during the heat shock response.

Transcription from a heat-inducible promoter causes heat shock regulation of the sigma subunit of E. coli RNA polymerase

The rpoD gene encoding the sigma subunit of E. coli RNA polymerase is cotranscribed with rpsU and dnaG, encoding ribosomal protein S21 and DNA primase, respectively. After temperature upshift, a heat shock promoter (Phs) located within dnaG is transiently induced, causing increased transcription of rpoD. The extent of induction is sufficient to account for the heat shock response of sigma synthesis. The initiation site of this promoter was located about 360 bp upstream of rpoD by promoter cloning and S1 nuclease mapping. Plasmid deletions generated with Bal 31 nuclease show that the DNA sequence CTGCCACCC in the -44 to -36 region of this promoter is necessary for its heat shock activity. Heat induction of transcription from Phs is under the control of HtpR, a positive regulator of the heat shock response.

Primary pulmonary hypertension: an unusual case associated with extrahepatic portal hypertension

A patient with both extrahepatic portal hypertension and primary pulmonary hypertension is reported. The pulmonary hypertension developed without a surgical portal-systemic shunt, and at autopsy there was no evidence of a large spontaneous shunt. This association of pulmonary arterial hypertension and portal venous hypertension without either intrinsic liver disease or a large portal-systemic anastomosis has not been reported previously. Our case supports the concept that portal hypertension with its attendant portal-systemic collateral circulation may be the major predisposing cause of pulmonary hypertension both in intrinsic liver disease and extrahepatic portal vein obstruction.

Xanthogranulomatous pseudotumor of the vagina: evidence of a local response to an unusual bacterium (mucoid Escherichia coli)

Utilization of nonconventional bacterial strains and electron microscopy occasionally may aid in the recognition of unusual microorganisms which fail to be demonstrated by more conventional bacterial stains. We report an unusual case of recurrent vaginal polyps, initially thought by physical examination to represent a malignant neoplasm and histologically to represent a granular cell tumor. The lesions were comprised microscopically of sheets of large, polygonal, histiocytic-like cells with abundant eosinophilic granular cytoplasm. With the Dieterle silver stain, the cytoplasm of these cells contained large numbers of intracellular rod-shaped bacilliform bodies thought to be microorganisms. These organisms stained not at all or very poorly with more conventional bacterial stains, such as Gram and Giemsa stains. Electron microscopy was employed to confirm the presence of intra- and extracellular bacilliform bodies and the absence of large numbers of cytosegresomes, the latter characteristically seen in typical granular cell tumors. Cultures of tissue from the biopsy documented a pure strain of a mucoid form of Escherichia coli. We were unable to identify any prior report describing a similar recurrent inflammatory vaginal lesion in which mucoid E. coli was demonstrated. We discuss possible pathogenesis of this case, and relate it to morphologically similar diseases, such as Whipple's disease and malakoplakia, in which there appears to be defective clearance of bacteria from a variety of tissues.

Renal cell carcinoma and systemic amyloidosis: demonstration of AA protein and review of the literature

A case of renal cell carcinoma associated with systemic amyloidosis in a patient with nephrotic syndrome is presented. Amyloid deposits were present in the resected tumor, ipsilateral kidney, and spleen. Potassium permanganate treatment of histologic sections as well as immunoperoxidase staining identified AA protein within the amyloid. Surgical removal of the tumor caused marked remission of the patient's proteinuria. Thirty-nine previously reported cases of renal cell carcinoma with amyloidosis are reviewed. Most tumors have clear cell histologic features, and the amyloid distribution follows the "secondary" pattern. A possible mechanism of amyloid production in renal cell carcinoma is presented in which the tumor directly or indirectly participates in the modification of SAA protein into a precipitable form.

Acute suppurative thyroiditis in children

The ability of the thyroid gland to withstand infection is a well known phenomenon. In this regard, inflammatory disease of the thyroid gland in children is an uncommon occurrence. The frequency with which this proceeds to abscess formation is rare. Review of the literature of the past 25 years reveals only 21 reported cases of acute suppurative thyroiditis in children, only one of which has been reported in the otolaryngologic literature. We report two cases of thyroid abscess in children initially presented as painful swellings in the lower neck. An overview of the management of these patients is detailed, including a discussion of the appropriate utilization of diagnostic studies. Demonstration of an internal fistula originating from the pyriform sinus underscores the need to consider a fourth branchial arch remnant as a possible source of infection. The importance of obtaining appropriate bacterial, fungal, and acid-fast cultures is stressed, as is the role of antibiotic therapy and definitive surgery once the diagnosis of thyroid abscess is made.

WinRho: Rh immune globulin prepared by ion exchange for intravenous use

An Rh immune globulin [Rh IgG] for intravenous use, WinRho, has been prepared by the Winnipeg Rh Institute by a modification of the ion-exchange column method of Hoppe and colleagues. When administered to Rh-negative male and nonpregnant female volunteers WinRho was found to be nonpyrogenic, nontoxic, safe and protective against Rh alloimmunization. In a clinical trial with 240 microgram given at about 28 weeks' gestation and 120 microgram given after delivery to Rh-negative women at risk of Rh immunization WinRho was effective in preventing Rh immunization. Of the 870 women carrying Rh-positive fetuses who were treated with WinRho during pregnancy and were not tested several months after delivery 14 would have shown evidence of Rh immunization by the time of delivery if WinRho had been ineffective; none showed such evidence. Of the 1122 women carrying Rh-positive fetuses who were retested 4 to 6 months after delivery 83 would have shown evidence of Rh immunization at that time if WinRho had been ineffective; only 1 showed such evidence. The efficiency of yield of anti-D with the modified method of production, the fct that it can be given intravenously (a route that causes the patient less discomfort and immediately results in high anti-D levels) and the lower levels of contaminating IgA and IgM make WinRho the preparation of choice for preventing Rh immunization.

Isolation and characterization of transducing phage coding for sigma subunit of Escherichia coli RNA polymerase

A transducing phage has been isolated with codes for the sigma subunit of Escherichia coli RNA polymerase. Transducing phage were selected from E. coli shotgun collections of HindIII or Sac I fragments cloned into Charon 25, a new bacteriophage lambda vector that is capble of forming lyosogens at high temperature. Transduction of an E. coli strain carrying a temperature-sensitive mutation in the sigma gene was used for the selection. The positions of restriction sites for Sac I, HindIII, Xho I, Bgl II, and Kpn I in the cloned bacterial DNA segments were determined. Phage containing the HindIII fragment complement both primase (dnaG) and sigma (rpoD) whereas those containing the Sac I fragment complement only sigma. Results of analyses of the proteins made both in vivo after infection of UV-irradiated cells and in vitro in a coupled transcription/translation system suggest that a Sac I site separates the promoter for sigma from the sigma structural gene. The direction of transcription of sigma was determined to be clockwise with respect to the E. coli genetic map.

Escherichia coli RNA polymerase binding and initiation of transcription on fragments of lambda rifd 18 DNA containing promoters for lambda genes and for rrnB, tufB, rplC,A, rplJ,L, and rpoB,C genes

Promoters of genes for bacteriophage lambda and for Escherichia coli ribosomal RNA (rrnB), elongation factor Tu (tufB), ribosomal proteins L11 (rplK), L1 (rplA), L10 (rplJ), and L7/L12 (rplL), and RNA polymerase subunits beta (rpoB) and beta' (rpoC) were studied by use of two types of filter binding assays which measured E. coli RNA polymerase binding and initiation of transcription on restriction fragments of lambda rifd 18 DNA. The DNA fragments selectively retained on filters were eluted, concentrated, and analyzed by gel electrophoresis. The binding characteristics of these promotor fragments were qualitatively determined by varying the RNA polymerase, salt, and glycerol concentrations in the polymerase binding assay with HaeIII fragments of lambda rifd 18 DNA. The approximate map locations of these small HaeIII fragments were determined by HaeIII digestion of the larger, previously mapped EcoRI, HindIII, and SmaI restriction fragments of the phage DNA. The base compositions proximal to the 5' ends of mRNA's from promoters on these DNA fragments were elucidated by the polymerase initiation assay, in which the addition of various combinations of nucleoside triphosphates to the reaction allowed RNA polymerase to form high-salt-resistant initiation complexes with some of the known SmaI + EcoRI, EcoRI + HindIII, or HaeIII restriction fragments of lambda rifd 18 DNA. The data obtained by this technique are consistent with the map positions and 5' mRNA base sequences of the known lambda promotors p'R, po, pR and pL. In the main focus of this work, we have determined the approximate map locations and 5' mRNA base compositions of several promoters for known E. coli genes including rrnB, tufB, rplK,A, and rplJ,L. No promoter was detected between rplL and the rpoB,C genes. Thus our data are consistent with the conclusion of Yamamoto and Nomura (1978) that the beta and beta' mRNA is probably cotranscribed from the promoter for rplJ,L. Finally, the approximate map positions and the NTP combinations which initiated transcription of several unknown lambda and E. coli in vitro promoters are reported. The methods reported should prove useful for studying the characteristics of promoters on other cloned DNA regions.