Arabinosylxylotriose mixedly esterified with acetic and ferulic acids from sugar cane bagasse.
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Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to A Kato.
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A functional ovalbumin-dextran conjugate was prepared by dry-heated storage at 60 degrees C and 65% relative humidity for 3 weeks. The emulsifying properties of the ovalbumin-dextran conjugate were about three times higher than those of an ovalbumin-glucose conjugate. SDS-electrophoresis patterns showed that the ovalbumin-dextran conjugate obtained by dry-heating was not as polydispersed as that obtained by cyanogen bromide-activated dextran. The average molecular weight of the ovalbumin-dextran conjugate was about 200,000. The excellent emulsifying properties of ovalbumin-dextran conjugate were maintained even at pH 3 and were further improved at pH 10. In addition, the emulsifying properties of the ovalbumin-dextran conjugate were greatly enhanced by preheating the conjugate at 100 degrees C. Thus, it is suggested that an ovalbumin-dextran conjugate prepared by controlled dry-heating can be used as a macromolecular emulsifier for food applications.
Three cases of methamphetamine abuse by smoking were reported. The oral intake and the intravenous injection of the drug are usually adopted, and the smoking is recently found among the stimulant abusers in Japan. The stimulant is heated on a piece of aluminium foil with a lighter and its smoke is inhaled with a straw or a paper pipe. The intake means are identical to "crystal or ice" in Hawaii, although a special glass pipe or a cigarette is not used here. The effect of the drug obtained by smoking is more slack and mild than that by a intravenous injection, although the drug of the double dose is used in the smoking. Two cases changed the intake means from the injection to the smoking because of no guilty feeling and a lack of injection marks and evident proofs of illegal use. Therefore, abuse of methamphetamine by smoking is thought to increase in near future in Japan, and the delusion of arrest by policemen observed frequently in the stimulant abusers maybe decreases as a result of a decrease in the psychological stress of guilty.
Greater clarification has resulted since the discussion at the 38th Stomach Cancer Research Meeting on the frequency of a cancer developing in the remaining portion of a stomach after excision of a previous gastric cancer. Further, fewer reports have appeared of early stage cancers in the remaining stomach. Reported here is a case of a patient with an early stage stomach cancer, type I, that occurred 5.5 years after resection of an early stomach cancer, type IIc + III, at a point some distance removed from the anastomosis of the remaining stomach. Total extirpation of the remaining stomach resulted. Two years later, surgery to remove a pulmonary small cell carcinoma in this patient also was performed. The paper presents a study of this case.
The genomes of two avian herpesviruses, Marek's disease virus type 1 (MDV1) and herpesvirus of turkey (HVT), share close homology only within certain DNA regions. One such homologous region of HVT DNA was cloned and sequenced. Two open reading frames (ORFs) were found in the long unique region, ORF1 encoding the glycoprotein A (gA), and ORF2 encoding a still unidentified protein. These two HVT-ORFs are located at almost the same positions as the homologous MDV1-ORFs. The nucleotide sequence homologies between HVT and MDV1 were 73% and 68% for ORF1 and ORF2, respectively. Both the 5'- and 3'-noncoding regions, however, are less conserved. The third letter within every codon of ORF1 and ORF2 showed a mismatch of greater than 50% between the two viruses. The amino acid (aa) sequence homologies between the corresponding putative viral proteins are 83% and 80% for ORF1 (gA) and ORF2, respectively. More than 90% homology was observed in the C-terminal region of ORF1 (gA). Furthermore, the deduced aa sequences for both of the ORFs in these two viruses showed considerable homology to two adjoining genes in herpes simplex virus type 1, the glycoprotein C and UL45 genes.
Mini-F plasmid has the trans-acting genes sopA and sopB and the cis-acting site sopC which are essential for accurate partitioning of plasmid DNA molecules into both daughter cells. In this study, we purified independently SopA and SopB proteins, analyzed the in vitro DNA-binding activity of these proteins by the gel retardation assay, and determined the precise binding sites of DNA by the footprinting method. SopA binds to four repeated sequences (CTTTGC) located in the promoter-operator region of the sopAB operon. The SopA binding activity is enhanced by the addition of SopB protein. SopB protein itself does not bind to this DNA region. These results suggest that the complex of SopA and SopB proteins autoregulate the expression of the sopA-sopB operon. On the other hand, SopB protein binds to the sopC region, in which 12 direct repeats of 43-base pairs nucleotides exist. SopB protein recognizes the inverted repeats of 7 base pairs in each direct repeats. SopA protein does not affect the SopB binding activity to the sopC DNA segment.
The objective of this study was to investigate whether Caco-2 cells bind and internalize epidermal growth factor (EGF). [125I]EGF was presented to the apical (AP) or basolateral (BL) side of Caco-2 monolayers, grown on microporous membranes, at different times in culture. At day 10, [125I]EGF binding (at 37 degrees C) to the BL membrane was 2-3 times greater than binding to the AP membrane. Of that [125I]EGF bound to the AP membrane 76% was internalized within 3 h while internalization from the BL membrane was 90%. At lower temperatures membrane-bound [125I]EGF increased while internalization decreased. At day 16, AP and BL binding decreased and then remained constant through day 25. [125I]EGF was bound to the BL membrane of 10 days old monolayers with a Kd of 0.67 nM. There was a single binding site whose numbers in the BL membrane was about 5500/cell.
The effects of cachectin/tumor necrosis factor (TNF) on growth and differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells were examined. This fibroblastic cell line can be induced to differentiate into a mature cell type having the biochemical and morphological characteristics of normal adipocytes. At various stages of growth and differentiation, 3T3-L1 cells were exposed to 2.5 x 10(-16) to 2.5 x 10(-8) M (4.2 fg/ml to 420 ng/ml = ca. 1.2 x 10(-14) to 1.2 x 10(-16) U/ml) recombinant human cachectin/TNF for 24 hr, after which cytotoxicity or differentiation was evaluated. During log-phase cell growth, cachectin/TNF had no significant effect on cell viability, and the preadipocytic cells were also resistant to the cytotoxic effect of cachectin/TNF at the contact-inhibited confluent stage. However, when cachectin/TNF was added to the cells during induced differentiation, only 20% of the cells survived. After differentiation into adipocytes, cells regained their resistance to cachectin/TNF-induced cytotoxicity. Cachectin/TNF also markedly affected the differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells into adipocytes. When cells in the confluent phase of growth were exposed to cachectin/TNF for 24 hr, their subsequent hormone-induced differentiation to adipocytes was inhibited. Like cachectin/TNF, IL-1 also induces suppression of lipoprotein lipase and enhances lipolysis in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes; however, in contrast to cachectin/TNF, IL-1 had no effect on the viability or differentiation of pre-adipocyte 3T3-L1 cells. These results indicate that the cytotoxic action of cachectin/TNF varies in the same cell type depending on the stage of growth or differentiation. The results also imply that cachectin/TNF may play a normal role in controlling the differentiation of certain types of cells in vivo including adipocyte lineages.
DNA fragments containing the secretory glycoprotein A (gA) gene of Marek's disease virus type 1 (MDV1) were cloned from the DNA libraries of very virulent Md5 and virulent BC-1 strains and sequenced. Two open reading frames (ORF1 and ORF2) were identified for both strains. The ORF1 has the potential to code for a protein of 501 amino acids with a molecular weight of 56 kD that contains strong hydrophobic regions in both the amino and carboxyl termini, and nine potential N-linked glycosylation sites, while the ORF2 is capable of coding for a 24-kD protein. These results indicate that the ORF1 codes for the unprocessed form of gA. Between the Md5 and BC-1 strains, only two sequence mismatches exist in the DNA fragment. More differences appear to exist in the gA sequence of the MDV1 GA strain (12), which lacks a strong hydrophobic anchor sequence. Similarities between the predicted amino acid sequences of the MDV1 gA and the proteins of the other herpesviruses such as herpes simplex type I gC, pseudorabies virus gIII, and varicella zoster virus gpV were noted.
Nucleotide sequences of the first and second internal transcribed spacers (ITS1 and ITS2, respectively) of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) from two dicot plants, carrot and broad bean, were determined. These sequences were compared with those of rice, a monocot plant, and other eukaryotic organisms. Both types of ITS region in some species of Angiospermae were the shortest among all eukaryotes so far examined and showed a wide range of variation in their G+C content, in contrast to a general trend toward very high G+C content in animals. Phylogenetic relationships of plants with animals and lower eukaryotes were considered using the nucleotide sequences of carrot and broad bean 5.8S rDNA that were determined in the present study, together with that of wheat 5.8S rRNA, which has been reported previously.
Cholecystokinin-like immunoreactivity (CCK-LI) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-like immunoreactivity (VIP-LI) were measured in the brain of Eck fistula dogs and dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-treated dogs which were prepared as experimental models of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Significant reduction of CCK-LI was observed in all cortical regions of Eck fistula dogs, especially in parietal and occipital cortex (approximately 40% of control values). In DMN dogs, CCK-LI was reduced in the temporal, parietal and occipital cortex (65%, 47% and 51% of control values, respectively). Significant reduction of VIP-LI was also observed in the occipital cortex of both Eck fistula and DMN dogs (75% and 70% of control values, respectively). These data were compared with the concentrations of tyrosine and phenylalanine, precursors of false neurotransmitters suggested as causing HE. Phenylalanine was significantly increased in all areas of cortex of both models. Tyrosine was also significantly increased in frontal, parietal and occipital cortex of Eck fistula dogs, and in temporal, parietal and occipital cortex of DMN dogs. However, reduced amounts of these peptides did not correlate with increased amounts of the aromatic amino acids in these models. The results imply that reduced levels of CCK and VIP may be elicited by a mechanism distinct from that inducing increase of false neurotransmitters.
The antibody response to the Plasmodium falciparum major merozoite surface antigen (gp195) of congenic mouse strains differing in H-2 haplotype has been examined. All seven strains of mice were capable of producing gp195-specific antibodies. Generalized immune recognition of gp195 by mice of diverse H-2 haplotypes distinguished gp195 from the P. falciparum circumsporozoite protein and the 230-kDa and 48/45-kDa gamete surface antigens. However, the H-2 genetic locus appeared to influence the specificity of gp195-specific antibodies. Immunoblot patterns of mouse sera with parasite antigens revealed a complex pattern of reactivity with terminal and intermediate processing fragments of gp195. The majority of immunoblot bands observed were similar for all of the mouse strains; however, there were several strains that additionally recognized a few unique fragments or displayed more intense reactivities with specific processing fragments. These results suggest that while individuals of diverse major histocompatibility complex makeup are capable of recognizing the gp195 antigen, the recognition of specific gp195 B-cell and T-cell epitopes may be under control of the major histocompatibility complex.
The plasma levels in rats of a dynorphin analogue peptide (E-2078) after rectal administration have been studied. The bioavailabilities of E-2078 after rectal administration, subcutaneous injection, intramuscular injection, and oral administration were 21.6, 67.8, 67.1, 0.7%, respectively. The effect of dose, pH, osmolarity and viscosity on the rectal absorption of E-2078 were studied. A sigmoid relationship between the dose and the AUC was observed on rectal administration, while there was a linear relationship on intramuscular administration. The AUC was increased in acidic solution and highly viscous solution. The osmolarity did not affect the absorption of E-2078. In microscopic studies, E-2078 caused little or no damage to the rectal mucosa in rats.
A chromosomal DNA fragment encoding an endo-1,4-beta-glucanase I (Eg I) gene from Ruminococcus albus cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli with pUC18 was fully sequenced by the dideoxy-chain termination method. The sequence contained a consensus promoter sequence and a structural amino acid sequence. The initial 43 amino acids of the protein were deduced to be a signal sequence, since they are missing in the mature protein (Eg I). High homology was found when the amino acid sequence of the Eg I was compared with that of endoglucanase E from Clostridium thermocellum. Codon usage of the gene was not biased. These results suggested that the properties of the Eg I gene from R. albus was specified from the known beta-glucanase genes of the other organisms.
Chromosomal localization of the gene for human coagulation factor XI (F11) was determined by in situ hybridization using a genomic DNA probe which contained exons VIII, IX, and X of the gene. The results indicate that the gene is located at 4q35.
The present study was designed to elucidate the molecular genetic basis of a familial deficiency of alpha 2-plasmin inhibitor (alpha 2PI). Southern blot hybridization analysis with human alpha 2PI cDNA and genomic DNA probes demonstrated no gross deletion or rearrangement of the gene. By sequencing all the coding exons and exon-intron boundaries of the gene of a homozygote, we identified a single cytidine nucleotide insertion in the exon coding for the carboxyl-terminal region. This frameshift mutation leads to an alteration and elongation of the carboxyl-terminal portion of the deduced amino acid sequence. Synthetic oligonucleotide probes confirmed this frameshift mutation in all the affected family members including both heterozygous parents. In a transient expression assay, the alpha 2PI level in the culture medium of the cells transfected with the mutated alpha 2PI expression vector was very low and only 4% of that of the cells transfected with the normal vector, although the transcript levels and the cellular contents of alpha 2PIs did not differ significantly. Elongation of amino acid sequence in the mutant alpha 2PI was confirmed by an analysis of alpha 2PI in a transient expression experiment. These data indicate that this mutation is the cause of alpha 2PI deficiency in this pedigree.
In an investigation of a new class of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)-intercalating antitumor agents, novel acridinyl-substituted uracils have been synthesized and evaluated for activity against L1210 leukemia in vivo, and against bacteria and fungus. These compounds were prepared by the novel enamine reaction between 9-chloroacridines and 6-aminouracils. The positional effects of substituents on the acridine ring showed that compounds bearing electron-withdrawing groups at the 3- or 6-position of the acridine ring were the most active.
One hundred and twenty-five freshmen in an education/psychology department t. (56 males and 69 females) and 63 psychology major juniors of the same department. (27 males and 36 females) were administered an identity dimension (ID) scale and a questionnaire on crises and commitments in 11 areas during June 1984. Surveys were repeated with these subjects on February and June '85, and February '86. The principal results were as follows: (a) the number of high ID score students increased in junior and senior years; (b) ID scores were distributed in a two peaked form at graduation; (c) female subjects' levels of crises with 'same-sex friends', 'opposite-sex friends', and on 'study' decreased corresponding with the increase of ID scores; male subjects' levels of crises with 'opposite-sex friends' and on 'desirable life styles and values' increased corresponding with the decrease of ID scores.