Biomedical subjects

C J Huang

Publications and source records attributed to C J Huang.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed2000

Biochemical properties and cDNa cloning of two new lectins from the plasma of Tachypleus tridentatus: Tachypleus plasma lectin 1 and 2+.

A Sepharose CL-4B-binding protein, Tachypleus plasma lectin 1 (TPL-1), and a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-binding protein, Tachypleus plasma lectin-2 (TPL-2), have been isolated from the plasma of Tachypleus tridentatus and biochemically characterized. Each protein is coded by a homologous family of multigenes. TPL-1 binds to Sepharose CL-4B and was eluted with buffer containing 0.4 m GlcNAc. The deduced amino acid sequence of TPL-1 consisted of 232 amino acids with an N-glycosylation site, Asn-Gly-Ser at residues 74-76. It shares a 65% sequence identity and similar internal repeats of about 20 amino acid motifs with tachylectin-1. Tachylectin-1 was identified as a lipopolysaccharide-agarose binding nonglycosylated protein from the amebocytes of T. tridentatus. TPL-2 was eluted from the LPS-Sepharose CL-4B affinity column in buffer containing 0.4 m GlcNAc and 2 m KCl. The deduced amino acid sequence of TPL-2 consisted of 128 amino acids with an N-glycosylation site, Asn-Cys-Thr, at positions 3-5. It shares an 80% sequence identity with tachylectin-3, isolated from the amebocytes of T. tridentatus. TPL-2 purified by LPS-affinity column from the plasma predominantly exists as a dimer of a glycoprotein with an apparent molecular mass of 36 kDa. Tachylectin-3 is an intracellular nonglycosylated protein that also exists as a dimer in solution with an apparent molecular mass of 29 kDa. It recognizes Gram-negative bacteria through the 0-antigen of LPS. Western blot analyses showed that, in the plasma, TPL-1 and TPL-2 exist predominantly as oligomers with molecular masses above 60 kDa. They both bind to Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and this binding is inhibited by GlcNAc. Possible binding site of TPL-1 and TPL-2 to the bacteria could be at the NAc moiety of GlcNAc-MurNAc of the peptidoglycan. The physiological function of TPL-1 and TPL-2 is most likely related to their ability to form a cluster of interlocking molecules to immobilize and entrap invading organisms.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2000

p29, a novel GCIP-interacting protein, localizes in the nucleus.

GCIP, a newly identified cyclin D-interacting protein, was found to reduce the phosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein and inhibit E2F1-mediated transcriptional activity. To explore more GCIP interacting proteins, the yeast two-hybrid screening using GCIP as a bait protein was performed. One novel gene, p29, was demonstrated to associate with GCIP in the yeast two-hybrid method and in vitro GST pull-down assay. Multiple tissue Northern blot analysis showed that p29 was abundantly expressed in the heart, skeletal muscle, and kidney relative to other tissues. The transient expression of HA-tagged p29 in HeLa cells localized in the nucleus. Taken together, we have isolated a novel protein, p29, which may be involved in the functional regulation of GCIP.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2000

Genomic organization and the promoter region of the round-spotted pufferfish (Tetraodon fluviatilis) CDC37 gene.

The CDC37 gene was isolated from a round-spotted pufferfish genomic library and characterized. This gene is composed of nine exons spanning 3.5 kb. Exon 1 contains the 5'-untranslated region and exon 2 contains the putative translation initiation site. By 5'-RACE (rapid amplication of cDNA ends) and sequence analysis, we deduced the promoter region for the CDC37 gene and found that it does not contain typical TATA or CCAAT box. The 1.8 kb DNA fragment upstream of the putative transcription initiation site contains numerous potential binding sites for transcription factors including CREB, E2A, Ets-1, GATA, NF-IL6 and PEA3. When this DNA fragment was placed upstream of the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter gene and transfected into a carp CF cell line, it could drive the synthesis of CAT enzyme four times more efficiently than the promoterless pCAT-Basic did. In addition, the CDC37 gene is linked to the TYK2 gene in a tail-to-head manner with a small intergenic region of 292 bp.

5' Untranslated Regions↗

PubMed2000

Transcriptional analysis of the ribonucleotide reductase genes of shrimp white spot syndrome virus.

The causative agent of white spot syndrome (WSS) is a large double-stranded DNA virus, WSSV, which is probably a representative of a new genus, provisionally called Whispovirus. From previously constructed WSSV genomic libraries of a Taiwan WSSV isolate, clones with open reading frames (ORFs) that encode proteins with significant homology to the class I ribonucleotide reductase large (RR1) and small (RR2) subunits were identified. WSSV rr1 and rr2 potentially encode 848 and 413 amino acids, respectively. RNA was isolated from WSSV-infected shrimp at different times after infection and Northern blot analysis with rr1- and rr2-specific riboprobes found major transcripts of 2.8 and 1.4 kb, respectively. 5' RACE showed that the major rr1 transcript started at a position of -84 (C) relative to the ATG translational start, while transcription of the rr2 gene started at nucleotide residue -68 (T). A consensus motif containing the transcriptional start sites for rr1 and rr2 was observed (TCAc/tTC). Northern blotting and RT-PCR showed that the transcription of rr1 and rr2 started 4-6 h after infection and continued for at least 60 h. The rr1 and rr2 genes thus appear to be WSSV "early genes."

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2000

Identification and characterization of a shrimp white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) gene that encodes a novel chimeric polypeptide of cellular-type thymidine kinase and thymidylate kinase.

From previously constructed genomic libraries of a Taiwan WSSV isolate, a putative WSSV tk-tmk gene was identified. Uniquely, the open reading frame (ORF) of this gene was predicted to encode a novel chimeric protein of 388 amino acids with significant homology to two proteins: thymidine kinase (TK) and thymidylate kinase (TMK). Northern blot analysis with a WSSV tk-tmk-specific riboprobe detected a major transcript of 1.6 kb. When healthy adult Penaeus monodon shrimp were inoculated with WSSV, the tk-tmk gene transcript was first detected by RT-PCR analysis at 4 h postinfection and transcription levels continued to increase over the first 18 h. The gene's major in vitro transcription and translation product, equivalent to the predicted size (43 kDa), is a single chimeric protein that includes both the TK and TMK functional motifs. Evidence for phylogenetic analysis and sequence alignment suggested that the gene may have resulted from the fusion of a cellular-type TK gene and a cellular-type TMK gene. Its unique arrangement may also provide a valuable gene marker for WSSV.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2000

Mcl-1 is a common target of stem cell factor and interleukin-5 for apoptosis prevention activity via MEK/MAPK and PI-3K/Akt pathways.

Stem cell factor (SCF) has been suggested as essential for optimal production of various hematopoietic lineages mainly because of its apoptosis prevention function when it costimulates with other cytokines. However, the underlying mechanism of this synergism of apoptosis prevention is largely unknown. The present study examined the expression of some Bcl-2 family members, including Bcl-2, Bcl-X(L), Mcl-1, and Bax, in response to cytokine stimulation in TF-1 and JYTF-1 cells in which SCF costimulation is differentially required for optimal proliferation. The results revealed that only the expression of Mcl-1 highly correlated with the antiapoptotic activity of interleukin-5 (IL-5) and the synergistic effect of SCF. In TF-1 cells, the defect of IL-5 in apoptosis suppression and Mcl-1 induction was associated with the incapability to highly phosphorylate Janus kinases (JAK1, JAK2), signal transducer and activator of transcription-5 (STAT5), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and Akt/PKB, whereas SCF costimulation restored the potent phosphorylation of MAPK and Akt/PKB, but not STAT5. The importance of MAPK and Akt/PKB signaling pathways in regulating the expression of Mcl-1 and cell survival was further supported by the observation that inhibition of MEK by PD98059 or phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI-3K) by LY294002 independently resulted in the reduction of Mcl-1 expression and loss of cell viability. Therefore, the data suggest that Mcl-1 is a common antiapoptotic target of both early-stage cytokine SCF and late-stage cytokine IL-5. Both MEK/MAPK and PI-3K/Akt signaling pathways are essential in the regulation of Mcl-1 expression and apoptosis prevention. (Blood. 2000;96:1764-1771)

Apoptosis↗

PubMed2000

Cloning and expression of ZAK, a mixed lineage kinase-like protein containing a leucine-zipper and a sterile-alpha motif.

A novel mixed lineage kinase-like protein ZAK, containing a leucine-zipper (LZ) and a sterile-alpha motif (SAM), was cloned. This cDNA has 2456 bp and encodes a protein of 800 amino acids that contains a kinase catalytic domain, a leucine-zipper and a SAM. The molecular weight of this protein is 91kDa. Northern blot analysis revealed that the expression of this ZAK gene is found in various parts of human tissues. We also found that ZAK proteins might form homodimers or oligomers in mammalian cells. MLKs have been proposed to function as mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase in pathways leading to MAPK cascade. The expression of ZAK in mammalian cells specifically leads to the activation of the JNK/SAPK pathway as well as the activation of transcription factor, NF-kappaB. Overexpression of the ZAK gene induces the apoptosis of a hepatoma cell line.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2000

Nuclear NonO/p54(nrb) protein is a nonclassical carbonic anhydrase.

The growing carbonic anhydrase (CA) gene family includes 11 enzymatically active isozymes in mammals. Each of them has a characteristic cellular and subcellular distribution pattern. In this report, we demonstrate for the first time a nuclear protein with CA activity. A polypeptide recognized by CA II antibodies was purified from several rat tissues using CA inhibitor affinity chromatography. This polypeptide of apparent 66 kDa mass was characterized using amino acid sequencing and CA activity measurements. It appeared to be identical to nonO/p54(nrb), a previously cloned and characterized RNA and DNA binding nuclear factor. Recombinant nonO generated in baculovirus bound to the CA inhibitor affinity chromatography matrix and revealed detectable CA activity (25 units/mg). Hansson's histochemical staining of rat lymph nodes followed by light and electron microscopy showed nuclear CA activity in lymphocytes, suggesting that the nuclear nonO protein is catalytically active in vivo. These results demonstrate that a previously known transcription factor is a novel, nonclassical CA. Through its CA activity, the nonO may function in the maintenance of pH homeostasis in the nucleus.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

TGFbeta1 stimulates the secretion of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) and the invasive behavior in human ovarian cancer cells, which is suppressed by MMP inhibitor BB3103.

The present study investigated the modulatory role of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFbeta1) on the secretion of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tested whether the altered secretion of MMPs could directly affect the invasive behavior of ovarian cancer cells. To this aim, human ovarian cancer SKOV3 cells were treated once with vehicle or various concentrations of TGFbeta1 for 24 h. Gelatinase activities in conditioned media were analyzed by zymography and densitometry. TGFbeta1 dose-dependently stimulated the secretion of a 68-kDa gelatinase, which was characterized as an MMP because its activity was inhibited by a metalloproteinase inhibitor 1,10-phenanthroline, and by a synthetic MMP inhibitor BB3103. In addition, we used aminophenylmercuric acetate (APMA) to activate latent gelatinases. APMA time-dependently decreased the activity of 68-kDa gelatinase, and increased the activities of 64- and 62-kDa gelatinolytic bands. The 68-kDa gelatinase was further characterized as MMP2 (gelatinase A) by immunoblotting analysis. We then tested TGFbeta1 effect on the invasive potential of SKOV3 cells as assessed by the migration ability through reconstituted basement membrane, and further investigated whether TGFbeta1 may act through modulating the MMP activity to affect ovarian cancer cell invasion. The results show that TGFbeta1 stimulated the invasive behavior of SKOV3 cells, and that MMP inhibitor BB3103 abrogated this effect of TGFbeta1. In conclusion, this study indicates that TGFbeta1 may act partly through stimulating the secretion of MMP in promoting the invasive behavior of human ovarian cancer cells. Furthermore, this work supports the idea that specific MMP inhibitors of the hydroxamate class could be therapeutically useful in controlling cancer cell invasion/metastasis.

Blotting, Western↗

PubMed2000

Diagnostic efficacy of (13)C-urea breath test for Helicobacter pylori infection in hemodialysis patients.

The noninvasive urea breath test (UBT) avoids the discomforts and risks of invasive endoscopic methods of Helicobacter pylori detection. This study investigated the diagnostic efficacy of carbon 13 ((13)C)-labeled UBT for H pylori detection in 70 patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing hemodialysis (HD) and 70 dyspeptic controls without renal impairment. With H pylori infection defined as a positive result on either histological examination or culture of gastric biopsy specimen, we evaluated the reliability of the (13)C-UBT in detecting H pylori infection in both groups. To ascertain whether HD therapy affects the diagnostic efficacy of the UBT, the test was performed twice in patients with ESRD (before and after HD) at least 72 hours apart. In each UBT session, the baseline, 10-minute, and 15-minute (Delta15) gas samples were obtained to analyze excess (13)CO(2)/(12)CO(2) ratio (ECR). Histological stain and/or culture studies found that 33 of the patients with ESRD (47. 1%) and 42 of the control patients (60%) had H pylori infection. (13)C-UBT for H pylori detection in patients with ESRD was found to be only 93.8% sensitive and 85.3% specific. These results were achieved by gas sampling (Delta15) after HD therapy with a cutoff ECR value greater than 5. Conversely, the UBT in the control group achieved the greatest diagnostic efficacy (sensitivity, 97.6%; specificity, 96.4%) with a comparatively lower ECR cutoff value of 4. We conclude that the diagnostic accuracy for H pylori detection in patients with ESRD could be improved by performing (13)C-UBT (Delta15) after HD therapy and assessing the UBT with a cutoff ECR value greater than 5. However, the diagnostic efficacy of the UBT for patients with ESRD remained less accurate than that for dyspeptic patients without renal impairment.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

Role of electrophysiological studies and arrhythmia intervention in repairing Ebstein's anomaly.

BACKGROUND: Repairing Ebstein's anomaly without correction of associated arrhythmia may result in sudden death. Catheter or surgical ablation is indicated for various symptomatic tachyarrhythmias in Ebstein's anomaly. METHODS: Between October 1973 and October 1997, 30 patients with Ebstein's anomaly underwent surgical repair in our hospital. Tricuspid valve replacement was performed in 13 patients, tricuspid annuloplasty and valvuloplasty in the remaining 17 patients. Preoperative electrophysiological studies were performed in 11 patients after 1980. Concomitant arrhythmia ablation was done in 10 patients: 4 for Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, 2 for atrioventricular (AV) nodal reentrant tachycardia, one for ventricular tachycardia and 3 for paroxysmal atrial flutter and fibrillation. RESULTS: No mortality or major morbidity occurred in those patients undergoing arrhythmia intervention. There were 7 deaths in total; 6 died suddenly, and the other died of purulent mediastinitis. None of the 6 sudden deaths underwent preoperative electrophysiological evaluation. The functional recovery was good in all survivals. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that detailed preoperative electrophysiological evaluation in patients with Ebstein's anomaly is mandatory. Aggressive surgical intervention of the associated arrhythmias in addition to anatomic correction can reduce the sudden death in Ebstein's anomaly.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

Permeation of large tetra-alkylammonium cations through mutant and wild-type voltage-gated sodium channels as revealed by relief of block at high voltage.

Many large organic cations are potent blockers of K(+) channels and other cation-selective channels belonging to the P-region superfamily. However, the mechanism by which large hydrophobic cations enter and exit the narrow pores of these proteins is obscure. Previous work has shown that a conserved Lys residue in the DEKA locus of voltage-gated Na(+) channels is an important determinant of Na(+)/K(+) discrimination, exclusion of Ca(2+), and molecular sieving of organic cations. In this study, we sought to determine whether the Lys(III) residue of the DEKA locus interacts with internal tetra-alkylammonium cations (TAA(+)) that block Na(+) channels in a voltage-dependent fashion. We investigated block by a series of TAA(+) cations of the wild-type rat muscle Na(+) channel (DEKA) and two different mutants of the DEKA locus, DEAA and DERA, using whole-cell recording. TEA(+) and larger TAA(+) cations block both wild-type and DEAA channels. However, DEAA exhibits dramatic relief of block by large TAA(+) cations as revealed by a positive inflection in the macroscopic I-V curve at voltages greater than +140 mV. Paradoxically, relief of block at high positive voltage is observed for large (e.g., tetrapentylammonium) but not small (e.g., TEA(+)) symmetrical TAA(+) cations. The DEKA wild-type channel and the DERA mutant exhibit a similar relief-of-block phenomenon superimposed on background current rectification. The results indicate: (a) hydrophobic TAA(+) cations with a molecular diameter as large as 15 A can permeate Na(+) channels from inside to outside when driven by high positive voltage, and (b) the Lys(III) residue of the DEKA locus is an important determinant of inward rectification and internal block in Na(+) channels. From these observations, we suggest that hydrophobic interfaces between subunits, pseudosubunits, or packed helices of P-region channel proteins may function in facilitating blocker access to the pore, and may thus play an important role in the blocking and permeation behavior of large TAA(+) cations and potentially other kinds of local anesthetic molecules.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Complete genomic organization and promoter analysis of the round-spotted pufferfish JAK1, JAK2, JAK3, and TYK2 genes.

We have previously reported the isolation of the JAK1 gene from the round-spotted pufferfish. In the present study, we cloned and characterized genomic sequences encoding pufferfish JAK2, JAK3, and TYK2, which are other members of JAK family. To our knowledge, this is the first report to demonstrate the existence of four JAK genes in fish. All pufferfish JAK genes except JAK1 are composed of 24 exons; JAK1 has an additional exon. A comparison of the exon-intron organization of these genes revealed that the splice sites of JAK genes are nearly identical. In addition, all pufferfish JAK genes have one intron in the 5' untranslated region. Taken together, these data suggest that the pufferfish JAK genes may have evolved from a common ancestor. By 5' rapid amplification of cDNA ends and sequence analysis, we deduced the promoter regions for all JAK genes and found they do not contain typical TATA or CCAAT boxes but rather numerous other potential binding sites for transcription factors. Interestingly, the TYK2 gene is linked to CDC37 in a head-to-tail manner with a small intergenic region of 292 bp. Within this region, there are two potential binding sites for transcriptional factors such as c-Myb and NF-IL6. The putative promoter regions of all JAK genes were tested either in a carp CF cell line or in zebrafish embryos using CAT or lacZ as reporter genes. Both assays confirmed the transcriptional activities of these promoters in vitro and in vivo.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2000

Secretion of alpha-tocopherol in VLDL is decreased by dietary protein insufficiency in young growing rats.

The concentrations of alpha-tocopherol in plasma and most peripheral tissues were shown previously to be low in young growing rats fed a low protein diet. To examine the secretion rates of VLDL alpha-tocopherol and triglycerides, and lipoprotein lipase activity, weanling rats were fed a low protein (LP, 8 g/100 g lactalbumin) or a normal protein (NP, 20 g/100 g lactalbumin) diet for 6 wk. The absolute secretion rate of VLDL triglyceride (micromol/h) of the LP group was not significantly different from that of the NP group (P: > 0.05), but was significantly higher (P: < 0.05) when expressed relative to body weight [micromol/(h. kg)]. The secretion rates of VLDL alpha-tocopherol were significantly lower (P: < 0.05) in the LP group than in the NP group. The activities of hepatic lipase, lipoprotein lipase and total heparin-releasable lipase in plasma of the LP group were only 50-60% those of the NP group (P: < 0.05). The results demonstrated that the secretion rate of VLDL alpha-tocopherol and activities of lipases in postheparin plasma were significantly lower in rats fed a low protein diet. Thus, the redistribution of alpha-tocopherol from liver to peripheral tissues appears to have been impaired by dietary protein insufficiency.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Aspiration in transtracheal oxygen insufflation with different insufflation flow rates during cardiopulmonary resuscitation in dogs.

We investigated whether transtracheal insufflation of oxygen with different insufflation flow rates protects against aspiration of gastric contents during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Its ventilation and oxygenation effects were also evaluated. Cardiac arrest was induced in anesthetized and paralyzed 18 mongrel dogs. Chest compression using an automatic thumper was performed while the dogs randomly received no mechanical ventilation (Group I, n = 6) or were transtracheally insufflated with 4 L/min oxygen (Group II, n = 6) or 10 L/min oxygen (Group III, n = 6). Blood samples were drawn every 5 min for 20 min for blood gas analysis. the mouths of the dogs were then filled with 70 mL mixed barium, and 10 min after chest compression, chest radiographs were taken to evaluate the incidence of pulmonary aspiration. Results showed that pulmonary aspiration occurred in all dogs of Group I and three of the six dogs in Group II, whereas dogs in Group III were free from pulmonary aspiration. Both transtracheal oxygen insufflation groups maintained oxygen saturation significantly better than Group I, but mild hypercapnia was observed in all groups after 20 min of CPR. We conclude that transtracheal oxygen insufflation, but not chest compression alone, was able to maintain oxygenation for 20 min during CPR in dogs with cardiac arrest. Mild hypercapnia was noted in all groups. Chest compression alone caused pulmonary aspiration, whereas insufflation of 10 L O(2)/min provided better protection against pulmonary aspiration than that of 4 L O(2)/min.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Coupling of osteopontin and its cell surface receptor CD44 to the cell survival response elicited by interleukin-3 or granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor.

The receptors for interleukin-3 (IL-3) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) share a common beta subunit, the distal cytoplasmic domain of which is essential for the promotion of cell survival by these two cytokines. Genes whose expression is specifically induced by signaling through the distal cytoplasmic domain of this receptor beta subunit were screened by a subtraction cloning approach in derivatives of a mouse pro-B-cell line. One gene thus identified was shown to encode a protein highly homologous (with only 7 amino acid substitutions) to murine osteopontin (OPN), a secreted adhesion protein. Conditioned medium from cells expressing wild-type OPN, but not that from cells expressing a deletion mutant lacking residues 79 to 140, increased the viability of a non-OPN-producing cell line in the presence of human GM-CSF. Antibody blocking experiments revealed that OPN produced as a result of IL-3 or GM-CSF signaling was secreted into the medium and, through binding to its cell surface receptor, CD44, contributed to the survival-promoting activities of these two cytokines. Furthermore, coupling of the OPN-CD44 pathway to the survival response to IL-3 was also demonstrated in primary IL-3-dependent mouse bone marrow cells. These results thus show that induction of an extracellular adhesion protein and consequent activation of its cell surface receptor are important for the antiapoptotic activities of IL-3 and GM-CSF.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Detection of guaiacol produced by Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris in apple juice by sensory and chromatographic analyses, and comparison with spore and vegetative cell populations.

Spoilage of fruit juice by Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris is characterized by a distinct medicinal or antiseptic off odor attributed to guaiacol, a metabolic by product of the bacterium. Detection of low populations of A. acidoterrestris that would precede sensory detection of guaiacol would enable juice processors to select appropriate processing and storage conditions that would minimize or eliminate spoilage. The objective of this study was to determine the recognition threshold of guaiacol in apple juice by sensory analysis and the population of A. acidoterrestris and incubation time at 21 and 37 degrees C necessary for chemical detection of guaiacol. Commercially sterilized apple juice (pH 3.54 +/- 0.04, 11.3 +/- 0.3 degrees Brix) was inoculated with a five-strain mixture of A. acidoterrestris spores (2.98 log10 CFU/ml) and stored at 21 or 37 degrees C for up to 61 days. Using an experienced sensory panel and the forced-choice ascending concentration method of limits, the best estimate threshold (BET) for recognition of guaiacol added to uninoculated apple juice was 2.23 ppb. Numbers of A. acidoterrestris spores and cells in inoculated juice remained constant during the 61-day storage period; however, the panel detected (P < or = 0.01) guaiacol in juice stored at 37 degrees C within 8 days. At three of four sampling times ranging from 13 to 61 days at which the sensory panel detected (P < or = 0.001) guaiacol, concentrations of 8.1 to 11.4 ppb were detected by chromatographic analysis. The panel detected (P < or = 0.1 to P < or = 0.01) guaiacol in five samples stored at 21 to 37 degrees C for 8 to 61 days in which the compound was not detected by chromatographic analyses. It appears that guaiacol content in apple juice inoculated with A. acidoterrestris is not always correlated with numbers of cells, and the limit of sensitivity of chromatographic quantitation of the compound is higher than the BET.

Bacillus↗

PubMed2000

Right-sided pleural effusion in spontaneous esophageal perforation.

Spontaneous esophageal perforation (Boerhaave's syndrome) is a rare clinical entity in which overindulgence in a large meal precedes vomiting and chest pain. Early diagnosis and aggressive management are keys to minimizing the morbidity and mortality. We report an unusual presentation of this already uncommon occurrence in a 33-year-old female. She presented to the Emergency Department with severe chest pain following vomiting with hematemesis after a large meal. The initial chest radiograph showed up nothing in particular. Dyspnea developed two days later, and a right-sided pleural effusion was seen on chest x-ray. Panendoscopy was highly suggestive of Boerhaave's syndrome. She underwent emergency operation. After three months of hospital care, she was discharged in relatively good condition. This case of right-sided pleural effusion extends the reported description of Boerhaave's syndrome.

Adult↗