Among the numerous X chromosome-linked forked bristle (f) mutations described in Drosophila melanogaster, one designated f3N exhibits the unusual property of reverting spontaneously to wild type at an inordinate frequency, a frequency that can be increased with x-ray irradiation. In contrast to the f mutants described thus far, all of which are associated with the insertion of mobile DNA elements, f3N is associated with an intragenic duplication of 2.8 kb of genomic DNA that resolves to the normal sequence when reversions occur. Consideration is given to intrachromosomal recombination as the mechanism of reversion and truncation of the forked protein as a cause for the mutant phenotype.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1995

Expression of the proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in adenocarcinoma of the gallbladder, and its relationship to prognosis.

Proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) has been correlated with degree of differentiation in some tumours, but information on PCNA expression in adenocarcinoma of the gallbladder is currently limited. Therefore, we examined PCNA expression in adenocarcinoma of the gallbladder, and its relationship to prognosis. The expression of PCNA was studied by immunohistochemistry in 70 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens of surgically removed adenocarcinomas of the gallbladder. The percentage of stained nuclei was recorded, and the PCNA-labelling index (LI) was expressed as the ratio of labelled nuclei to the total number of nuclei counted. In all histological types, the PCNA-LI in the invasive zone of the tumour was higher than that in the luminal zone of the tumour (p < 0.05). The PCNA-LI showed a stepwise increase with decreasing degrees of differentiation in both the invasive and the luminal zone of the tumour (p < 0.01). In advanced adenocarcinomas, patients whose tumours had a PCNA-LI of less than 35 in the invasive zone had significantly longer survival rates than those with PCNA-LI equal to or greater than 35 (p < 0.01). Multivariate analysis, using the Cox proportional hazards model, indicated that a PCNA-LI > or = 35 in the invasive zone of the tumour was a significantly unfavourable prognostic factor (p = 0.002). The PCNA-LI of routinely processed specimens of adenocarcinoma of the gallbladder may be helpful for the evaluation of cell proliferation and prognosis.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed1995

[A case of giant bronchogenic cyst complicated with postoperative esophageal perforation].

A 42-year-old man with giant bronchogenic cyst occupied from the middle and posterior mediastinum was treated surgically. The tumor was stoutly adhered to anterior aspect of the esophagus and membranous portion of the right bronchus. In dissecting the tumor, muscular coat of the esophagus was partly severed, which was repaired interruptedly with absorbable suture material. However, esophageal perforation was detected by barium swallow on the 3rd postoperative day. Conservative therapy included intrathoracic drainage and antibiotics was successfully undertaken. It is imperative to dissect the tumor very carefully if the giant bronchogenic cyst adheres to the esophagus or other surrounding organs.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

The surgical treatment of aortic dissection in a patient with Turner's syndrome: report of a case.

We report herein the successful surgical management of a 42-year-old patient with Turner's syndrome (TS) complicated by Stanford type B aortic dissection. The patient had a single entry in the proximal descending aorta with dissection extending from the entry point to the abdominal aorto-left iliac bifurcation. A patch plasty using felt reinforcement was performed through a left 4th intercostal space thoracotomy. Her postoperative course was uneventful and she has been well during the 3 years since her operation. There have been only nine reports of patients with TS complicated by aortic dissection for whom operations were performed; however, the details of surgical treatment have not been well documented. This paper reports the course of aortic dissection and the surgical methods employed in the treatment of our patient.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

A Drosophila homolog of human proto-oncogene ret transiently expressed in embryonic neuronal precursor cells including neuroblasts and CNS cells.

We have identified a Drosophila gene encoding a putative receptor tyrosine kinase by screening a genomic DNA library with a DNA probe for a Drosophila homolog of fibroblast growth factor receptors. The newly isolated gene codes for a transmembrane protein most similar in sequence to a mammalian proto-oncogene ret; thus, the gene was termed Dret. Dret mRNA is transcribed in very small amounts in the embryonic, larval, and pupal stages. Whole mount in situ hybridization experiments revealed that the mRNA is transiently expressed in neuroblasts in early embryos. In late embryos, Dret mRNA was detected in subpopulations of differentiating CNS and PNS cells. In addition, Dret expression was affected in neurogenic mutants. These results suggest that Dret can be considered as a functional homolog of mammalian ret and should play important roles in neurogenesis.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1994

Identification of a novel Drosophila gene encoding a Cdc2-related protein kinase.

We have identified a novel gene encoding a putative protein kinase from a Drosophila genomic library. The gene, about 2 kbp in length, consists of four exons and codes for a protein of 349 amino acid residues. The deduced sequence shows significant similarity to various kinases, especially to a subgroup of Ser/Thr kinases related to Cdc2 kinase; thus, the gene was termed Dcdrk (Drosophila cdc2-related kinase gene). Among the kinases examined, mammalian galactosyltransferase-associated 58 kDa protein kinase showed the highest homology (about 50% identity in the kinase domain) to Dcdrk kinase. Northern blot analysis revealed that the Dcdrk mRNA is expressed throughout development in nearly constant amounts. Moreover, a whole mount in situ hybridization experiment showed that the Dcdrk mRNA is ubiquitously distributed in almost all embryonic cells and tissues, suggesting a universal function of Dcdrk, possibly in cell cycle regulation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1994

Neonatal lupus erythematosus: dissolution of atrioventricular block after administration of corticosteroid to the pregnant mother.

Histopathologic and immunofluorescence findings of facial annular erythema on a 3-month-old female child, as well as serological detection of anti-SS-A (Ro) and anti-SS-B (La) antibodies, led to the diagnosis of neonatal lupus erythematosus (LE), while no sign of abnormality in the conducting system of the heart was found. During the pregnancy of the present child her mother, with positive anti-SS-A and anti-SS-B antibodies, had a history of Sweet's syndrome. She was treated with corticosteroid, resulting in a gradual diminution of the existing complete atrioventricular block of the fetus. This history may implicate a potential therapeutic effect for the congenital heart block associated with neonatal LE of corticosteroid given to the pregnant mother.

Female↗

PubMed1994

[Study on development of linear-traction type skeletal muscle powered pump].

We successfully developed Linear-Traction Type Skeletal Muscle Powered Pump (LSMPP). Unlike the Insertion-Type SMPP (ISMPP), previously used by us, in which a polyurethane chamber is inserted between skeletal muscle and chest wall, this pump can utilize the traction of muscle fiber in a linear direction. This pump also enabled us to obtain a sufficient flow with a low preload by the use of a spring for the filling of the pump. Comparison was made between the measurement of flow using the origin side of Latissimus Dorsi Muscle (o-group) (n = 6) and that using the upper arm side (i-group) (n = 6), both measured with the Linear-Traction Type equipment, and the result obtained with the ISMPP (s-group) (n = 6). Under a rate of 60 beat/min and a preload of 40 mmHg, the flows (ml/min) of o-group, i-group and s-group were 668.0 +/- 108.0, 1202 +/- 478.6 and 620.0 +/- 188.0, respectively. In i-group (n = 6), different rate, preload and spring constant were given to examine how the flow would vary with them. Mean flow (Mean +/- Std ml/min) was 815.0 +/- 378.0 at 60 beat/min, significantly different in comparison with that of 80 beat/min and that of 100 beat/min. For 40, 30 and 20 mmHg of preloads, mean flows were 877.0 +/- 366.0, 625.0 +/- 311.0 and 422.0 +/- 270.0, respectively. This showed that, as far as the rate remains low, even low preload can provide some 30% of the cardiac output of a dog as compensate cardiac flow. In contrast, there were no significant differences in mean flow with spring constants such as 0, 80, 160, 240 and 320 g/cm.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

Localized polymyositis associated with chronic thyroiditis.

We describe a case of localized polymyositis accompanied by chronic thyroiditis. Computerized tomogram and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies clearly revealed the lesion localized in the left gastrocnemius muscle. MRI was useful in determining the extent and severity of the muscle lesion. Steroid administration was very effective in the treatment of this patient.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

[Buerger's disease].

Diagnostic criteria and therapeutic strategies for Buerger's disease have been established recently. However, there are many unknown factors concerning its etiology and exacerbation. Further studies are necessary for the better understanding of these factors and it is important to establish therapeutic modalities matching the pathology. Although drug therapy is the basic approach to treatment of the disease, aggressive surgical treatment also can prove to be effective in many cases.

Humans↗

PubMed1994

[Estimation of myocardial damage after cardiac surgery by myosin light chain I and troponin T].

The purpose of the study was to test cardiac myosin light chain I (MLCI) and troponin T (TNT) as markers of myocardial damage after heart surgery. Forty-three patients undergoing cardiac surgery were arbitrarily divided into three groups according to the creatine kinase MB isoenzyme (CK-MB) levels and postoperative electrocardiogram (ECG) changes. Group 1: CK MB > 100 micrograms/l and Infarction pattern changes in ECG (Infarction): Group 2: CK-MB < 100 micrograms/l and no ECG changes (minimal myocardial damage). Group 3: CK-MB > 100 micrograms/l or non specific ECG changes (myocardial injury). MLCI levels showed strong correlations with TNT levels after the operation. The peak MLCI and TNT levels in group 1 were significantly higher than in group 2. The peak MLCI in group 1 was significantly higher than in group 3. TNT showed different patterns in the Infarction and Injury groups. The study showed that MLCI and TNT estimation could evaluate myocardial damage over several postoperative days. TNT estimation could identify myocardial damage earlier than MLCI, however MLCI could discriminate perioperative infarction better than TNT.

Aged↗

PubMed1993

Structure and expression of hedgehog, a Drosophila segment-polarity gene required for cell-cell communication.

The complete nucleotide sequence of the coding region of hedgehog (hh), a segment-polarity gene in Drosophila melanogaster, was determined. The gene was found to include three exons which would encode a 421- (or 471-) amino acid (aa) polypeptide with a long hydrophobic stretch. The hh mRNA was about 2.3 kb long and expressed throughout development. The hh expression in an embryo occurred in stripes, while that in imaginal discs occurred in the posterior compartment. As a whole, the spatial expression pattern of hh mRNA was very similar to that of engrailed (en), a homeobox gene required for the formation of the anterior-posterior compartment boundary. Unlike en, no hh expression was observed in the central nervous system.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

The Drosophila forked gene encodes two major RNAs, which, in gypsy or springer insertion mutants, are partially or completely truncated within the 5'-LTR of the inserted retrotransposon.

Mutations in the forked (f) gene of Drosophila cause deformation of bristles and hairs. Our molecular analysis showed the f gene to span more than 30 kb, and to encode two major RNAs, 6.0 and 2.5 kb long, both of which are prematurely terminated in gypsy and springer insertion mutants. These truncated RNAs were polyadenylated using putative polyadenylation signals within the 5'-LTR of the inserted retrotransposon. No evidence was found for effects of the retrotransposon insertions on the promoters for transcription of the 6.0 and 2.5 kb RNAs. In f1 and fx, a single gypsy element was found to be inserted at identical sites in the second intron of region encoding the 2.5 kb f RNA and both truncated and wild-type sized RNAs were detected. Recessive mutations at suppressor of forked (su(f)) increased the fraction of wild-type sized RNAs considerably, suggesting that the wild-type su(f) product either stimulates premature termination at the gypsy LTR or inhibits normal splicing. In f36a, a springer element inserted in the third exon of the region encoding the 2.5 kb f RNA completely suppressed the formation of apparently wild-type transcripts.

Amino Acid Sequence↗