Concentrations of PCDDs and PCDFs in emission gases from 10 crematories were measured. The relationship between PCDDs/DFs and several factors such as structure, equipment and operational state of the crematory is discussed. Furthermore, emission of PCDDs/DFs from all crematories in Japan is estimated. The following results are obtained: (1) total concentration of PCDDs/DFs was 2.2-290 ng/N m3, whose TEQ concentration was 0.0099-6.5 ng TEQ/N m3; (2) total concentration of PCDFs was higher than that of PCDDs; (3) T4CDFs was the highest in the homologue pattern and 2,3,7,8-T4CDF was the highest in the isomer pattern; (4) emission of PCDDs/DFs was the largest in the first 20 min of cremation; (5) concentration of PCDDs/DFs was related to the existence of a secondary combustion chamber and a dust collector, and the ratio of the numbers of main and secondary combustion chambers; (6) total emission of PCDDs/DFs from crematories in Japan was estimated to be 8.9 g TEQ/yr.

Age Factors↗

PubMed2000

Crystal structure combined with genetic analysis of the Thermus thermophilus ribosome recycling factor shows that a flexible hinge may act as a functional switch.

Ribosome recycling factor (RRF), in concert with elongation factor EF-G, is required for disassembly of the posttermination complex of the ribosome after release of polypeptides. The crystal structure of Thermus thermophilus RRF was determined at 2.6 A resolution. It is a tRNA-like L-shaped molecule consisting of two domains: a long three-helix bundle (domain 1) and a three-layer beta/alpha/beta sandwich (domain 2). Although the individual domain structures are similar to those of Thermotoga maritima RRF (Selmer et al., Science, 1999, 286:2349-2352), the interdomain angle differs by 33 degrees in two molecules, suggesting that the hinge between two domains is potentially flexible and responsive to different conditions of crystal packing. The hinge connects hydrophobic junctions of domains 1 and 2. The structure-based genetic analysis revealed the strong correlation between the hinge flexibility and the in vivo function of RRF. First, altering the hinge flexibility by making alanine or serine substitutions for large-size residues conserved at the hinge loop and nearby in domain 1 frequently gave rise to gain of function except a Pro residue conserved at the hinge loop. Second, the hinge defect resulting from a too relaxed hinge structure can be compensated for by secondary alterations in domain 1 that seem to increase the hydrophobic contact between domain 1 and the hinge loop. These results show that the hinge flexibility is vital for the function of RRF and that the steric interaction between the hinge loop and domains 1 and 2 restricts the interdomain angle and/or the hinge flexibility. These results indicate that RRF possesses an architectural difference from tRNA regardless of a resemblance to tRNA shape: RRF has a "gooseneck" elbow, whereas the tRNA elbow is rigid, and the direction of flex of RRF and tRNA is at a nearly right angle to each other. Moreover, surface electrostatic potentials of the two RRF proteins are dissimilar and do not mimic the surface potential of tRNA or EF-G. These properties will add a new insight into RRF, suggesting that RRF is more than a simple tRNA mimic.

Alleles↗

PubMed2000

Distribution and characterization of enzymes causing starch degradation in rice (Oryza sativa cv. koshihikari).

The thermal dependency and stability of enzymes producing reducing sugar (RS) were examined in bran, the exterior 13% part (outer endosperm), and the remaining inner endosperm of rice grains. RS-producing enzymes in the inner endosperm showed a higher optimum temperature than those in other parts of the rice grain. Diethylaminoethyl-Sephacel chromatography of crude extracts revealed two peaks of RS-producing activity with different optimum temperatures (60 and 37 degrees C) in all three parts. alpha-Glucosidase (EC 3.2.1.20) and alpha-amylase (EC 3.2.1.1) isoform G were thought to be major components of the RS-producing activities with high and low optimum temperatures, respectively. The peak with a high optimum temperature was a more abundant component in the inner endosperm, compared with other parts of the rice grain. Thus, different parts of rice were found to have distinct enzyme sets having different thermal dependency and to be involved in starch degradation to various sugars.

Carbohydrate Metabolism↗

PubMed2000

Enhanced cytotoxicity in a Z-photoisomer of a benzopyran derivative of propolis.

(Z)-2,2-Dimethyl-8-(3-methyl-2-butenyl)-benzopyran-6-propenoic acid (1) was isolated from Brazilian propolis, together with the known benzopyran derivative, (E)-2, 2-dimethyl-8-(3-methyl-2-butenyl)-benzopyran-6-propenoic acid (2). The structure was determined by spectroscopic analyses, which included 1D and 2D (1)H and (13)C NMR experiments, as well as MS, IR, and UV spectroscopy. Compound 2 rapidly changed to 1 under UV irradiation conditions (365 nm), and the reverse reaction was also observed. The ratio of 1 to 2 reached 2.3 when the reaction began from either 1 or 2, indicating a photostationary state. Compound 1 displayed an approximate 7-fold stronger cytotoxicity against human lung carcinoma cells (HLC-2) compared with 2.

Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic↗

PubMed2000

Syntheses and properties of 1-methyl-3-phenylaminobenzimidazolium salts, models of DNA adducts of N7-arylaminodeoxyguanosinium salt.

When arylaminating carcinogens are administered to cells, they mainly generate the C8-arylamino-2'-deoxyguanosine adduct in DNA. A mechanism for this was proposed in which N7-arylaminated 2'-deoxyguanosine acts as an intermediate; however, it remained unclear whether this is actually the case. To elucidate the mechanisms involved in the generation of this adduct, a series of 5-substituted 1-methylbenzimidazole derivatives were used as models of the imidazole moiety of 2'-deoxyguanosine. Syntheses of a series of 5-substituted (CH(3), H, F, CF(3), or NO(2)) 1-methyl-3-phenylaminobenzimidazolium salts (7) and their related compounds were carried out, and the chemical characteristics of these products were examined. Heating compound 7 at 80 degrees C for 48 h in H(2)O/MeOH provided 5-substituted 1-methyl-2-oxo-2, 3-dihydrobenzimidazoles but only when this compound contained a CF(3) or NO(2) substituent. Compound 7 decomposed in alkaline media, and its rate of decomposition increased when this compound had a stronger electron-withdrawing substituent. The product obtained under these conditions was 4-substituted N(1)-methyl-2-phenylazoaniline. On the other hand, when 1-methyl-3-(4-nitrophenylamino)benzimidazolium salt was treated under the same conditions as described above, it generated a demethylated product, 1-(4-nitrophenylamino)benzimidazole, when heated in H(2)O/MeOH and N(1)-formyl-N(1)-methyl-2-phenylazoaniline when treated in alkaline media. When the chemical characteristics of 3-phenylamino and 3-amino groups were compared using 3-substituted 1-methyl-5-(trifluoromethyl)benzimidazoles, the 3-phenylamino derivative was found to be more reactive.

Amines↗

PubMed2000

SBP, SECIS binding protein, binds to the RNA fragment upstream of the Sec UGA codon in glutathione peroxidase mRNA.

In mammals, most of the selenium contained in the body is present as an unusual amino acid, selenocysteine (Sec), whose codon is UGA. Because the UGA codon is typically recognized as a translation stop signal, it is intriguing how a cell recognizes and distinguishes a UGA Sec codon from a UGA stop codon. For eukaryotic selenoprotein mRNAs, it has been proposed that a conserved stem-loop structure designated the Sec insertion sequence (SECIS) in the 3'-untranslated (3'-UTR) region is required for recognition of UGA as a Sec codon. Some proteins which bind to SECIS (SBP) have been reported. However, it is not clear how the SECIS element in the 3'-UTR can mediate Sec insertion far at the in-frame UGA Sec codons. The idea that there must be a signal near the UGA Sec codon is still considered. Therefore, we searched for a protein which binds to an RNA sequence surrounding the UGA Sec codon on human glutathione peroxidase (GPx) mRNA. We found a protein which strongly bound to the RNA fragment upstream of the UGA Sec codon. However, this protein did not bind to the RNA sequence downstream of the UGA codon. This protein also bound to the SECIS sequence in the 3'-UTR of human GPx, and this binding to SECIS was competed with the RNA fragment upstream of the UGA Sec codon. Comparison of the RNA fragment with the SECIS fragment identified the conserved regions, which appeared in the region upstream of the in-frame UGA Sec codon of Se-protein mRNAs. Thus, this study proposes a novel model to understand the mechanisms of Sec incorporation at the UGA Sec codon, especially the regions upstream of the UGA codon of mRNAs of mammalian selenoproteins. This model explains that the stem-loop structure covering the UGA codon is recognized by SBP and how the UGA Sec codon escapes from attack by eRF of the peptide releasing factor.

3' Untranslated Regions↗

PubMed2000

Macular corneal dystrophy type I and type II are caused by distinct mutations in a new sulphotransferase gene.

Macular corneal dystrophy (MCD; MIM 217800) is an autosomal recessive hereditary disease in which progressive punctate opacities in the cornea result in bilateral loss of vision, eventually necessitating corneal transplantation. MCD is classified into two subtypes, type I and type II, defined by the respective absence and presence of sulphated keratan sulphate in the patient serum, although both types have clinically indistinguishable phenotypes. The gene responsible for MCD type I has been mapped to chromosome 16q22, and that responsible for MCD type II may involve the same locus. Here we identify a new carbohydrate sulphotransferase gene (CHST6), encoding an enzyme designated corneal N-acetylglucosamine-6-sulphotransferase (C-GlcNAc6ST), within the critical region of MCD type I. In MCD type I, we identified several mutations that may lead to inactivation of C-GlcNAc6ST within the coding region of CHST6. In MCD type II, we found large deletions and/or replacements caused by homologous recombination in the upstream region of CHST6. In situ hybridization analysis did not detect CHST6 transcripts in corneal epithelium in an MCD type II patient, suggesting that the mutations found in type II lead to loss of cornea-specific expression of CHST6.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2000

Simultaneous occurrence of unusual odontodysplasia and oligodontia in the permanent dentition: report of a case.

Odontodysplasia is an uncommon clinicopathological condition with a variety of expressions. Although it is generally recognized as a localized disorder of dental tissue, its aetiology has not yet been well explained. In the present case, odontodysplasia with oligodontia in the permanent dentition is reported. The patient was in good health with normal stature and no other physical abnormalities. His parents and siblings were dentally and medically normal. The primary teeth appeared to be normal except for the primary second molars, where the enamel was malformed. However, the permanent incisors that had erupted into the oral cavity showed rough and hypoplastic enamel. An orthopantomogram showed 17 congenitally missing permanent teeth and malformation of the other 11 permanent teeth and tooth-germs. Because these findings were caused by developmental disturbances of both the mesodermal and ectodermal dental components, we diagnosed the present case as odontodysplasia accompanied by oligodontia in the permanent dentition.

Anodontia↗

PubMed2000

CD14-dependent and independent pathways in lipopolysaccharide-induced activation of a murine B-cell line, CH12. LX.

Using a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-responsive murine B-cell line, CH12. LX, we assessed the possible role of CD14 in LPS-induced activation of B cells. Flow cytometric analysis indicated that CH12.LX cells expressed the CD14 molecule with a lower intensity than did the macrophage cell line J774.1. A reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Northern blot analysis revealed low, but significant, levels of CD14 mRNA in CH12.LX cells, whose cDNA was identical to that of the mouse macrophage CD14 gene. After stimulation with LPS, CH12.LX cells proliferated, accompanied by up-regulations of CD14, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta and interleukin (IL)-6 mRNA, and increased IgM and IgA secretion. In the absence of serum or with the addition of anti-CD14 monoclonal antibodies, however, LPS-stimulation induced neither the up-regulation of CD14 and TGF-beta mRNA nor an increase in IgA secretion. These findings indicate that CD14 expression is not restricted to myeloid cells, but is involved in some cellular activation events of murine B cells elicited by LPS. Furthermore, a CD14-independent pathway may also exist in the LPS-induced activation of B cells that leads to proliferation, IL-6 production and the enhancement of IgM (but not IgA) secretion.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

T-0162, a novel free radical scavenger, reduces myocardial infarct size in rabbits.

1. We investigated the effects of 1-(3-tert-butyl-2-hydroxy-5-methoxyphenyl)-3-(3-pyridylmethyl)urea hydrochloride (T-0162), a novel low-molecular weight free radical scavenger, on the generation of superoxide anions and hydroxyl radicals in vitro and in vivo and on myocardial infarct (MI) size in an in vivo model of MI in rabbits. 2. It was found that T-0162 scavenged both superoxide anions and hydroxyl radicals in a concentration-dependent manner in vitro. 3. In an in vivo rabbit model with 30 min coronary occlusion and 30min reperfusion, T-0162 scavenged hydroxyl radicals generated in the myocardium during reperfusion. 4. Anaesthetized open-chest Japanese white male rabbits were subjected to 30 min coronary occlusion and 48 h reperfusion. The control group (n = 10) was infused with 10% lecithin solution for 220 min from 10 min before occlusion to 180 min after reperfusion. The pretreatment group (n = 10) was infused with T-0162 dissolved in 10% lecithin solution for 220 min from 10 min before occlusion to 180 min after reperfusion at a rate of 400 microg/kg per min. The post-treatment group (n = 10) was injected with an i.v. bolus of 10 mg/kg T-0162 and was then infused with 400 microg/kg per min T-0162 for 190 min from 10 min before reperfusion to 180 min after reperfusion. After 48 h reperfusion, infarct size was measured histologically and expressed as a percentage of area at risk (AAR). 5. There was no significant difference in haemodynamic parameters among the three groups throughout the experimental period. The per cent infarct size of the AAR in the T-0162 groups (24.8+/-4.3 and 30.5+/-3.9% for pre- and posttreatment groups, respectively) was significantly reduced compared with control (44.7+/-4.1%; P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the AAR among the three groups. 6. In conclusion, T-0162 reduces MI size through the inhibition of reperfusion injury.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Quantitative analysis of vascular to cardiac selectivity of L- and T-type voltage-operated calcium channel antagonists in human tissues.

1. Classical L-type voltage-operated calcium channel (VOCC) antagonists dilate blood vessels, depress myocardial contractility and slow cardiac conduction. 2. We compared four L-type VOCC antagonists and a novel tetralol derivative, mibefradil, reportedly 10-fold more selective for T- (transient) over L-type VOCC in two in vitro assays of human tissue, namely isolated small arteries from the aortic vasa vasorum in a myograph and right atrial trabeculae muscle under isometric force conditions. 3. In arteries contracted with K+ (62 mmol/L), the relaxation pIC50 values for the VOCC antagonists felodipine, nifedipine, amlodipine, verapamil and mibefradil were 8.30, 7.78, 6.64, 6.26 and 6.22, respectively. In atrial trabeculae, the pIC50 values to inhibit the inotropic response to a submaximal concentration of isoprenaline (6 nmol/L) for felodipine, nifedipine, verapamil, amlodipine and mibefradil were 7.21, 6.95, 6.91, 5.94 and 4.61, respectively. 4. Taking the anti-log (pIC50 vessel-pIC50 atrium) the vascular relaxation to cardiac depression potency ratios for mibefradil, felodipine, nifedipine, amlodipine and verapamil were 41, 12, 7, 5 and 0.22, respectively. 5. We conclude that, in human tissue assays, perhaps T- over L-type VOCC selectivity confers the most favourable vascular selectivity on mibefradil. Alternatively, splice variants of L-type VOCC in the vasculature (CaV1.2b) may be more sensitive to mibefradil than the splice variants in the heart (CaV1.2a).

Aorta↗

PubMed2000

Changes in patterns of left ventricular hypertrophy after aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis and regurgitation with St. Jude Medical cardiac valves.

In this study, we analyzed the extent and pattern of regression of left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy after aortic valve replacement in patients with aortic stenosis (AS) and compared the results with those of another group of patients with aortic regurgitation (AR). Seventy patients who underwent isolated aortic valve replacement were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 was comprised of 29 patients who underwent aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis, and Group 2 of 41 patients who underwent aortic valve replacement for aortic regurgitation. A third group of 10 healthy subjects served as a healthy control group. Echocardiographic studies were done before the operation and 5 years postoperatively. At follow-up, a significant reduction in the left ventricular mass was found in both groups, but it remained significantly greater than in the healthy control group. The ratio of LV wall thickness to radius (th/r) in Group 1 decreased significantly, and at follow-up it was within the normal value. In Group 2, the th/r ratio increased, and at follow-up it was within the normal value. After aortic valve replacement, the wall thickness remained significantly greater than normal for patients with AS, and the chamber radius remained significantly greater than normal for patients with AR. For these reasons, LV hypertrophy still existed in both groups at postoperative follow-up. The actuarial survival rate was 85.3% at 16 years for Group 1 and 83.4% at 18 years for Group 2. There was no significant difference in the long-term survival rates between the 2 groups. Actuarial freedom from valve-related events was 91.9% at 16 years for Group 1 and 82% at 18 years for Group 2. There was no significant difference in the valve-related event free curves between groups. After 5 years of follow-up, th/r reached normal for both groups, indicating remodeling of the LV geometry after aortic valve replacement.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Adenovirus-mediated p53 gene therapy for human cancer.

Recent advances in molecular biology have fostered remarkable insights into the molecular basis of neoplasms. Considerable evidence has accumulated that among the mechanisms of human cancer development are overexpression of dominant oncogenes, expression of mutant oncogenes, or specific chromosomal deletions or mutations that induce inactivation of tumor-suppressor genes. This understanding of cancer pathogenesis suggests that restoration of the function of critical gene products could halt or reverse these abnormalities, thus having a therapeutic effect. The p53 tumor suppressor gene has been implicated in many inherited and sporadic forms of malignancies in humans. Preclinical experiments have demonstrated that restoration of wildtype p53 function in the cancer cell by gene transfer is sufficient to cause antitumor effects such as cell-cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis. This approach has entered clinical testing and provided intriguing information about the intratumoral administration of an adenovirus vector expressing the wildtype p53 gene in non-small-cell lung cancer. The clinical study has also provided evidence of the bystander phenomenon, which is important for potential clinical efficacy. This article reviews recent highlights in this rapidly evolving field: p53 gene therapy for human cancer.

Adenoviridae↗