Development of primer pairs from diverse chloroplast genomes for use in plant phylogenetic research.

Variation in the chloroplast DNA sequence is useful for plant phylogenetic studies. However, the number of variable sequences provided by chloroplast DNA for suggested genes or genomic regions in plant phylogenetic analyses is often inadequate. To identify conserved regions that can be used to design primers and amplify variable sequences for use in plant phylogenetic studies, the complete chloroplast genomic sequences of six plant species (including Oryza sativa, Arabidopsis thaliana, Glycine max, Lotus japonicus, Medicago truncatula, and Phaseolus vulgaris), searched from the taxonomy database of NCBI were investigated. A total of 93 conserved regions, 32 in large single copy and 61 in inverted repeat regions, were identified. A set of five primer pairs were designed according to the conserved sequences located in the psbA~trnK, psbB~psbH, rpl23~trnI, trnR~trnN, and trnY~trnD regions to amplify variable DNA fragments. An additional 18 plant accessions from 14 species were used to validate their utility. Each of the tested species could be distinguished by length polymorphisms of fragments amplified with the five primer pairs. trnR~trnN and rpl23~trnI amplified fragments specific to monocot and legume species, respectively. Three primer pairs located in the psbA~trnK, psbB~psbH, and trnR~trnN regions were applied to amplify variable DNA sequences for phylogenetic analysis using the maximum parsimony method. The consistent result between taxonomy and phylogenetic analysis on the variable sequences amplified with these three primer pairs was revealed. The five newly developed primer pairs are recommended as tools for use in the identification of plant species and in phylogenetic studies.

Plasma adiponectin in heart failure with and without cachexia: catabolic signal linking catabolism, symptomatic status, and prognosis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Adiponectin (ADPN) as an adipose tissue hormone contributes to regulation of energy metabolism and body composition and is associated with cardiovascular risk profile parameters. Cardiac cachexia may develop as a result of severe catabolic derangement in chronic heart failure (CHF). We aimed to determinate an abnormal ADPN regulation as a link between catabolic signalling, symptomatic deterioration and poor prognosis. METHODS AND RESULTS: We measured plasma ADPN in 111 CHF patients (age 65 ± 11, 90% male, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 36 ± 11%, peak oxygen consumption (peakVO2) 18.1 ± 5.7 l/kg*min, body mass index (BMI) 27 ± 4 kg/m(2), all mean ± standard deviation) and 36 healthy controls of similar age and BMI. Body composition was assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, insulin sensitivity was evaluated by homoeostasis model assessment, exercise capacity by spiroergometry. Plasma ADPN did not differ between CHF vs. controls (13.5 ± 11.0 vs. 10.5 ± 5.3 mg/l, p > 0.4), but increased stepwise with NYHA functional class (I/II/III: 5.7 ± 1.4/10.7 ± 8.3/19.2 ± 14.0 mg/l, ANOVA p < 0.01). Furthermore, ADPN correlated with VO2 at anaerobic threshold (r = -0.34, p < 0.05). ADPN was highest in cachectic patients (cCHF, 16%) vs. non-cachectic (ncCHF) (18.7 ± 15.0 vs. 12.5 ± 9.9 mg/l; p < 0.05). ADPN indicated mortality risk independently of established prognosticators (HR: 1.04 95% CI: 1.02-1.07; p < 0.0001). ADPN above the mean (13.5 mg/l) was associated with a 3.4 times higher mortality risk in CHF vs. patients with ADPN levels below the mean. CONCLUSION: Circulating ADPN is abnormally regulated in CHF. ADPN may be involved in impaired metabolic signalling linking disease progression, tissue wasting, and poor outcome in CHF.

Aberrant in vivo T helper type 2 cell response and impaired eosinophil recruitment in CC chemokine receptor 8 knockout mice.

Chemokine receptors transduce signals important for the function and trafficking of leukocytes. Recently, it has been shown that CC chemokine receptor (CCR)8 is selectively expressed by Th2 subsets, but its functional relevance is unclear. To address the biological role of CCR8, we generated CCR8 deficient (-/-) mice. Here we report defective T helper type 2 (Th2) immune responses in vivo in CCR8(-/)- mice in models of Schistosoma mansoni soluble egg antigen (SEA)-induced granuloma formation as well as ovalbumin (OVA)- and cockroach antigen (CRA)-induced allergic airway inflammation. In these mice, the response to SEA, OVA, and CRA showed impaired Th2 cytokine production that was associated with aberrant type 2 inflammation displaying a 50 to 80% reduction in eosinophils. In contrast, a prototypical Th1 immune response, elicited by Mycobacteria bovis purified protein derivative (PPD) was unaffected by CCR8 deficiency. Mechanistic analyses indicated that Th2 cells developed normally and that the reduction in eosinophil recruitment was likely due to systemic reduction in interleukin 5. These results indicate an important role for CCR8 in Th2 functional responses in vivo.

Surgically Implanted Electrodes Enable Real-Time Finger and Grasp Pattern Recognition for Prosthetic Hands.

Currently available prosthetic hands are capable of actuating anywhere from five to 30 degrees of freedom (DOF). However, grasp control of these devices remains unintuitive and cumbersome. To address this issue, we propose directly extracting finger commands from the neuromuscular system via electrodes implanted in residual innervated muscles and regenerative peripheral nerve interfaces (RPNIs). Two persons with transradial amputations had RPNIs created by suturing autologous free muscle grafts to their transected median, ulnar, and dorsal radial sensory nerves. Bipolar electrodes were surgically implanted into their ulnar and median RPNIs and into their residual innervated muscles. The implanted electrodes recorded local electromyography (EMG) with Signal-to-Noise Ratios ranging from 23 to 350 measured across various movements. In a series of single-day experiments, participants used a high speed pattern recognition system to control a virtual prosthetic hand in real-time. Both participants were able to transition between 10 pseudo-randomly cued individual finger and wrist postures in the virtual environment with an average online accuracy of 86.5% and latency of 255 ms. When the set was reduced to five grasp postures, average metrics improved to 97.9% online accuracy and 135 ms latency. Virtual task performance remained stable across untrained static arm positions while supporting the weight of the prosthesis. Participants also used the high speed classifier to switch between robotic prosthetic grips and complete a functional performance assessment. These results demonstrate that pattern recognition systems can use the high-quality EMG afforded by intramuscular electrodes and RPNIs to provide users with fast and accurate grasp control. SUMMARY: Surgically implanted electrodes recorded finger-specific electromyography enabling reliable finger and grasp control of an upper limb prosthesis.

Correlation between liver cirrhosis and risk of death from oral cancer: Taiwan cohort study.

BACKGROUND: A nationwide population-based cohort was used to examine the severity of liver cirrhosis and risk of mortality from oral cancer. METHODS: The cohort consisted of 3583 patients with oral cancer treated by surgery between 2008 and 2011 in Taiwan. They were grouped on the basis of normal liver function (n = 3471), cirrhosis without decompensation (n = 72) and cirrhosis with decompensation (n = 40). The primary endpoint was mortality. Hazard ratios of death were also determined. RESULTS: The mortality rates in the respective groups were 14.8 per cent, 20.8 per cent and 37.5 per cent at one year (p < 0.001). The adjusted hazard ratios of death at one year for each group compared to the normal group were 2.01 (p = 0.021) for cirrhotic patients without decompensation, 4.84 (p < 0.001) for those with decompensation and 2.65 (p < 0.001) for those receiving chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: Liver cirrhosis can be used to predict one-year mortality in oral cancer patients. Chemotherapy should be used with caution and underlying co-morbidities should be managed in cirrhotic patients to reduce mortality risk.

Novel 17 alpha-chloro-17 beta-sulfinyl steroids as specific inhibitors of sebaceous gland activity: potential antiacne agents.

The preparation and antisebaceous gland activities of a series of 17 alpha-chloro-17 beta-sulfinyl steroids are described. They were obtained from the corresponding 17 alpha-sulfides by chlorination and oxidation with iodobenzene dichloride in aqueous pyridine at -40 degrees C. A single-crystal X-ray structure determination of 17 alpha-chloro-17 beta-(benzylsulfinyl)-1,4-androstadiene-3,11-dione (4) established the absolute configuration at sulfur to be R. From an analysis of their CD spectra, some of the other alpha-chloro sulfoxides were also assigned the same absolute stereochemistry at sulfur. Inhibition of sebaceous gland activity, after topical application of the test compounds, was determined in hamsters and found to reach a maximum with 4. The 17 beta-sulfone and 17 alpha-sulfide corresponding to 4 were less potent. Subcutaneous administration of 4 produced no antiandrogenic effects in either hamsters or rats.

Inhibition of pulmonary eosinophilia and airway hyperresponsiveness in allergic mice by rolipram: involvement of endogenously released corticosterone and catecholamines.

This study investigates the role of adrenal-derived catecholamines and corticosterone on the inhibition by rolipram, a phosphodiesterase (PDE)-4 inhibitor, of pulmonary eosinophilia and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in allergic mice. The following experimental groups were studied in mice sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA): normal, adrenalectomized, propranolol (beta-adrenoceptor antagonist) and metyrapone (corticosterone synthesis inhibitor) treated. These interventions were studied both in the absence and in the presence of rolipram. Eosinophil numbers in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and AHR to methacholine were measured 24 h after OVA challenge. Treatment of sensitized mice with rolipram (0.3 - 10 mg kg(-1), p.o.), inhibited pulmonary eosinophilia and the AHR to methacholine in OVA-challenged mice. Adrenalectomy increased the number of eosinophils in the BAL of OVA-challenged mice but had no effect on AHR to methacholine. Adrenalectomy attenuated both the rolipram-induced inhibition of BAL eosinophilia and AHR to methacholine in OVA challenged mice. Propranolol (10 mg kg(-1), p.o.) had no effect on the inhibition of eosinophilia by rolipram but attenuated the inhibition of AHR to methacholine in OVA challenged mice. On the other hand, metyrapone (10 mg kg(-1), p.o.) attenuated the inhibition of eosinophilia by rolipram but had no effect on the inhibition of AHR to methacholine in OVA challenged mice. Metyrapone-treatment alone increased the number of eosinophils in the BAL of OVA-challenged mice. These results identify an important role for adrenal-derived catecholamines and corticosterone on the inhibition of pulmonary eosinophilia and AHR by rolipram in allergic mice.

Malignant melanoma in an ovarian cystic teratoma.

A case of malignant melanoma arising from an ovarian cystic teratoma is reported. The tumor was resected, but the patient died of metastases in the abdominal wall, peritoneal cavity, liver, and lungs. The possible histogenesis of the tumor is briefly discussed.

Abdominal vagotomy alters the structure of the ingestive behavior of rats ingesting liquid diets.

A microstructural analysis of the licking behavior of the rat was used to investigate the effects of total abdominal vagotomy on ingestive behavior. Vagotomy decreased the meal size of milk and 3 concentrations of sucrose. The decrease was due to an increase in the decline in the rate of licking during the meal, suggesting that negative feedback from the gastrointestinal tract was enhanced by vagotomy, perhaps because of accelerated clearance of fluid from the stomach to the intestine. No evidence was found for motor dysfunction of licking or alterations in gustatory sensitivity to the test solution. The results suggest that vagotomy enhanced the strength of an extravagally mediated negative feedback signal from the intestine and that the vagus nerve normally prevents this from occurring by regulating gastric clearance.

Abdominal vagotomy attenuates the inhibiting effect of mannitol on the ingestive behavior of rats.

Intact and abdominally vagotomized rats were offered for ingestion during a 30-min period a saccharin and glucose solution or another with 0.1 M mannitol added. The addition of mannitol to the test solution caused a large reduction in intake of intact rats caused by a very rapid decline in the rate of licking during the test. This did not occur with the vagotomized rats. This demonstrates that abdominal vagal nerves are necessary for the inhibitory effect of mannitol on the ingestive behavior of rats. Vagotomized rats also differed from the intact ones by ingesting less of the mannitol-free solution. This was suggested to result from accelerated gastric clearance, leading to abnormally rapid stimulation of negative feedback from the small intestine conveyed to the CNS by extravagal pathways.

Cholecystokinin changes the duration but not the rate of licking in vagotomized rats.

Abdominal vagotomy markedly reduces or abolishes the inhibitory effect of cholecystokinin (CCK-8) on meal size. To investigate the rate and microstructure of licking underlying this phenomenon, licking was measured throughout a meal of milk in intact and vagotomized rats after intraperitoneal injections of isotonic saline or CCK-8. CCK-8 increased the slope of the decay of licking, decreased the efficiency of licking, and decreased the duration of licking in intact rats but had no effect on either the slope of the decay of licking or the efficiency of licking, but it increased the duration of licking in vagotomized rats. These results demonstrate that abdominal vagal nerves are necessary for CCK-8 to increase the rate of decay of licking, but nonvagal mechanisms mediate the effect of CCK-8 on duration of licking.

ACTH accelerates recovery of neuromuscular function following crushing of peripheral nerve.

Adrenocorticotropin (ACTH)-treated adrenalectomized rats subjected to crush denervation recover sensation and functional movement sooner than saline-treated rats. Axonal regeneration is accelerated, the number of large endplates and the frequency of preterminal branching are increased. ACTH has no effect on either intact or denervated muscles. The ameliorative action of ACTH during regeneration is apparently neurogenic and independent of corticoids.

5-fluorouracil, adriamycin, and mitomycin-C (FAM) chemotherapy in advanced adenocarcinoma of the lung: comparison of two dosage schedules.

Fifty patients with inoperable adenocarcinoma of the lung were randomized in a prospective study to receive either standard doses or high doses of 5-fluorouracil, adriamycin, and mitomycin-C (FAM versus Hi-FAM). The response/stabilization rate was 32% for FAM and 34% for Hi-FAM (P greater than 0.05), and the median survival was 27 weeks for FAM group and 24 weeks for Hi-FAM group (P greater than 0.05). Myelotoxicity was mild in FAM, but moderate to severe in Hi-FAM. It is concluded that Hi-FAM did not yield a higher response rate or median survival compared with FAM, but caused significantly more severe myelotoxicity.

Interaction between orosensory and postingestional stimulation in the control of corn oil intake by rats.

The microstructure of the ingestive behavior of rats ingesting corn oil emulsions was analyzed to describe quantitatively how postingestional stimulation interacts with orosensory stimulation to control the intake of corn oil. Seventeen hour food deprived rats were given 30-min access intake tests with corn oil emulsions ranging in concentration from 0.125% to 64%. The volume ingested showed an inverted U shaped function over this concentration range. The Weibull function fitted to the rate of licking function showed that the initial rate of licking was an increasing linear function of the log of the concentration of corn oil. The slope of the licking rate function was an increasing curvilinear function of the log of corn oil concentration. Together these results indicate that the negative feedback effect of corn oil in the gastrointestinal tract increases more rapidly at the higher concentrations of corn oil than does its orosensory stimulating effect resulting in a decrease in the volume ingested. Unlike carbohydrates, where the increase in the initial rate of licking is a result of an increase in the size of the clusters, the increase with concentration in the initial rate of ingesting corn oil was caused by an increase in the number of clusters rather than their size. This study provides a quantitative analysis of the interaction between orosensory and postingestional stimulation, two variables that play an important role in the control of ingestion of corn oil.

Conditioned control of ingestive behavior by acarbose-induced inhibition of sucrose ingestion in the rat.

It has been reported that the addition of Acarbose, a alpha-glucosidase inhibitor, to a carbohydrate solution blocks a preference that otherwise would be displayed for that solution. One interpretation of those results is that the alteration in preference was caused by the diminished postabsorptive nutritive value of the diet due to the inhibition of hydrolysis of the carbohydrates, and, thus, its absorption. An alternative explanation is that the reduction in the preference was a consequence of an accumulation of undigested carbohydrates in the lumen of the intestine. In the studies reported here, designed to investigate this alternative explanation, it was shown that Acarbose added to a flavored 0.3 M sucrose solution reduced the preference for that solution in a two-bottle preference test. An analysis of the licking behavior of rats ingesting flavored 0.3 M sucrose solutions with and without the addition of Acarbose revealed that the presence of Acarbose in the test solution caused a conditioned reduction in the rate of licking the test solution at the beginning of the meal and, as a result, a reduction in intake of the solution. This conditioned control of the rate of licking was rapidly acquired and was easily reversed. It was also shown that Acarbose increased fluid retention in the small intestine, suggesting that the conditioning may have been based on the accumulation of undigested disaccharides in the intestinal lumen rather than on the diminished postabsorptive nutritive value of the ingested sucrose.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cystadenocarcinoma of pancreas with hypokalaemia and hypoproteinaemia: case report.

A rare case of cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas with hypokalaemia, hypoproteinaemia and intractable diarrhoea is described. The diagnosis was made at autopsy. An attempt is made to correlate these unusual clinical manifestations in this rare tumour with necropsy findings.

Arterial malformation of stomach: a cause of massive bleeding.

Fatal gastrointestinal bleeding is rarely caused by a ruptured abnormal intramural gastric artery, and in such cases the nature of the abnormality in the ruptured artery has not been clearly defined. In this report, a case of fatal haemorrhage from a ruptured artery in the stomach of a 34-yr-old male is presented. The arterial lesion was demonstrated and appeared similar to the berry aneurysms of the Circle of Willis--which are probably the result of developmental defects in the media of the arterial wall. Phlebosclerosis due to portal hypertension was a coincidental finding. Previously reported cases are considered and compared with the present case.

An autopsy study of hepatocellular carcinoma in Hong Kong.

Two hundred and eighty-seven autopsy cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Chinese were reviewed. The analyses included histological study of the tumour and of the non-cancerous liver tissue, the cause of death and metastases. Bleeding of oesophageal varices was more frequent but rupture of tumour less common in cases associated with cirrhosis than in those without cirrhosis. There was a significantly higher incidence of bilobar involvement by tumour in the clear cell type of HCC and in cases unassociated with cirrhosis compared to other histological types of HCC and HCC with cirrhosis, possibly because of longer survival of the former groups. A strong association was found between cirrhosis and hepatic fibrosis with HCC and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), suggesting an oncogenic effect of chronic persistent hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection on hepatocytes.

Sch 36605, a novel anti-inflammatory compound. Taxonomy, fermentation, isolation and biological properties.

A novel anti-inflammatory compound, Sch 36605, belonging to the blasticidin family of nucleoside compounds was isolated from the fermentation filtrate of a Streptomyces sp. Sch 36605, as well as blasticidin S, demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity in the reverse passive Arthus reaction and the adjuvant arthritic rat at doses ranging between 1-10 mg/kg and 0.3-6.0 mg/kg, respectively. A minor component, Sch 366606, co-produced in the in the fermentation was isolated and identified as a known compound in the blasticidin family of compounds.

Volcanoes and carcinoma of the thyroid: a possible association.

Environmental factors contributing to incidences of thyroid carcinoma are re-evaluated and emphasized in this study. Thyroid cancers appear to occur independent of endemic goiter, based on epidemiologic and histologic evidence. While environmental factors appear to be important, the specific etiologic agent has not yet been identified or suggested. The number of thyroid cancer incidences available from cancer registries are analyzed in an attempt to identify a specific environmental carcinogenic agent. The presence of active volcanoes that produce abundant lava is found to be the common denominator of Iceland and Hawaii, where the incidence of thyroid cancer is outstandingly high. Comparison with other areas with active volcanoes is made. The presence of a carcinogenic agent in the lava is postulated and its possible mode of action on humans through fish products is hypothesized.