A new type of mitogenic factor produced by Streptococcus pyogenes.

A new type of mitogenic factor (protein) was purified from the culture supernatant of a strain of Streptococcus pyogenes by SP-Sephadex C-25 column chromatography, preparative isoelectric focusing and reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. The purified factor, showing marked mitogenic activity in rabbit peripheral blood lymphocytes, gave a single-band staining for protein on SDS-PAGE. The molecular weight of the purified mitogenic factor was determined to be 25,370, which was different from those calculated from reported amino acid sequences deduced from 4 different nucleotide sequences of 3 kinds of streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins (two SPEAs, SPEB and SPEC). The amino acid sequence of the N-terminal region of the purified mitogenic factor was determined to be Gln-Thr-Gln-Val-Ser-Asn-Asp-Val-Val-Leu-Asn-Asp-Gly-Ala-Ser-Lys-Tyr-Leu- Asn-Glu - Ala-, which was also different from the reported N-terminal sequences deduced from the 4 different nucleotide sequences. These data indicate that this mitogenic factor is distinct from the already described streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins.     

Craniometric measurements of craniofacial malformations in the X-linked hypophosphatemic (Hyp) mouse on two different genetic backgrounds: C57BL/6J and B6C3H.

This study reports data on craniometric measurements in the X-linked hypophosphatemic (Hyp) mouse on two different genetic backgrounds: C57BL/6J and B6C3H. Heads of normal females "+/+," normal males "+/Y," heterozygous mutant females "Hyp/+," and hemizygous mutant males "Hyp/Y" for each genetic background were examined. Data were collected via skull measurements. On a C57BL/6J background, the neurocranium of mutants "Hyp/+" and "Hyp/Y" was shorter and slightly higher than in normal counterparts. On a B6C3H background, mutant mice "Hyp/+" and "Hyp/Y" were shorter in neurocranial length than in normal counterparts. Viscerocranial height was larger in "Hyp/Y" than in normal counterparts. No differences in neurocranial and mandibular height were found. Mutant mice on a C57BL/6J background were compared to mutant mice on a B6C3H background. No differences in neurocranial length were found. Cranial length was shorter in "Hyp/Y" on C57BL/6J than in "Hyp/+" on B6C3H. Facial length parameters were shorter in "Hyp/Y" on C57BL/6J than in "Hyp/Y" and "Hyp/+" mutant mice on B6C3H. Mandibular length was shorter in "Hyp/Y" on C57BL/6J than in "Hyp/+" on C57BL/6J and both mutant mice ("Hyp/Y" and "Hyp/+") on a B6C3H background. The results of this study indicate that craniofacial growth is less affected in mutant mice on a B6C3H genetic background than in mutant mice on a C57BL/6J genetic background.     

Forecast of acute respiratory infections: expected nonepidemic morbidity in Cuba.

A forecast of nonepidemic morbidity due to acute respiratory infections were carry out by using time series analysis. The data consisted of the weekly reports of medical patient consultation from ambulatory facilities from the whole country. A version of regression model was fitted to the data. Using this approach, we were able to detect the starting data of the epidemic under routine surveillance conditions for various age groups. It will be necessary to improve the data reporting system in order to introduce these procedures at the local health center level, as well as on the provincial level.     

Description of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of protein tyrosine kinase

A solid immunoassay for the detection of protein tyrosine kinases has been developed. It is based on the binding of the synthetic polypeptide poly(Glu.Na,Tyr) 4:1 to microELISA wells, where the phosphorylation reaction takes place in the presence of ATP and enzyme. The phosphorylated tyrosine residues produced in the reaction are finally detected, in the same well, by means of an ELISA using monoclonal antiphosphotyrosine antibody, peroxidase-labeled goat anti-mouse IgG antibody, and substrate. The amount of protein tyrosine kinase activity present in the sample is proportional to the color at 492 nm developed in each well.     

Steroid hormone hydroxylase specificities of eleven cDNA-expressed human cytochrome P450s

Steroid hydroxylation specificities were determined for 11 forms of human cytochrome P450, representing four gene families and eight subfamilies, that were synthesized in human hepatoma Hep G2 cells by means of cDNA-directed expression using vaccinia virus. Microsomes isolated from the P450-expressing Hep G2 cells were isolated and then assayed for their regioselectivity of hydroxylation toward testosterone, androstenedione, and progesterone. Four of the eleven P450s exhibited high steroid hydroxylase activity (150-900 pmol hydroxysteroid/min/mg Hep G2 microsomal protein), one was moderately active (30-50 pmol/min/mg) and six were inactive. In contrast, 10 of the P450s effectively catalyzed O-deethylation of 7-ethoxycoumarin, a model drug substrate, while only one (P450 2A6) catalyzed significant coumarin 7-hydroxylation. Human P450 4B1, which is expressed in lung but not liver, catalyzed the 6 beta-hydroxylation of all three steroids at similar rates and with only minor formation of other hydroxylated products. Three members of human P450 family 3A, which are expressed in liver and other tissues, also catalyzed steroid 6 beta-hydroxylation as their major activity but, additionally, formed several minor products that include 2 beta-hydroxy and 15 beta-hydroxy derivatives in the case of testosterone. These patterns are similar to those exhibited by rat family 3A P450s. Although several rodent P450s belonging to subfamilies 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D are active steroid hydroxylases, four of five human P450s belonging to these subfamilies exhibited very low activity or were inactive, as were the human 1A and 2E P450s examined in the present study. These studies demonstrate that individual human cytochrome P450 enzymes can hydroxylate endogenous steroid hormones with a high degree of stereospecificity and regioselectivity, and that some, but not all of the human cytochromes exhibit metabolite profiles similar to their rodent counterparts.     

Effect of chronic alcohol consumption on rat uterine spontaneous motility, prostaglandin production and triglyceride metabolism

The spontaneous isometric developed tension (IDT), the synthesis and release of prostaglandins (PGs) into the incubating medium and the metabolism of triglycerides (TGs) in uterine strips isolated from controls and chronic ethanol fed rats, were studied. In order to observe how the uterus of rats fed alcohol reacts during a situation of metabolic emergency, the above mentioned studies were done in the presence or in the absence of glucose in the incubating medium. The decrement of IDT as time progressed was significantly greater in strips obtained from rats which had been drinking 20% ETOH than in controls. Nevertheless, the absolute magnitude of the initial IDT was similar in both groups. On the other hand, the decline of the frequency of contractions (FC) of uterine strips isolated from controls and from ETOH-exposed rats, after 60 min of spontaneous activity was similar. When the uterine strips isolated from ETOH-exposed and from control rats were suspended in glucose-free solution they exhibited the same decrement of IDT and FC after 60 min of activity. The basal release of PGE1 and PGE2 was similar in control tissues incubated in medium containing glucose, but the output of PGE2 was significantly smaller than that of PGE1 in uterine strips isolated from ETOH-exposed rats. The production of PGE1 and PGE2 by uteri suspended in glucose-free medium was similar in control preparations. On the contrary the release of both PGs differs in uterine strips from ETOH-exposed rats, i.e. the output of PGE2 was significantly smaller than in controls and the release of PGE1 increased around 4-fold in comparison with controls.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Single-dose murine monoclonal antibody ricin A chain immunotoxin in the treatment of metastatic melanoma: a phase I trial.

To determine the maximally tolerated dose of a ricin A chain-conjugated antimelanoma antibody (XomaZyme-Mel), 20 patients with metastatic melanoma were treated with escalating doses of the murine immunotoxin given as single intravenous infusion over 30 minutes. The starting dose was 0.6 mg/kg and was escalated in five groups to a maximum of 1.6 mg/kg. The maximally tolerated dose was 1.25 mg/kg as three of six patients treated at 1.6 mg/kg developed unacceptable toxicity. The dose-limiting toxicity consisted of profound fatigue, myalgias, and arthralgias. These occurred within 4 days and resolved in 7 to 10 days. Other non-dose-limiting toxicities encountered consisted of hypoalbuminemia, weight gain, peripheral edema, mild hypotension, and flu-like syndrome; the severity of these was also dose related. In addition, two allergic reactions occurred, one severe. There was one durable complete response of 12+ months' duration and one brief mixed response lasting 3 months. We conclude that the maximum tolerated single dose of XomaZyme-Mel is 1.25 mg/kg. Phase I studies evaluating 1.25 mg/kg given in multiple doses at 2- to 4-week intervals and phase II studies to determine the response rate of a single 1.25 mg/kg dose are warranted.     

Evolutionary relationships within the fungi: analyses of nuclear small subunit rRNA sequences.

Nucleotide sequences of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (18S) gene were used to investigate evolutionary relationships within the Fungi. The inferred tree topologies are in general agreement with traditional classifications in the following ways: (1) the Chytridiomycota and Zygomycota appear to be basal groups within the Fungi. (2) The Ascomycota and Basidiomycota are a derived monophyletic group. (3) Relationships within the Ascomycota are concordant with traditional orders and divide the hemi- and euascomycetes into distinct lineages. (4) The Basidiomycota is divided between the holobasidiomycetes and phragmobasidiomycetes. Conflicts with traditional classification were limited to weakly supported branches of the tree. Strongly supported relationships were robust to minor changes in alignment, method of analysis, and various weighting schemes. Weighting, either of transversions or by site, did not convincingly improve the status of poorly supported portions of the tree. The rate of variation at particular sites does not appear to be independent of lineage, suggesting that covariation of sites may be an important phenomenon in these genes.     

Use of bioelectrical impedance to assess body composition changes at high altitude.

This study determined the feasibility of using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to assess body composition alterations associated with body weight (BW) loss at high altitude. The BIA method was also evaluated relative to anthropometric assessments. Height, BW, BIA, skinfold (SF, 6 sites), and circumference (CIR, 5 sites) measurements were obtained from 16 males (23-35 yr) before, during, and after 16 days of residence at 3,700-4,300 m. Hydrostatic weighings (HW) were performed pre- and postaltitude. Results of 13 previously derived prediction equations using various combinations of height, BW, age, BIA, SF, or CIR measurements as independent variables to predict fat-free mass (FFM), fat mass (FM), and percent body fat (%Fat) were compared with HW. Mean BW decreased from 84.74 to 78.84 kg (P less than 0.01). As determined by HW, FFM decreased by 2.44 kg (P less than 0.01), FM by 3.46 kg (P less than 0.01), and %Fat by 3.02% (P less than 0.01). The BIA and SF methods overestimated the loss in FFM and underestimated the losses in FM and %Fat (P less than 0.01). Only the equations utilizing the CIR measurements did not differ from HW values for changes in FFM, FM, and %Fat. It was concluded that the BIA and SF methods were not acceptable for assessing body composition changes at altitude.