Enzymatic synthesis of two ginsenoside Re-beta-xylosides.

Two new beta-xylosyl derivatives of ginsenoside Re, 20(S)-protopanaxatriol 6-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 --> 2)-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 --> 4)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-20-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside and 20(S)-protopanaxatriol 6-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 --> 2)-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 --> 6)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-20-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, were respectively synthesized from p-nitrophenyl beta-D-xylopyranoside and phenyl beta-D-xylopyranoside as donors and ginsenoside Re as the acceptor in 25% acetone and acetonitrile by a cellulase preparation from Trichoderma viride and a beta-galactosidase preparation from Aspergillus oryzae. The latter enzyme preparation also catalyzed the hydrolysis of ginsenoside Re to the minor saponin, ginsenoside Rg2.     

Hermaphroditismus im Tierreich vom genetischen Standpunkt

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

Chemical mechanism of the adenosine cyclic 3',5'-monophosphate dependent protein kinase from pH studies

The pH dependence of kinetic parameters and inhibitor dissociation constants for the adenosine cyclic 3',5'-monophosphate dependent protein kinase reaction has been determined. Data are consistent with a mechanism in which reactants selectively bind to enzyme with the catalytic base unprotonated and an enzyme group required protonated for peptide (Leu-Arg-Arg-Ala-Ser-Leu-Gly) binding. Binding of the peptide apparently locks both of the above enzyme residues in their correct protonation state. MgATP preferentially binds fully ionized and requires an enzyme residue (probably lysine) to be protonated. The maximum velocity and V/KMgATP are pH independent. The V/K for Ser-peptide is bell-shaped with pK values of 6.2 and 8.5 estimated. The pH dependence of 1/Ki for Leu-Arg-Arg-Ala-Ala-Leu-Gly is also bell-shaped, giving pK values identical with those obtained for V/KSer-peptide, while the Ki for MgAMP-PCP increases from a constant value of 650 microM above pH 8 to a constant value of 4 mM below pH 5.5. The Ki for uncomplexed Mg2+ obtained from the Mg2+ dependence of V and V/KMgATP is apparently pH independent.     

Evidence that epidermal growth factor is present in swiftlet's (Collocalia) nest

1. An epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like activity was detected and partially purified from swiftlet's nest extract. 2. The partially purified EGF-like activity was able to (a) generate competitive binding curves parallel to the standard curves in radioreceptor assay and (b) stimulate thymidine incorporation in quiescent culture of 3T3 fibroblasts and the latter activity can be suppressed by mouse EGF antibody. 3. Partial characterization of the EGF-like activity in terms of pI, molecular weight and its behavior on gel filtration column suggest that it bears similar physical properties to the EGFs isolated from the mouse and the shrew.     

Cauliflower mosaic virus gene VI causes growth suppression, development of necrotic spots and expression of defence-related genes in transgenic tobacco plants

Summary In order to study possible functions of the inclusion body matrix protein (IBMP) encoded by gene VI of cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV), the XbaI fragment containing the gene VI of a Japanese strain of CaMV (CaMV S-Japan) was transferred to tobacco plants by Ti mediated transformation. Eight out of 18 kanamycin resistant plants (40%) expressed detectable levels of IBMP. Those transgenic plants expressing IBMP produced leaves with light green color, and their growth was suppressed as compared with control plants. Symptom-like necrotic spots also appeared on the leaves and stems of the mature transgenic plants. Furthermore, in these transgenic plants, pathogenesis-related proteins 1a, 1b and 1c were highly expressed and the activity of 1,3--glucanase was increased up to eightfold. From these results, we concluded that expression of the IBMP is associated with symptom development.     

Intensive treatment of respiratory failure--personal experiences

Controlled oxygen-therapy was used in 30 out of 49 patients (61%) with the acute respiratory failure or exacerbations of the chronic respiratory failure treated at ICU (Group Y), while artificial ventilation in the remaining 19 patients (39%; Group B). An improvement was achieved in 70% of patients of Group A and 42% in Group B. Overall improvement was achieved in 59% of the treated patients. There were 69% of treated patients with infections. Totally 41% of the treated patients died (30% of Group A and 58% of Group B). An analysis of the results has been carried out in various subgroups of the treated patients, i.e. the acute and exacerbated respiratory failure as well as partial and complete respiratory insufficiency. The result of high risk patients have also been analysed. This subgroup included sudden cardiac arrest, shock and non-compensated acidosis. Favourable effects of the intensive care of patients with infections have been discussed with particular reference to the life hazard in case of septic complications. Emphasis is on the unfavorable effects of therapy in patients with respiratory failure complicated with pulmonary embolism. Indications to the use of respirator and complications of the artificial ventilation have been discussed.