Biomedical subjects

J J Lin

Publications and source records attributed to J J Lin.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed2001

Three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship for several bioactive peptides searched by a convex hull-comparative molecular field analysis approach.

Three-dimensional (3D) convex hulls are computed for theoretically generated structures of a group of 18 bioactive tachykinin peptides. The number of peptides treated as a training set is 14, whereas that treated as a test set is four. The frequency of atoms of the same atomic type lying at the vertices of all the hulls computed for all the structures in a structural set is counted. Vertex atoms with non-zero frequency counted are collected together as a set of commonly exposed groups. These commonly exposed atoms are then treated as a set of correspondences for aligning all the other 13 structures in a structural set against a common template, which is the structure of the most potent peptide in the set using the FIT module of the SYBYL 6.6 program. Each aligned structural set is then analyzed by the comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) module using the C.3 probe having a charge of +1.0. The corresponding cross-validated r2 values range from -0.99 to 0.57 for a number of 73 structural sets studied. The comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA) module within the SYBYL 6.6 package is also used to analyze some of these aligned structural sets. Although the CoMSIA results are in accord with those of CoMFA, it is also found that the CoMFA results of several structural sets can be improved somewhat for conformations of the structures in the sets that are adjusted by constraint energy minimization and then constraint molecular dynamics simulation runs using distance constraints derived from some commonly exposed groups determined for them. This result further implies that the convex hull-CoMFA is a feasible approach to screen the bioactive conformations for molecules of this class.

Algorithms↗

PubMed2001

Effects of isomalto-oligosaccharides on bowel functions and indicators of nutritional status in constipated elderly men.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate effects of isomalto-oligosaccharides (IO) on the bowel function and nutritional status of elderly men. METHODS: Seven older male subjects participated in this study that consisted of a 30-day control low fiber period followed by a 30-day IO-supplemented (10 g active components) experimental period. Bowel functions such as defecation, enema use and bloating were monitored daily. Fecal characteristics such as wet and dry stool weights, stool moisture, pH and short-chain fatty acid contents were determined on five-day fecal composites collected in each period. Feces were further fractionated into plant, bacterial and soluble fractions to determine the bases for the increase in stool weight. Nutritional status of subjects was assessed with anthropometric parameters, nutrient intake and biochemical measurements. RESULTS: Incorporation of IO significantly increased the defecation frequency, wet stool output and dry stool weight by twofold, 70% and 55%, respectively. Fecal acetate and propionate concentrations significantly increased by nearly two and a half fold with IO supplement. The increase in stool bulk was mainly attributed by increased bacterial mass. Mean serum sodium concentration decreased in the experimental period while other blood characteristics did not change significantly. Anthropometric parameters and nutrient intake remained constant throughout the study. CONCLUSIONS: Consumption of IO effectively improved bowel movement, stool output and microbial fermentation in the colon without any adverse effect observed in this study. Therefore, supplementation of IO into ordinary low fiber diets may be practical in relieving constipation in the elderly population.

Aged↗

PubMed2001

Studies on anthracenes. 1. Human telomerase inhibition and lipid peroxidation of 9-acyloxy 1,5-dichloroanthracene derivatives.

The synthetically useful approaches to 9-acyloxy 1,5-dichloroanthracene derivatives are reported. The system selectively reduces the carbonyl group flanked by the peri substituents of the anthracenediones to give the corresponding 1,5-dichloro-9(10H)-anthracenone. Simple regioselective acylation of anthracenone is applied with appropriate acyl chlorides in CH2Cl2 with catalytic amount of pyridine to give the novel 9-acyloxy 1,5-dichloroanthracene derivatives. Considerable interest has developed in the mechanism of how anthracenone achieves this desirable selectivity. In an attempt to understand the mechanism of this reaction, solid-state structures of anthracene derivatives have been obtained. In addition, the inhibition of lipid peroxidation in model membranes was determined as was their ability to inhibit the telomere-addition function of the human telomerase enzyme together with their inhibition of the Taq polymerase enzyme. In contrast to (+)-alpha-tocopherol, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3g, and 3i do not enhance lipid peroxidation in model membranes. Implications for 9-acyloxy 1,5-dichloroanthracene analogues as potential anticancer agents are discussed.

Acylation↗

PubMed2001

Treatment of intractable generalized dystonia by bilateral posteroventral pallidotomy--one-year results.

BACKGROUND: Recent study has revealed that bilateral posteroventral pallidotomy (PVP) significantly improve dystonic movements and improve motor function of those patients with generalized dystonia (GD). However, there is only a limited number of patients who have been reported so far. METHODS: This study was conducted to evaluate the clinical efficacy of surgical treatment with bilateral PVP on patients with intractable GD. All the studied patients were regularly rated with standardized scales (Burke-Fahn-Marsden Evaluation Scale for Dystonia) for dystonic movement and living disability before and after surgery. RESULTS: There were 18 patients, 8 males and 10 females with an average age of 24.8 years, included in the study. Postoperatively, there were slow, partial, but steady improvements of the dystonic movement and daily living function. Maximal effects were noted at the sixth month and the clinical benefits were sustained one year after the surgical treatment when there were statistically significant improvements in 13% of total dystonia movement score and 9% of the total disability score (p < 0.05). Upon further analysis, improvements of dystonic movements were statistically significant in the regions of mouth (50%), speech/swallowing (19%) and neck (43%), and daily living functions in speech (14%) and eating/swallowing (29%). CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral posteroventral pallidotomy was only partially effective for the treatment of GD, and it produced clinical improvement in the dystonic movement limited to the craniocervical region. We therefore suggest that patients with GD should be carefully selected for the treatment of bilateral posteroventral pallidotomy, despite the surgery having a partially beneficial effect on this kind of movement.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

Lithopedion.

Lithopedion is a rare obstetrical outcome of an undiagnosed and untreated advanced abdominal pregnancy, mostly found incidentally. We present a case of lithopedion. In a 76 year-old female suffering from cervical neoplasm, total abdominal hysterectomy was performed for the lesion and the lithopedion was found incidentally. The patient's history was unremarkable, and laboratory tests were normal. The patient recalled having experienced a severe abdominal pain about 50 years before. Her physician had felt "a benign tumor" in her pelvis at that time, indicating that the stone child had retained in the maternal peritoneal cavity for 50 years.

Female↗

PubMed2001

[Studies on the sex difference in proteins between male and female adult worm of Schistosoma japonicum].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the sex difference in proteins between male and female adult worm of Schistosoma japonicum. METHODS: Two-electrophoresis was used to analyse the difference of protein between the male and female adult worm of S. japonicum (Chinese strain). RESULTS: Two-dimensional electrophoresis analysis revealed that at the site of 43 kDa and an isoelectric point (pI) of 5.60-5.90 the male worm exhibited a band carrying a number of spots and dots, being longer and wider than that exhibited by the female worm. The female worm exhibited 7 specific dots. CONCLUSION: The sex differences in proteins between male and female adult worms of S. japonicum are significant.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Characteristics of heavy metals on particles with different sizes from municipal solid waste incineration.

Information on the concentration and size distribution of particles in the flue gas streams is essential for selecting and designing particle removal systems. Two municipal solid waste incinerators (MWIs) were selected for conducting flue gas sampling to determine the particulate distribution and heavy metals concentration on particles with different sizes by US EPA Method 5 sampling train and a cascade impactor. In addition, the characteristics of heavy metals contained on particles were investigated via isokinetic sampling of flue gas stream of air pollution control devices (APCDs). The experimental results indicated that average particulate matter (PM) concentrations at APCDs inlet were 2288.2+/-825.9 and 3069.2+/-810. 0mg/Nm(3), while the concentrations of PM at stack were 1.51+/-0.20 and 14.81+/-4.52mg/Nm(3) in MWI-A and MWI-B, respectively. The differential mass size distribution of PM and differential elemental size distribution of Zn, Pb, and Cu in front of APCDs were of bimodal forms. Results indicate that Zn>Pb>Cu in order of mass concentration in each stage. The fine particles represent approximately 70% and the coarse particles account for the rest 30% of total particulate matters collected on eight stages for both incinerators. Zn, Pb and Cu on fine particles account for approximately 80% and those on the coarse particles are less than 20% of the total heavy metals collected on eight stages of the cascade impactor for both incinerators.

Air Pollutants↗

PubMed2000

Telomere-binding and Stn1p-interacting activities are required for the essential function of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Cdc13p.

Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae Cdc13p is the telomere-binding protein that protects telomeres and regulates telomere length. It is documented that Cdc13p binds specifically to single-stranded TG(1-3) telomeric DNA sequences and interacts with Stn1p. To localize the region for single-stranded TG(1-3) DNA binding, Cdc13p mutants were constructed by deletion mutagenesis and assayed for their binding activity. Based on in vitro electrophoretic mobility shift assay, a 243-amino-acid fragment of Cdc13p (amino acids 451-693) was sufficient to bind single-stranded TG(1-3) with specificity similar to that of the native protein. Consistent with the in vitro observation, in vivo one-hybrid analysis also indicated that this region of Cdc13p was sufficient to localize itself to telomeres. However, the telomere-binding region of Cdc13p (amino acids 451-693) was not capable of complementing the growth defects of cdc13 mutants. Instead, a region comprising the Stn1p-interacting and telomere-binding region of Cdc13p (amino acids 252-924) complemented the growth defects of cdc13 mutants. These results suggest that binding to telomeres by Cdc13p is not sufficient to account for the cell viability, interaction with Stn1p is also required. Taken together, we have defined the telomere-binding domain of Cdc13p and showed that both binding to telomeres and Stn1p by Cdc13p are required to maintain cell growth.

Cyclin B↗

PubMed2000

Tropomodulin-binding site mapped to residues 7-14 at the N-terminal heptad repeats of tropomyosin isoform 5.

Tropomodulin is a globular protein that caps the pointed end of actin filaments by complexing with the N-terminus of a tropomyosin (TM) molecule. TM consists of coiled coils except for the N-terminus, which may be globular. Here we report that human TM isoform 5 (hTM5) lacking the N-terminal 18 residues lost its binding activity toward tropomodulin. We further characterized the tropomodulin-binding site by creating a series of deletion and missense mutations within this region, followed by a solid-phase binding assay. I7, V10, and I14, hydrophobic residues located at the a and d positions of N-terminal heptad repeats involving intertwine, are essential for tropomodulin binding. R12, a positively charged residue at the f position, is also involved in recognition. In contrast, A2R and G3Y mutations, each creating a bulky N-terminus, did not alter the binding. In addition, rat TM5b, which differs from hTM5 in residues 4-6, exhibits a similar binding affinity. The tropomodulin-binding site, therefore, is mapped to residues 7-14 at the beginning of the long heptad repeats. Column chromatography revealed that hTM5 mutants remained capable of dimerization. Results also suggest tropomodulin has a groove-type, rather than a cavity-type, binding site for hTM5. We also mapped the epitope of monoclonal antibody LC1 to residues 4-10 of hTM5 and showed the competition between mAb LC1 and tropomodulin in hTM5 binding. Since the N-terminal residues need to overlap with the C-terminus of TM in their head-to-tail association, this investigation elucidates the mechanisms by which the tropomodulin-hTM5 complex is formed and functions in regulating the actin filaments.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2000

Identification of cis elements in the cardiac troponin T gene conferring specific expression in cardiac muscle of transgenic mice.

To investigate the underlying mechanism regulating cardiac gene expression, transgenic mice carrying the rat cardiac troponin T proximal promoter (-497 bp from the transcriptional start site) fused to a LacZ or chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter gene were analyzed. The LacZ expression pattern throughout development was very similar to that of the endogenous cardiac troponin T gene. Within this promoter, a high degree of sequence homology was found at 2 sites, modules D (-335 to -289 bp) and F (-249 to -209 bp). Both regions contain at least a TCTG(G/C) direct repeat and an A/T-rich site, whereas only the F module has a muscle enhancer factor 2 (MEF2)-like motif. No significant decrease in CAT transgene expression was observed when only the MEF2 core sequence was mutated. However, when the MEF2 core sequence and its flanking TCTGG site were mutated (Mut5), CAT transgene expression was significantly decreased in the heart, and ectopic expression of the transgene was also observed. When mutations were introduced into this promoter to destroy all upstream TCTG(G/C) direct repeats in the D module (MutD), CAT expression remained cardiac specific, but the expression level was dramatically decreased. Relaxation of cardiac-specific transgene expression became even more severe in transgenic mice carrying double mutations (Mut[D+5]). In addition, CAT activity in the heart was nearly abolished. These results suggest that D and F modules have an additive function in determining the level of expression in the heart and only the F module confers cardiac-specific expression.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Tropomyosin isoform 5b is expressed in human erythrocytes: implications of tropomodulin-TM5 or tropomodulin-TM5b complexes in the protofilament and hexagonal organization of membrane skeletons.

The human erythrocyte membrane skeleton consists of hexagonal lattices with junctional complexes containing F-actin protofilaments of approximately 33-37 nm in length. We hypothesize that complexes formed by tropomodulin, a globular capping protein at the pointed end of actin filaments, and tropomyosin (TM), a rod-like molecule of approximately 33-35 nm, may contribute to the formation of protofilaments. We have previously cloned the human tropomodulin complementary DNA and identified human TM isoform 5 (hTM5), a product of the gamma-TM gene, as one of the major TM isoforms in erythrocytes. We now identify TM5b, a product of the alpha-TM gene, to be the second major TM isoform. TM5a, the alternatively spliced isoform of the alpha-TM gene, which differs by 1 exon and has a weaker actin-binding affinity, however, is not present. TM4, encoded by the delta-TM gene, is not present either. In sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, hTM5 comigrated with the slower TM major species in erythrocyte membranes, and hTM5b comigrated with the faster TM major species. TM5b, like TM5, binds strongly to tropomodulin, more so than other TM isoforms. The 2 major TM isoforms, therefore, share several common features: They have 248 residues, are approximately 33-35 nm long, and have high affinities toward F-actin and tropomodulin. These common features may be the key to the mechanism by which protofilaments are formed. Tropomodulin-TM5 or tropomodulin-TM5b complexes may stabilize F-actin in segments of approximately 33-37 nm during erythroid terminal differentiation and may, therefore, function as a molecular ruler. TM5 and TM5b further define the hexagonal geometry of the skeletal network and allow actin-regulatory functions of TMs to be modulated by tropomodulin. (Blood. 2000;95:1473-1480)

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2000

Forced expression of a dominant-negative chimeric tropomyosin causes abnormal motile behavior during cell division.

Forced expression of the chimeric human fibroblast tropomyosin 5/3 (hTM5/3) in CHO cell was previously shown to affect cytokinesis [Warren et al., 1995: J. Cell Biol. 129:697-708]. To further investigate the phenotypic consequences of misexpression, we have compared mitotic spindle organization and dynamic 2D and 3D shape changes during mitosis in normal cells and in a hTM5/3 misexpressing (mutant) cell line. Immunofluorescence microscopy of wild type and mutant cells stained with monoclonal anti-tubulin antibody revealed that the overall structures of mitotic spindles were not significantly different. However, the axis of the mitotic spindle in mutant cells was more frequently misaligned with the long axis of the cell than that of wild type cells. To assess behavioral differences during mitosis, wild type and mutant cells were reconstructed in 2D and 3D and motion analyzed with the computer-assisted 2D and 3D Dynamic Image Analysis Systems (2D-DIAS, 3D-DIAS). Mutant cells abnormally formed large numbers of blebs during the later stages of mitosis and took longer to proceed from the start of anaphase to the start of cytokinesis. Furthermore, each mutant cell undergoing mitosis exhibited greater shape complexity than wild type cells, and in every case lifted one of the two evolving daughter cells off the substratum and abnormally twisted. These results demonstrate that misexpression of hTM5/3 in CHO cells leads to morphological instability during mitosis. Misexpression of hTM5/3 interferes with normal tropomyosin function, suggesting in turn that tropomyosin plays a role through its interaction with actin microfilaments in the regulation of the contractile ring, in the localized suppression of blebbing, in the maintenance of polarity and spatial symmetry during cytokinesis, and in cell spreading after cytokinesis is complete.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Sorting of tropomyosin isoforms in synchronised NIH 3T3 fibroblasts: evidence for distinct microfilament populations.

The nonmuscle actin cytoskeleton consists of multiple networks of actin microfilaments. Many of these filament systems are bound by the actin-binding protein tropomyosin (Tm). We investigated whether Tm isoforms could be cell cycle regulated during G0 and G1 phases of the cell cycle in synchronised NIH 3T3 fibroblasts. Using Tm isoform-specific antibodies, we investigated protein expression levels of specific Tms in G0 and G1 phases and whether co-expressed isoforms could be sorted into different compartments. Protein levels of Tms 1, 2, 5a, 6, from the alpha Tm(fast) and beta-Tm genes increased approximately 2-fold during mid-late G1. Tm 3 levels did not change appreciably during G1 progression. In contrast, Tm 5NM gene isoform levels (Tm 5NM-1-11) increased 2-fold at 5 h into G1 and this increase was maintained for the following 3 h. However, Tm 5NM-1 and -2 levels decreased by a factor of three during this time. Comparison of the staining of the antibodies CG3 (detects all Tm 5NM gene products), WS5/9d (detects only two Tms from the Tm 5NM gene, Tm 5NM-1 and -2) and alpha(f)9d (detects specific Tms from the alpha Tm(fast) and beta-Tm genes) antibodies revealed 3 spatially distinct microfilament systems. Tm isoforms detected by alpha(f)9d were dramatically sorted from isoforms from the Tm 5NM gene detected by CG3. Tm 5NM-1 and Tm 5NM-2 were not incorporated into stress fibres, unlike other Tm 5NM isoforms, and marked a discrete, punctate, and highly polarised compartment in NIH 3T3 fibroblasts. All microfilament systems, excluding that detected by the WS5/9d antibody, were observed to coalign into parallel stress fibres at 8 h into G1. However, Tms detected by the CG3 and alpha(f)9d antibodies were incorporated into filaments at different times indicating distinct temporal control mechanisms. Microfilaments in NIH 3T3 cells containing Tm 5NM isoforms were more resistant to cytochalasin D-mediated actin depolymerisation than filaments containing isoforms from the alpha Tm(fast) and beta-Tm genes. This suggests that Tm 5NM isoforms may be in different microfilaments to alpha Tm(fast) and beta-Tm isoforms even when present in the same stress fibre. Staining of primary mouse fibroblasts showed identical Tm sorting patterns to those seen in cultured NIH 3T3 cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate that sorting of Tms is not restricted to cultured cells and can be observed in human columnar epithelial cells in vivo. We conclude that the expression and localisation of Tm isoforms are differentially regulated in G0 and G1 phase of the cell cycle. Tms mark multiple microfilament compartments with restricted tropomyosin composition. The creation of distinct microfilament compartments by differential sorting of Tm isoforms is observable in primary fibroblasts, cultured 3T3 cells and epithelial cells in vivo.

3T3 Cells↗

PubMed2000

Stability of human serum albumin during bioprocessing: denaturation and aggregation during processing of albumin paste.

PURPOSE: To assess the impact of various bioprocessing steps on the stability of freshly precipitated human serum albumin (HSA) obtained from pooled human plasma. METHODS: After initial precipitation of HSA from plasma, the resultant paste is either (a) lyophilized or (b) washed with acetone and then air-dried in order to obtain a dry powder. The structure of HSA was examined using Fourier transform infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The extent of aggregation of redissolved HSA was measured using both dynamic light scattering and SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). RESULTS: Both lyophilization and air-drying perturb the secondary structural composition of HSA, as detected by infrared (IR) spectroscopy. Upon dissolution of dried paste, most of the protein refolds to a native-like conformation. However, a small fraction of the protein molecules form soluble aggregates that can be detected by both dynamic light scattering and SDS-PAGE. The level of aggregation is so low that it could not be detected in the bulk by either circular dichroism or IR spectroscopy. The lyophilized protein, which appears to be more unfolded in the solid state than the acetone washed/air-dried material, exhibits a higher level of aggregation upon dissolution. CONCLUSIONS: There is a direct correlation between the extent of unfolding in the solid state and the amount of soluble aggregate present after dissolution. Moreover, the presence of the aggregates persists throughout the remainder of the purification process, which includes dissolution, chromatography, sterile filtration and viral inactivation steps. Analytical methods used to monitor the stability of biopharmaceuticals in the final product can be used to assess damage inflicted during processing of protein pharmaceuticals.

Freeze Drying↗

PubMed2000

Mechanisms of suppression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in RAW 264.7 cells by andrographolide.

Andrographolide, an active component found in leaves of Andrographis paniculata, has been reported to exhibit nitric oxide (NO) inhibitory property in endotoxin-stimulated macrophages, however, the detailed mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study we investigated the effect of andrographolide on the expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) mRNA, protein, and enzyme activity in RAW 264.7 macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) plus interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). RAW 264.7 cells stimulated with LPS/IFN-gamma activated NO production; in this condition andrographolide (1-100 microM) inhibited NO production in a dose-dependent manner with an IC(50) value of 17.4+/-1.1 microM. Andrographolide also reduces the expression of iNOS protein level but without a significant effect on iNOS mRNA. The reduction of iNOS activity is thought to be caused by decreased expression of iNOS protein. In a protein stability assay, andrographolide moderately but significantly reduced the amount of iNOS protein as suggested by accelerating degradation. Furthermore, andrographolide also inhibited total protein de novo synthesis as demonstrated by [(35)S]-methionine incorporation. As a whole, these data suggest that andrographolide inhibits NO synthesis in RAW 264.7 cells by reducing the expression of iNOS protein and the reduction could occur through two additional mechanisms: prevention of the de novo protein synthesis and decreasing the protein stability via a post-transcriptional mechanism. It is also possible that inhibition of iNOS protein expression and NO production under immune stimulation and/or bacteria infection may explain, in part, the beneficial effects of andrographolide as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Autoimmunity in ulcerative colitis (UC): a predominant colonic mucosal B cell response against human tropomyosin isoform 5.

We set out to examine if the IgG-producing cells in the colonic mucosa in UC are committed to tropomyosin isoform 5 (hTM5), a putative autoantigen in UC. Lamina propria mononuclear cells (LPMC) were isolated from colonoscopic biopsy specimens from recto-sigmoid and proximal colon. Twenty-three patients with UC, eight with Crohn's colitis (CC), and 10 non-inflammatory bowel disease (non-IBD) controls were included. The ELISPOT assays were used to quantify lamina propria B cells producing total immunoglobulin (IgA, IgG, IgM), IgG, IgA, as well as IgG against hTM5 isoform. The median value of percentage of total IgG-producing lymphocytes was similar in UC (12%) and CC (11%), but was significantly (P < 0.0002) higher than non-IBD controls (6%). However, in UC, but not in CC and non-IBD, a large number of lamina propria B cells produced IgG against hTM5 (median values: UC 42%, CC 2.5%, non-IBD 0%). This difference in UC when compared with CC and non-IBD was highly significant (P < 0.00001). Twenty-one of 23 (91%) patients with UC had percentage of anti-hTM5 IgG-producing immunocytes more than 2 s. d. above the mean for non-UC patients. In UC but not in CC and non-IBD controls, the increased number of IgG-producing cells are largely committed to produce IgG against hTM5-related epitope(s).

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Detection of plant genes using a rapid, nonorganic DNA purification method.

We have developed a simple procedure for the preparation of plant genomic DNA using FTA paper. Plant leaves were crushed against FTA paper, and the genomic DNA was purified using simple, nonorganic reagents. The 18S rRNA gene and the gene encoding the ribulose-1, 5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large subunit (rbcL) from the chloroplast genome were detected by PCR amplification of DNA on FTA paper. DNA amplification was successful using extracts from 16 dicot and monocot plants. Studies of specific plant extracts revealed that extracts of leaf samples could be collected and stored at room temperature on FTA paper without a decrease in the DNA amplification success rate for more than a month. Both the 18S RNA gene and the rbcL gene were detected in the genomic DNA isolated from various soybean cultivars stored in this manner. Furthermore, by modestly increasing the number of cycles of DNA amplification, we were able to detect the uidA gene in transgenic tobacco and rice leaves as well as a single copy gene linked to the resistance gene of cyst nematode race 3 using genomic DNA isolated on FTA paper. These results demonstrate that genomic DNA isolated using FTA paper can be used for the detection of plant genes, from a wide range of plants with either high or low gene copy number and of either nuclear or cytoplasmic origin.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed2000

Parkinsonism as an initial manifestation of brain tumor.

Parkinsonism secondary to neoplasm is uncommon. We report two patients with bilaterally symmetric parkinsonism as the initial presentation of their brain tumors. The first patient was a 71-year-old woman who presented with a gradual onset of bilateral resting tremor, bradykinesia and rigidity. Computerized tomography (CT) of the brain revealed a large parasagittal tumor in the left frontal lobe. The patient completely recovered from the parkinsonian symptoms after removal of the brain tumor. The second patient, a 74-year-old man with a history of renal cell carcinoma of the right kidney suffered from an insidious onset of bilateral bradykinesia, rigidity and gait difficulty. Cerebral metastasis was noted on the brain CT scan. Early recognition of intracranial tumor as the cause of parkinsonism is important for the management of this type of movement disorder. Moreover, brain CT scanning plays an important role in the differential diagnosis of patients with parkinsonian symptoms.

Aged↗