Cholecystokinin-B/gastrin receptor: a novel molecular probe for human small cell lung cancer

The brain-gut hormones, gastrin and cholecystokinin, have a trophic effect on the gastrointestinal mucosa in vivo and promote the growth of several neoplastic cell lines. In this study, cholecystokinin-B/gastrin receptor has been demonstrated to provide a novel molecular marker for the diagnosis of small cell lung cancer by using biopsy specimens. Physiological expression of the receptor mRNA is detectable in particular areas of the human brain, stomach, and pancreas but not in the lung. The receptor mRNA was detected selectively in all small cell lung cancer (10 cases) with a RT-PCR assay. By contrast, it was detectable in only 1 of 13 squamous cell carcinomas or 21 adenocarcinomas of the lung. Thus, the cholecystokinin-B/gastrin receptor could be an attractive therapeutic target for small cell lung cancer.     

Hydrogenation of carboxylic acids by rhenium-osmium bimetallic catalyst

Hydrogenation of carboxylic acids to alcohols at low temperature and under low pressure was achieved by using a new catalyst system, a rhenium-osmium bimetallic catalyst. The most active catalyst was prepared by the reductionof the corresponding metal oxides with hydrogen in the presence of succinic acid. Decanoic acid was hydrogenated to decanol in high conversions at 25∼100 atm and 100∼120°C. Decane was formed as a by-product by overreduction of the alcohol. The selectivity of alcohol was improved by the addition of thiophene as a modifier of the catalyst.     

Rho and Rab small G proteins coordinately reorganize stress fibers and focal adhesions in MDCK cells

The Rho subfamily of the Rho small G protein family (Rho) regulates formation of stress fibers and focal adhesions in many types of cultured cells. In moving cells, dynamic and coordinate disassembly and reassembly of stress fibers and focal adhesions are observed, but the precise mechanisms in the regulation of these processes are poorly understood. We previously showed that 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) first induced disassembly of stress fibers and focal adhesions followed by their reassembly in MDCK cells. The reassembled stress fibers showed radial-like morphology that was apparently different from the original. We analyzed here the mechanisms of these TPA-induced processes. Rho inactivation and activation were necessary for the TPA-induced disassembly and reassembly, respectively, of stress fibers and focal adhesions. Both inactivation and activation of the Rac subfamily of the Rho family (Rac) inhibited the TPA-induced reassembly of stress fibers and focal adhesions but not their TPA-induced disassembly. Moreover, microinjection or transient expression of Rab GDI, a regulator of all the Rab small G protein family members, inhibited the TPA-induced reassembly of stress fibers and focal adhesions but not their TPA-induced disassembly, indicating that, furthermore, activation of some Rab family members is necessary for their TPA-induced reassembly. Of the Rab family members, at least Rab5 activation was necessary for the TPA-induced reassembly of stress fibers and focal adhesions. The TPA-induced, small G protein-mediated reorganization of stress fibers and focal adhesions was closely related to the TPA-induced cell motility. These results indicate that the Rho and Rab family members coordinately regulate the TPA-induced reorganization of stress fibers and focal adhesions that may cause cell motility.     

The art of sword making ‐ quality and beauty of Japanese swords

A history of more than 1000 years characterizes the Japanese sword. It served as weapon as well as symbol of power and authority. It is reported about the classification, the origin and the development of Japanese swords. Different designs of the blades are described. The special beauty of the swords is mentioned. The traditional manufacture of Japanese swords is presented, where details of the choice of material, the forging technique, the heat treatment, and the surface handling are described. The most important property of a sword is the quality of the blade stressed as an optimum combination of hardness and toughness.     

A case report of ulcerative colitis complicated with protein losing enteropathy and colon cancer in a young female

AIMS: To assess the ability of dobutamine echocardiography to detect multivessel coronary artery disease and to determine predictive factors for multivessel disease with or without beta-blockers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 101 patients underwent dobutamine stress echocardiography and coronary angiography (evaluation of chest pain 76, extent of coronary disease after myocardial infarction 19, other indications 6). RESULTS: Ten patients in whom the test was prematurely terminated were excluded. Out of 91 patients who underwent dobutamine echocardiography, 54 patients had multivessel disease (sensitivity of dobutamine test 93%, specificity 46%). Heart rate at the maximum dose of dobutamine or atropine was 88 +/- 21 beats/min for multivessel diseases and 104 +/- 21 beats/min without multivessel disease (p < 0.001). A cut-off value < 94 beats/min discriminated patients at risk for multivessel disease. After adjusting for treatment with beta-blockers, heart rate < 94 beats/min, ECG signs of ischemia, and abnormalities on baseline echocardiogram with remote asynergies during dobutamine testing were independent predictors of multivessel disease in the multivariate analysis (probability > 90% when at least two factors were present). CONCLUSION: A heart rate < 94 beats/min at peak dose of dobutamine or after atropine, ECG signs of ischemia, and the presence of abnormalities on echocardiogram at rest with remote asynergies during dobutamine stress testing were independent predictive factors of multivessel coronary artery disease.     

A convenient synthesis of long-chain 1-O-Alkyl glyceryl ethers

A convenient and economical procedure for synthesis of long-chain 1-O-alkyl glyceryl ethers (V) is described. Alkyl glycidyl ethers (II) which were derived from the reaction of alcohols (I) with epichlorohydrin using a phase transfer catalyst were first converted into the corresponding dioxolanes (III) or 1-O-alkyl-2,3-di-O-acetylglycerols (IV). Subsequent hydrolysis of the resultant products provided 1-O-alkyl glyceryl ethers (V) in high yields.