Cytosolic thioredoxin from Ruditapes philippinarum: molecular cloning, characterization, expression and DNA protection activity of the recombinant protein

Thioredoxin (TRx) is a small redox protein that plays significant roles in protection against oxidative stress and in cell homeostasis by maintaining oxidized proteins in a reduced state. Here, we describe the isolation and characterization of a full-length TRx cDNA sequence from manila clam, Ruditapes philippinarum and named it as RpTRx. The full length sequence consists of 1416 bp with an open reading frame of 318 bp encoding for 106 amino acids. RpTRx protein harbors evolutionarily-conserved TRx active site ³²WCGPC³⁶. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a close proximity of RpTRx with the orthologue in Japanese scallop, Chlamys farreri. RpTRx was found to be constitutively expressed in hemocyte, gill, mantle, foot and siphon indicating a general role in physiological processes in various tissues. With regard to a potential role in immune responses, the RpTRx mRNA was found to be up-regulated in hemocytes after bacterial (Vibrio tapetis) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge at 3 h post-infection (p.i.); a wavering increase was observed up to 96 h p.i. for LPS challenge and 48 h p.i. for bacterial challenge. Thus, RpTRx may function as an intracellular antioxidant to protect the cells against ROS induced by LPS and bacterial challenges. Indeed, when recombinant RpTRx protein (rRpTRx) was over-expressed in Escherichiacoli Rosetta gami^TM (DE3) cells, it was able to scavenge free radicals and protect super-coiled DNA from oxidative damage induced by a metal-ion catalyzed oxidation reaction. In summary, RpTRx plays an essential role in cellular defense and maintenance of homeostasis in the manila clam.     

Oblique radiographs compared favorably with computed tomography images in assessing cervical foraminal area

Oblique radiographs are often ordered to evaluate the patency of cervical intervertebral foramina. Previous studies have shown that computed tomography (CT) provides accurate measurements of foraminal dimensions. Up until now, no study has directly compared the diagnostic utility of oblique radiographs and CT. We conducted a study to quantify the correlation between cervical foramina dimensions measured on oblique radiographs and on CT scans. Heights, widths, and cross-sectional areas were evaluated at every level from C2-C3 through C7-T1 using both oblique radiographs and oblique CT reconstructions. Both measurements were performed at a 50% oblique angle. Interreliability and intrareliability statistics for radiographs and CT were 0.91 and 0.99 for height, 0.90 and 0.97 for width, and 0.84 and 0.92 for area. Pearson correlation coefficients for height, width, and area were 0.439, 0.871, and 0.899, respectively. Oblique radiographs of the cervical spine provide accurate estimates of intervertebral foraminal dimensions--estimates similar to those generated from CT reconstructions. Thus, these radiographs may serve as an acceptable first-line imaging study for initial assessment of patients suspected of having nerve root compression that precludes the higher cost and radiation exposure associated with CT scans.     

Perfusion lung scan as a prognostic indicator of response to beraprost sodium in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To study whether there is any difference in the clinical characteristics between the two patterns of perfusion lung scan of idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (normal vs. diffuse, multiple ill-defined defects) and whether the perfusion lung scan patterns of these patients would predict the effect of long-term use of beraprost sodium. METHODS: We evaluated 27 patients who used beraprost sodium for over 3 months, and noted a diffuse patchy pattern in 13 cases and a normal pattern in the remaining 14 cases. We judged that beraprost sodium was effective when at least two of the following conditions were met: improvement in symptom of dyspnea, more than 10% decrease in peak velocity of tricuspid valve regurgitation by echocardiography (Vmax), or more than 10% increase in 6-min walking distance. RESULTS: At baseline there was no difference between the two groups in dyspnea, hemodynamic parameters, and 6-min walking distance. After the use of beraprost sodium, the normal group showed improvement in dyspnea, 6-min walking distance, and Vmax. But the diffuse patchy group showed no improvement. The use of beraprost sodium in the normal group was effective in 10 out of 14 cases, but was effective in only two out of 13 cases in the diffuse patchy group. CONCLUSION: Perfusion lung scan pattern in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension is a useful prognostic indicator of the response to beraprost sodium.     

A Case of Leclercia adecarboxylata Endocarditis in a Woman With Endometrial Cancer

Leclercia adecarboxylata, a motile, gram-negative bacillus of the enterobacteriaceae family, is rarely recovered as a pathogen. We report an exceptionally rare case of L. adecarboxylata endocarditis complicated by embolization of the kidney and spleen in a 48-year-old woman with endometrial cancer. After 4 weeks of antimicrobial treatment, she recovered without sequelae.