A novel RNA polymerase III transcription factor fraction that is not required for template commitment.

Abstract We have identified and partially characterized a novel class III transcription factor fraction (TFIIIE) from yeast nuclear extracts. TFIIIE is functionally distinct from the standard yeast transcription factor fractions, TFIIIB and TFIIIC. It is also different from either of the TFIIIB subfractions, B' and B". TFIIIE is essential for specific transcription of both tRNA and 5 S RNA genes, its activity is sensitive to proteinase K, and it exhibits an apparent sedimentation coefficient of 4.0 S when analyzed on glycerol gradients. In the case of a tRNA gene, TFIIIE does not play a role in the formation of stable preinitiation complexes containing TFIIIB and TFIIIC. It is required for single as well as multiple rounds of transcription, however. Thus, TFIIIE is involved in the utilization of stable transcription complexes, but its action is not restricted to reinitiation events

Functional Induction of the Cystine-Glutamate Exchanger System Xc- Activity in SH-SY5Y Cells by Unconjugated Bilirubin

We have previously reported that exposure of SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells to unconjugated bilirubin (UCB) resulted in a marked up-regulation of the mRNA encoding for the Na+ -independent cystine∶glutamate exchanger System Xc− (SLC7A11 and SLC3A2 genes). In this study we demonstrate that SH-SY5Y cells treated with UCB showed a higher cystine uptake due to a significant and specific increase in the activity of System Xc−, without the contribution of the others two cystine transporters (XAG− and GGT) reported in neurons. The total intracellular glutathione content was 2 folds higher in the cells exposed to bilirubin as compared to controls, suggesting that the internalized cystine is used for gluthathione synthesis. Interestingly, these cells were significantly less sensitive to an oxidative insult induced by hydrogen peroxide. If System Xc− is silenced the protection is lost. In conclusion, these results suggest that bilirubin can modulate the gluthathione levels in neuroblastoma cells through the induction of the System Xc−, and this renders the cell less prone to oxidative damage

Comparison between Bilistick System and transcutaneous bilirubin in assessing total bilirubin serum concentration in jaundiced newborns

Objective:To compare the performance and accuracy of the JM-103 transcutaneous bilirubinometer and Bilistick System in measuring total serum bilirubin for the early identification of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.Study Design:The study was performed on 126 consecutive term and near-term (â(c) 3/436 weeks' gestational age) jaundiced newborns in Cairo University Children Hospital NICU, Egypt. Total serum bilirubin was assayed concurrently by the clinical laboratory and Bilistick System and estimated using the JM-103 transcutaneous bilirubin instrument. Bland-Altman analysis was used to evaluate the agreement between determinations.Result:The limits of agreement of the Bilistick System (â '5.8 to 3.3 mg dl-1) and JM-103 system (-5.4 to 6.0 mg dl â '1) versus the clinical laboratory results were similar.Conclusion:The Bilistick System is an accurate alternative to transcutaneous (TcB) determination for early diagnosis and proper management of the neonatal jaundice

Neonatal jaundice in low- and middle-income countries : lessons and future directions from the 2015 Don Ostrow Trieste Yellow Retreat

Severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, defined as total serum bilirubin (TSB) ≥20 mg/dl, is associated with a higher risk of permanent neurological sequelae and death. Jaundice can and should be promptly diagnosed and treated. Reliable methods for TSB assay are not always readily available, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, making the true incidence of severe neonatal jaundice (NNJ) difficult to estimate. To gather a more comprehensive picture, a symposium addressing NNJ worldwide was organized during the 2015 Don Ostrow Trieste Yellow Retreat. Data collected by several researchers in different regions of the world were presented and differences/similarities discussed. This report points out the need for: (1) a coordinated worldwide effort to define the burden and the causes of severe NNJ and its consequences; (2) aggressive educational programs for families and health personnel to facilitate timely care-seeking, and (3) accurate diagnostics and effective phototherapy.9 page(s

Diagnostic Performance Analysis of the Point-of-Care Bilistick System in Identifying Severe Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia by a Multi-Country ApproachResearch in context

Importance: The real prevalence and clinical burden of severe neonatal jaundice are undefined due to difficulties in measuring total serum bilirubin (TSB) outside secondary and tertiary clinical centers. Objective: To assess the diagnostic performance of the point-of care Bilistick System (BS) in identifying neonatal jaundice patients requiring treatment. Design: Between April 2015 and November 2016, 1911 neonates, were recruited to participate in the study. Blood samples were simultaneously collected for the TSB determination by BS and by hospital laboratory (Lab). Data were collected and sent to the Bilimetrix headquarter in Trieste where statistical analysis was performed. Newborns with neonatal jaundice were treated with phototherapy according to each center's guidelines. Setting: 17 hospitals from Nigeria, Egypt, Indonesia, and Viet Nam. Participants: 1911 newborns were included, of which 1458 (76·3%) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Results: TSB level measured by BS agreed (p < .0001) with the lab result in all four countries. The diagnostic performance of BS showed a positive predictive value (PPV) of 92·5% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 92·8%. Conclusions and Relevance: BS is a reliable system to detect neonatal jaundice over a wide range of bilirubin levels. Since Bilistick is a point-of-care test, its use may provide appropriate and timely identification of jaundiced newborns requiring treatment. Keywords: Neonatal jaundice, Severe hyperbilirubinemia, Neonatal screening, Bilirubin, Bilistick System, Point-of-care system, Diagnostic accuracy study, STARD, Low-medium income countrie

Diagnostic Performance Analysis of the Point-of-Care Bilistick System in Identifying Severe Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia by a Multi-Country Approach

Importance: The real prevalence and clinical burden of severe neonatal jaundice are undefined due to difficulties in measuring total serum bilirubin (TSB) outside secondary and tertiary clinical centers. Objective: To assess the diagnostic performance of the point-of care Bilistick System (BS) in identifying neonatal jaundice patients requiring treatment. Design: Between April 2015 and November 2016, 1911 neonates, were recruited to participate in the study. Blood samples were simultaneously collected for the TSB determination by BS and by hospital laboratory (Lab). Data were collected and sent to the Bilimetrix headquarter in Trieste where statistical analysis was performed. Newborns with neonatal jaundice were treated with phototherapy according to each center's guidelines. Setting: 17 hospitals from Nigeria, Egypt, Indonesia, and Viet Nam. Participants: 1911 newborns were included, of which 1458 (76·3%) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Results: TSB level measured by BS agreed (p &lt; .0001) with the lab result in all four countries. The diagnostic performance of BS showed a positive predictive value (PPV) of 92·5% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 92·8%. Conclusions and Relevance: BS is a reliable system to detect neonatal jaundice over a wide range of bilirubin levels. Since Bilistick is a point-of-care test, its use may provide appropriate and timely identification of jaundiced newborns requiring treatment