Two distinct polypeptides may be translated from a single spliced mRNA of the X genes of human T-cell leukemia and bovine leukemia viruses

AbstractHuman T-cell leukemia and bovine leukemia viruses have a potential transforming gene, termed X. In addition to the major open reading frame known to encode a functional protein, the X gene harbors another short open reading frame which overlaps this major one. Both of these open reading frames are found on a single spliced X mRNA in a potentially functional form. Circumstantial evidence strongly suggests that they are both translated from the single X mRNA molecule, showing striking similarity to the translation mechanism of an adenovirus Elb gene mRNA. We note that the short open reading frame has the capability to encode a putative nuclear protein with structural features similar to those of an AIDS virus trans-acting protein

Identification of a developmentally regulated gene in the mouse central nervous system which encodes a novel proline rich protein

A full length cDNA whose corresponding mRNA is down-regulated during the mouse embryonic brain development was isolated. The cDNA contains a single long open reading frame which could encode a protein with relative molecular mass of 41 kDa. The predicted gene product contains long stretches of prolines towards the NH2-terminus, followed by a leucine/proline rich region. The cDNA probe detected a number of mRNA species in Northern blot analysis. The reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis of mRNA from adult mouse tissues indicated that heart and testis expressed this gene (named NDPP-1) at relatively high levels, while lower levels of mRNA were detected in a number of other tissues. Expression of NDPP-1 was also detected in embryonic carcinoma and pheochromocytoma cell lines, but not in fibroblasts. The cDNA hybridized to genomic DNA from several vertebrates species in Southern blot analysis indicating interspecies conservation of this gene. The interesting pattern of expression of the NDPP-1 gene during mouse brain development and the structure of its putative protein product indicate that this gene may play an important biological role in the development of mouse central nervous system.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/29785/1/0000124.pd

Successful cricothyrotomy for emergency airway management : a case report

A ６０ year-old male was brought to our emergency department by ambulance due to sudden onset of dyspnea. On examination, he was in coma since his level of consciousness decreased during transport, blood pressure was １９９／１１１mmHg, heart rate was１００ beats per minute, respirations were １０ per minute, blood oxygen saturation level（SpO２）was１００％ via assisted ventilation with Bag-Valve-Mask, and stridor was heard on auscultation. Those findings indicated airway emergency and endotracheal intubation was required. However, attempts at intubation were unsuccessful due to restriction of mouth opening. Muscle relaxant was then given to perform rapid sequence intubation, which caused vomiting. Failure to ventilation and intubation resulted in cardiopulmonary arrest. Chest compression was started immediately and decision for cricothyrotomy was made. １０ minute after cricothyrotomy, he revived. Subsequently, systemic management including therapeutic normothermia was performed at intensive care unit, then he regained consciousness. He was discharged １ month after admission

Requirement of Cell–Cell Contact in the Induction of Jurkat T Cell Apoptosis: The Membrane-Anchored but Not Soluble Form of FasL Can Trigger Anti-CD3-Induced Apoptosis in Jurkat T Cells

Fas ligand (FasL) has been shown to be processed by the action of certain metalloproteinase and released from the cell surface. However, it is unclear whether death of Fas-sensitive target cells is mediated by a membrane-bound form of FasL (mFasL) or by a soluble form of FasL (sFasL). In the present study, we demonstrated that JCaM, a p56lck-deficient mutant of Jurkat, underwent Fas-dependent apoptosis only upon physical contact with anti-CD3-stimulated Jurkat cells or with human FasL- expressing transfectant (hFas/L5178Y). Recombinant FasL or sFasL-containing supernatant failed to induce apoptosis in both Jurkat and JCaM. Moreover, addition of a metalloproteinase inhibitor, which led to the accumulation of mFasL in hFas/L5178Y, was found to augment apoptosis in both Jurkat and JCaM. These findings indicate that, in a physiologic setting represented by the activation-induced cell death in Jurkat T cells, cell–cell contact appears to be required for the induction of Fas-mediated killing