A restatement and modification of Wells-Hering's laws of visual direction

The laws of visual direction proposed by Wells some 200 years ago and Hering over 100 years ago are restated as three laws with the terminology of these two pioneers. This restatement serves both to honour their work and to strengthen some of the weaknesses in their original treatises. Second, two simple experiments, or tests of the laws, which the readers can readily perform by using their fingers as stimuli, are illustrated. Third, one of the three laws is modified to incorporate recent findings. Fourth, two recent experiments relevant to these new laws are described briefly, and their theoretical and methodological implications are discussed.

Cathestatins, new cysteine protease inhibitors produced by Penicillium citrinum

New cysteine protease inhibitors, named cathestatin A and B, have been discovered as metabolites of Penicillium citrinum. Cathestatins were found to be decarbamidoyl analogs of estatins and showed a specific inhibition for cysteine proteases. Cathestatins suppressed parathyroid hormone (PTH)-stimulated 45Ca release in organ cultures of chick embryonic calvaria.

Increased protein tyrosine-phosphorylation in primary T-cells transduced with Tax1 of human T-cell leukemia virus type I

Protein tyrosine-phosphorylation in primary human T-cells transduced with Tax1 of Human T-cell leukemia virus type I was investigated. In comparison with control T-cells, the level of protein tyrosine-phosphorylation after stimulation with anti-CD3 antibody increased significantly in Tax1-transduced T-cells. This enhancement in tyrosine-phosphorylation possibly accounted for the augmented proliferation response of these cells, which has been reported previously [J. Virol. 67 (1993) 1211-1217].

Subpressor dose of angiotensin II increases susceptibility to the haemodynamic injury of blood pressure in Dahl salt-sensitive rats

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of subpressor doses of angiotensin II (Ang II) on the progression of renal injuries in Dahl salt-sensitive (Dahl-S) rats with hypertension.

METHODS

Rats were fed a high-salt (4% NaCl) diet and given an Ang II infusion (10 or 50 ng/kg per min, subcutaneously) for 4 weeks.

RESULTS

The plasma Ang II concentration achieved in the high-dose Ang II infusion was lower than that in low-salt (0.3% NaCl) normotensive rats. The Ang II infusion did not affect systolic blood pressure, cardiac hypertrophy or weight of thoracic aorta. However, the high-dose Ang II infusion increased proteinuria by 58%, enhanced the urinary N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminase index by 77% and reduced the glomerular filtration rate by 37%. The impaired renal function was associated with a progression of glomerulosclerotic lesions. Neither tubular nor arterial lesions were exacerbated. The infusion did not influence prostacyclin production or urinary cyclic GMP excretion.

CONCLUSION

A subpressor dose of Ang II infusion impairs renal function with progression of glomerulosclerosis, and these alterations may be due to increased susceptibility of the glomerulus in Dahl-S rats to Ang II-induced injuries. Such a mechanism might underlie a predisposition to hypertension-induced organ damage seen in Dahl-S rats with salt-induced hypertension.

Helicobacter pylori infection, serum pepsinogen level and gastric cancer: a case-control study in Japan

We conducted a case-control study to evaluate the effect of Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection on the risk of gastric cancer in Tokyo, Japan. The sera at the time of diagnosis from 282 gastric cancer cases and 767 sex- and age-matched cancer-free controls were tested for the presence of anti-HP IgG antibody (HM-CAP ELISA kit) and serum pepsinogen (PG) level (PG I and PG II Riabead). No significant association was observed in all sets [matched odds ratio (OR) = 1.04, 95% confidence interval: 0.73-1.49]. In subgroup analyses, however, an association was suggested in females [OR = 1.57], a younger population (< 50 years) [OR = 1.86], early cancer [OR = 1.53] and small cancer (< 40 mm) [OR = 1.55]. Furthermore, we observed a tendency for odds ratios to decrease with an increase in age or cancer growth (depth of tumor invasion and tumor size). Considering that the spontaneous disappearance of HP due to extended mucosal atrophy may lead to these decreasing odds ratios, we applied the conditional logistic model adjusted for the PG I/II ratio as a measure of atrophic gastritis. This analysis showed a positive association with HP infection in all sets [OR = 1.69; 1.01-2.81], distal cancer [OR = 1.88; 1.07-3.31] and intestinal-type cancer [OR = 3.76; 1.39-10.18]. We concluded that the risk of cancer associated with HP infection may be underestimated in studies with cross-sectional exposure because of spontaneous disappearance of HP due to extended mucosal atrophy.

Aneurysms of the digital artery: a review and report of three cases

Aneurysms of the digital artery are rare. Since 1980, we have treated three traumatic aneurysms of the digital artery. There were two lesions of the common palmar digital artery and one of the ulnar pollicis artery. One case was caused by a traumatic laceration with a kitchen knife, and two cases were caused by repetitive microtrauma. On histologic examination, there were two true aneurysms and one false aneurysm. Two cases were treated by excision only, and one case was treated by excision and reanastomosis. The operating microscope was useful during neurolysis, excision of the aneurysm, and vascular anastomosis.

Pharmacology of descending noradrenergic systems in relation to motor function

The function of descending noradrenergic systems in the spinal ventral horn has not been fully elucidated. We have reviewed our own findings and those of others relating to motor function of these noradrenergic systems. We studied the effects of adrenergic drugs on spinal reflexes, decerebrate rigidity, and noradrenaline release from the spinal cord in rats, and motoneuron activity in spinal cord slices isolated from adult rats. It was shown that the descending noradrenergic systems were facilitatory to the motor system, and that alpha 1-antagonistic action at the spinal cord and alpha 2-agonistic action at the brainstem inhibited spinal motor activity by blocking spinal alpha 1-receptors and by reducing the release of noradrenaline in the spinal cord, respectively.

Structure determination of biliary metabolites of schizandrin in rat and dog

After oral administration of schizandrin (1) to rat, the bile was collected and treated with beta-glucuronidase and arylsulfatase. Eleven metabolites, SZ-M0 (3), SZ-M1 (4), SZ-M2 (5), SZ-M3 (6), SZ-M4 (7), SZ-M5 (8), SZ-M6 (9), SZ-M7 (10), SZ-M8 (11), SZ-M9 (12) and SZ-M10 (13) were isolated from the bile treated with the enzymes. The bile after oral administration of 1 to dog was collected and treated with enzymes in the same way, and eight metabolites, 3-8, 10 and SZ-MD2 (14) were isolated from the bile treated with enzymes. The structures of these metabolites were determined on the basis of chemical and spectral studies. The major metabolite in the bile of rat was 7 and the major metabolites in the bile of dog were 7 and 14.

A cell type-dependent enhancer core element is located in exon 5 of the human angiotensinogen gene

We have recently characterized a cell type-dependent downstream enhancer that is contained within an 832-bp B2 sequences spanning the exon 5 and 3'-flanking region of the human angiotensinogen gene and have localized one of core elements to a 24-bp region in the 3'-flanking region. In the present study, we functionally dissected the 5'-half of B2 region and identified an additional cell type-dependent enhancer core element composed of the 80-bp sequences (+1399 to +1478) in the exon 5. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays demonstrated that the element interacts with two HepG2 cell-specific and several ubiquitous nuclear factors. These results, together with our previous results, suggest that the 80-bp exon 5 enhancer core element as well as 24-bp region plays an important role in the downstream enhancer effect.

Apparent depth with motion aftereffect and head movement

Coupling a motion aftereffect (MAE) produced by horizontal shearing motion with a lateral head movement yields apparent depth. In experiments 1 and 2, respectively, the magnitude and the decay time of this apparent depth were measured. In experiment 3, it was found that the stimulus that produced an MAE in experiments 1 and 2 failed to do so when it was viewed while the head moved leftward and rightward and depth was seen.

Partial radiocarpal arthrodesis

Eight patients underwent partial radiocarpal arthrodesis for various wrist disorders. There were 5 men and 3 women, whose age at operation ranged from 33 to 59 years with an average of 44 years. The indications for operation included post-traumatic changes secondary to distal radius fracture in 5 cases, Kienböck's disease in 1, Madelung's deformity in 1, and rheumatoid arthritis in 1. Arthrodesis was performed at the radiolunate joint in 5 cases, and at the radioscapholunate joint in 3 cases. In all cases, bone union was obtained within 3 months postoperatively. Postoperative wrist pain disappeared in 6 cases, and decreased in 2 cases. The average postoperative flexion-extension arc of motion was 35 degrees in the radioscapholunate arthrodesis group, and 85 degrees in the radiolunate arthrodesis group. The postoperative grip strength compared with the unaffected hand averaged 51% in the radioscapholunate arthrodesis group, and 68% in the radiolunate arthrodesis group. One patient showed a deterioration in the osteoarthritic change in the midcarpal joint.

Effects of TA-0910, an orally active TRH analog, on the spinal reflex in spinal rats

Effects of TA-0910 (1-methyl-(S)-4,5-dihydroorotyl-L-histidyl-L-prolinamide), a new thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) analog, on spinal reflex potentials and flexor reflexes were compared with those of TRH in C1-spinal rats. Intravenously administered TA-0910 and TRH produced dose-dependent increases in the amplitudes of mono- and polysynaptic reflex potentials and withdrawal flexor reflexes. TA-0910 was more potent and more long-lasting than TRH. The stimulating actions of TA-0910 and TRH on the monosynaptic reflex potential were not antagonized by pretreatment with atropine, cyproheptadine, haloperidol or prazosin, suggesting no involvement of the cholinergic, serotonergic, dopaminergic or noradrenergic system. Intraduodenally administered TA-0910 also produced a lasting potentiation of the withdrawal flexor reflex, but intraduodenally administered TRH showed no effect. These results suggest that TA-0910 may be a more useful drug than TRH for spinal functional disorders.

[Pre-operative screening tests for lung cancer using the analysis of expired gas with exercise testing--principally VO2 max/m2]

The analysis of expired gas with exercise testing was conducted preoperatively with lung cancer patients in order to examine the relationship between maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max) and postoperative complications, determining the cut-off of VO2 max/m2. The usefulness of the test as a preoperative screening test for both pulmonary ventilation and circulation was evaluated in comparison to pulmonary ventilation tests with spirometry and pulmonary circulation tests with Swan-Ganz catheter. Preoperative VO2 max/m2 was calculated from VO2 max in 111 patients with lung cancer who underwent lobectomy of more than one lobe. Also preoperatively conducted were pulmonary ventilation tests by spirometry and pulmonary circulation tests using the Swan-Ganz catheter to measure VC, %VC, FEV1.0, FEV1.0%, mean pulmonary arterial pressure (PPA) and cardiac output coefficient (C.I.). Form theses measurements, VC/m2, FEV1.0/m2 and total pulmonary vascular resistance (TPVR) were calculated. After the cut-off values of VO2 max/m2 were set tentatively at three stages, 600, 650 and 700 ml/min/m2 based on the incidence of postoperative complications, the 111 patients were divided into two groups in each cut-off value; one with VO2 max/m2 greater than the cut-off value and the other less than the cut-off value. Comparison of measurements obtained by spirometry between the two groups disclosed significant differences (p < 0.001) in VC/m2, %VC and FEV1.0/m2 in all cut-off values. Similarly, comparison of measurements obtained using the Swan-Ganz catheter between the two groups yielded significant differences (p < 0.05 to p < 0.01) in PPA and TPVR in all cut-off values.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Visual directions of two stimuli in Panum's limiting case

Visual directions of the two stimuli in Panum's limiting case with different interstimulus and convergence distances confirmed the predictions from the reformulated Wells-Hering's laws of visual direction. In experiment 1, six observers each converged on the midpoint of the interstimulus axis at 30, 60, and 90 cm from the eyes and adjusted a probe on the fixation plane to be in the same visual direction as that of each stimulus. Visual direction of the far stimulus was always nonveridical whereas that of the near stimulus was veridical only when its retinal disparity was small. In experiment 2, three observers each converged on the intersection of mid-sagittal plane and (a) the frontoparallel plane of the near stimulus, (b) that of the midpoint between the two stimuli, or (c) that of the far stimulus. The midpoint of the interstimulus axis was 60 cm from the eyes. Visual direction of the far stimulus was veridical only with convergence at the far plane. Visual direction of the near stimulus was veridical with convergence at the near plane, and also, only when its retinal disparity was small, with convergence at the two other planes.

Fixation disengagement and eye-movement latency

We examined eye-movement latencies to a target that appeared during visual fixation of stationary stimulus, a moving stimulus, or an extrafoveal stimulus. The stimulus at fixation was turned off either before target onset (gap condition) or after target onset (overlap condition). Consistent with previous research, saccadic latencies were shorter in gap conditions than they were in overlap conditions (the gap effect). In Experiment 1, a gap effect was observed for vergence eye movements. In Experiment 2, a gap effect was observed for saccades directed at a target that appeared during visual pursuit of a moving stimulus. In Experiment 3, a gap effect was observed for saccades directed at a target that appeared during extrafoveal fixation. The present results extend reports of the gap effect for saccadic shifts during visual fixation to (a) vergence shifts during visual fixation, (b) saccadic shifts during smooth visual pursuit, and (c) saccadic shifts during extrafoveal fixation. The present findings are discussed with respect to the incompatible goals of fixation-locking and fixation-shifting oculomotor responses.

Mechanistic analysis of renal protection by angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor in Dahl salt-sensitive rats

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether and how renin-angiotensin inhibition attenuates renal injury seen in salt-induced hypertension in Dahl salt-sensitive (Dahl-S) rats.

METHODS

Dahl-S rats fed a high-salt (4% sodium chloride) diet for 6 weeks were treated with the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor alacepril or the angiotensin receptor antagonist losartan for 4 weeks. Functional and morphological alterations in the kidney were investigated.

RESULTS

Alacepril decreased systolic blood pressure (SBP). This SBP reduction was associated with the attenuation of cardiac and aortic wall hypertrophy and that of proteinuria and urinary N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase excretion. Kidney injuries, e.g. glomerular, arterial and tubular damage, were improved with alacepril treatment. Losartan decreased SBP to the same extent as alacepril, but neither renal function nor morphological structure was improved as was the case with alacepril. The response of the renal eicosanoid system to alacepril was inadequate, but cyclic GMP excretion, an indicator of nitric oxide formation, was significantly enhanced and lipid peroxidation in the kidney was decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

The beneficial effects of ACE inhibition on the renal injury in Dahl-S rats outrange those induced by the receptor antagonism. This might be due to multiple factors including an increased vasodepressor eicosanoid system, enhanced nitric oxide formation and possible inhibition of oxygen radical generation in the injured renal tissues.

Renoprotective effect of nisoldipine in rats with severe hypertension

OBJECTIVE

To compare the protective effect against cardiac and renal damage of a beta-blocker, an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor and a calcium antagonist in severely hypertensive rats.

METHODS

Six-week-old male spontaneously hypertensive rats (n = 24) were given 100 mg/kg deoxycorticosterone and a 4% NaCl diet. They were then treated orally with vehicle, atenolol (70 mg/kg), enalapril (5 mg/kg) or nisoldipine (7 mg/kg) for 8 weeks.

RESULTS

Control (vehicle-treated) rats developed marked hypertension after 8 weeks. The antihypertensive effect of the three drugs was similar, as were the reductions achieved in cardiac weight and aortic thickness. However, histological examination revealed that nisoldipine was significantly more effective than the other drugs in reducing renal arteriolar lesions and renal glomerular sclerosis. Only nisoldipine significantly improved plasma creatinine and the glomerular filtration rate.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that calcium antagonists have a renoprotective effect in severely hypertensive rats, which may derive from the inhibition of arteriolar damage and glomerular sclerosis.

Interrelationship between the expression of h-ras p21, C-myc and p53 proteins, and the infection of high-risk human papillomaviruses in Japanese patients with esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma

The presence and distribution of increased expression of H-ras p21 protein, c-myc protein and p53 protein, or of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA were investigated in 42 Japanese patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) by immunohistochemical techniques using each protein antibody, and by in situ hybridization with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labelled DNA. probes for HPV-16 and HPV-18. Eighteen cases were positive with H-ras p21 antibody, but only one with c-myc protein antibody. Positive reaction of the cancer cell nuclei with p53 antibody was found in 14 cases. Among these positive cases with H-ras p21 or p53 antibody, 7 were double positive. In addition, we found positive results in 7 cases with HPV-16, and 8 cases with HPV-18, including 2 double positive cases. Among them, 6 cases were also positive with H-ras p21. Only HPV infection or p53 overexpression was detected each in 7 cases. All of HPV-positive tumors were negative with p53 antibody. Moreover, among the cases with the expression of I-I-ins p21, combined cases with overexpressed p53 protein or HPV infection counted for more than 50%. Statistically, these combined cases showed worse survival rate than only H-ras p21 positive ones. Judging from these results obtained in the present study, the increased expression of H-ras p21 protein as well as p53 and/or HPV may be involved in the carcinogenesis of this kind of disease, and become apparent, when the function of p53 as a tumor suppressor gene is inhibited with overexpressed p53 protein or HPV oncoprotein, resulting in a poor prognostic indicator.

Comparisons between invasive and noninvasive determinations of embryonic heart rate in chickens

The embryonic heart rate (HR) of chicken eggs was determined by ballistocardiography, electrocardiography, impedance-cardiography and acoustocardiography. The effects of these different methods on the HR were examined for young (12-day-old) and late (16- and 18-day-old) embryos. Ballistocardiography is a non-invasive method. Nevertheless, the mean HRs determined using this method at 5-hr intervals were significantly different in many embryos. This difference was caused by the natural variability of embryonic HR. The statistical analyses indicated that any of these four methods did not influence the HR measurement and can be used as a simple means for determination of the embryonic HR.

Contrast as a depth cue

One consequence of aerial perspective is that far objects have lower contrast than near objects. We tested the efficacy of contrast as a cue for depth perception by measuring the apparent, relative depth of two areas that differed in contrast with a background and in size. We tested monocularly and binocularly. Differences in contrast were achieved by making the areas different in luminance, than varying the luminance of the background. Subjects reported that the area having lower contrast with the background appeared farther than the area having higher contrast. Even when size opposed it, contrast continued to have a significant effect on depth perception. Monocular observation yielded larger apparent depth than binocular observation. Contrast is an effective depth cue in the absence of any other depth information. We suggest that contrast acts as a pictorial depth cue simulating the optical effects of aerial perspective.

[Evaluation of the exercise capacity recovery process after lung cancer surgery by exercise test and expire gas analysis]

This study was conducted to evaluate the numerical changes and the recovery process in exercise capacity over time, and to establish new criteria that will objectively evaluate the recovery in exercise capacity after lung surgery using an expired gas analysis incorporating an exercise test. The subjects consisted of 47 patients that underwent curative resection (only lobectomy) for lung cancer in the four years from 1989 to 1992 that were able to undergo expired gas analysis incorporating an exercise test before and after surgery. The expired gas analysis were performed within one week prior to surgery and over a period from 14 to 449 days after surgery, maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) and anaerobic threshold (AT) measured, and the VO2max/m2 and AT/m2 were calculated as an index by dividing by the body surface area (m2). In addition, in order to examine the changes in exercise capacity after surgery, the presurgical values were used as 100, and the rate of change after surgery found. These rate were divided into the following measuring times, and the postsurgical changes over time analyzed. The postsurgical measuring times were divided into five groups from 14-30 days (n = 11), from 31-90 days (n = 25), from 91-180 days (n = 8), from 181-270 days (n = 19), and greater than 271 days (n = 8) after surgery.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Evaluation of plasma prothrombin fragment 1+2 in healthy donors and thrombotic diseases]

We have evaluated plasma F1+2 values by enzyme immunoassay (Enzygnost F1+2; Behringwerke) in 80 healthy blood donors in various ages and compared to that from patients with DIC, thrombosis and oral anticoagulant therapy. The reference range of F1+2 from 35 donors with 20 to 29 age-group, was found 0.82 +/- 0.39 nM, whereas the range from 20 donors with 30 to 39 age-group showed higher F1+2 levels with 1.46 +/- 0.56nM (p < 0.001). F1+2 values from 15 donors with 40 to 49 age-group revealed similar with 30 to 39 age-group, while the range from 10 donors with 50 to 59 age-group was found much higher F1+2 levels with 2.16 +/- 0.80nM (p < 0.001). In patients with DIC, F1+2 levels were significantly higher than those in all healthy subjects (p < 0.01). In patients under stable oral anticoagulant therapy, F1+2 values were significantly lower than in healthy donors with any age-group (p < 0.001). On the contrary, in patients with thrombosis including 9 AMI and 4 DVT, the determination of F1+2 values appeared controversial. They were significantly higher than those in 20 age-group donors (p < 0.001), however, when compared with those in all healthy donors, it showed no statistical significance. These results suggest that evaluation of reference range of plasma F1+2 values is very important from the viewpoint of aging. In addition, F1+2 determination is clinically useful for monitoring of DIC and anticoagulant therapy.