Element specificity of ortho-positronium annihilation for alkali-metal loaded SiO2 glasses

Momentum distributions associated with ortho-positronium (o-Ps) pick-off annihilation photon are often influenced by light elements, as, e.g., carbon, oxygen, and fluorine. This phenomenon, so-called element specificity of o-Ps pick-off annihilation, has been utilized for studying the elemental environment around the open spaces. To gain an insight into the element specificity of o-Ps pick-off annihilation, the chemical shift of oxygen 1s binding energy and the momentum distributions associated with o-Ps pick-off annihilation were systematically investigated for alkali-metal loaded SiO2 glasses by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and positron-age-momentum correlation spectroscopy, respectively. Alkali metals introduced into the open spaces surrounded by oxygen atoms cause charge transfer from alkali metals to oxygen atoms, leading to the lower chemical shift for the oxygen 1s binding energy. The momentum distribution of o-Ps localized into the open spaces is found to be closely correlated with the oxygen 1s chemical shift. This correlation with the deepest 1s energy level evidences that the element specificity of o-Ps originates from pick-off annihilation with orbital electrons, i.e., dominantly with oxygen 2p valence electrons and s electrons with lower probability.

Feasibility assessment of shear wave elastography to rotator cuff muscle

Pre-surgical measurement of supraspinatus muscle extensibility is important for rotator cuff repair. The purpose of the present study was to explore the potential feasibility of a shear wave ultrasound elastography (SWE)-based method, combined with B-mode ultrasound, to measure the in vivo stiffness of the supraspinatus muscle non-invasively and thus obtain key information about supraspinatus muscle extensibility. Our investigation comprised two steps. First, we determined the orientation of the supraspinatus muscle fibers in cadaveric shoulders without rotator cuff tear in order to optimize the ultrasound probe positions for SWE imaging. Second, we investigated the feasibility of quantifying the stiffness of the normal supraspinatus muscle by SWE in vivo. The supraspinatus muscle was divided into four anatomical regions: anterior superficial (AS), posterior superficial (PS), anterior deep (AD), and posterior deep (PD). Each region was examined by SWE. The SWE stiffnesses of AD, AS, PD, and PS were 40.0 ± 12.4, 34.0 ± 9.9, 32.7 ± 12.7, 39.1 ± 15.7 kPa, respectively. SWE combined with B-Mode ultrasound imaging could be a feasible method for quantifying the local stiffness of the rotator cuff muscles.

In vivo measurement of rotator cuff tendon strain with ultrasound elastography: an investigation using a porcine model

OBJECTIVES

To clarify the relationship between the strain ratio measured by ultrasound elastography and the mechanical properties of the tendon measured by a universal testing machine. We also attempted to determine the effect of the type and depth of soft tissue overlying the tendon on the elastographic measurement.

METHODS

Twelve fresh porcine shoulders were prepared. Elastographic measurement was performed on the infraspinatus tendon by manually applying repetitive compressions from an ultrasound probe with an acoustic coupler consisting of an elastomer with definite elasticity as a reference material. The strain ratio, defined as tendon/reference strain, was obtained by 4 different approaches: with the probe placed on the skin, on the subcutaneous fat after removing the skin, on the muscle after removing the subcutaneous fat, and directly on the tendon. The strain ratios measured by these approaches were compared statistically. The relationship between the depth of the tendon measured on elastography and the strain ratio was also investigated. We also attempted to clarify the relationship between the strain ratio of the tendon and its elastic property. The tendon was mounted on a testing machine, and compressive force was applied. Tendon compliance was calculated as the reciprocal of the Young modulus in the range of 5% to 10% strain, which was compared to its strain ratio.

RESULTS

The tendon/reference strain ratio significantly correlated with the tendon compliance (r = 0.73; P < .01). The strain ratio was not affected by differences in the measuring approaches (P = .4) or by the depth to the tendon level (P = .8).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicated that the strain ratio of the rotator cuff tendon could be measured with minimal influence by overlying soft tissues if its depth from the skin was less than 22 mm. We believe that ultrasound elastography would be a useful tool for assessment of tendon elasticity in clinical practice.

Oxygen tension affects lubricin expression in chondrocytes

We assessed the effects of oxygen tension on lubricin expression in bovine chondrocytes and cartilage explants and a role for hypoxia-inducible transcription factor (HIF)-1α in regulating lubricin expression was investigated using a murine chondroprogenitor cell line, ATDC5, and bovine chondrocytes isolated from superficial and middle/deep zones of femoral cartilage. ATDC5 cells and bovine chondrocytes were cultured in micromass under different oxygen tensions (21%, 5%, and 1%). ATDC5 cells and middle/deep zone chondrocytes that initially had low lubricin expression levels were also cultured with or without transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1. Quantitative reverse transcription (RT)-PCR was used to determine lubricin and chondrogenic marker gene mRNA levels and immunohistochemistry was used to assess lubricin protein expression. Explant cartilage plugs cultured under different oxygen tensions were also subjected to immunohistological analysis for lubricin. HIF-1α gene silencing was achieved by electroporatic transfer into ATDC5 cells. A low oxygen tension reduced lubricin gene expression levels in bovine superficial chondrocytes, TGF-β1-treated middle/deep zone chondrocytes, and TGF-β1-treated ATDC5 cells. Lubricin expression in explant cartilage was also suppressed under hypoxia. HIF-1α gene silencing in ATDC5 cells attenuated the lubricin expression response to the oxygen tension. These results corroborate with previous studies that the oxygen tension regulates lubricin gene expression and suggest that HIF-1α plays an important role in this regulation. The normal distribution of lubricin in articular cartilage may be due to the hypoxic oxygen environment of cartilage as it is an avascular tissue. An oxygen tension gradient may be a key factor for engineering cartilage tissue with a layered morphology.

Stress distribution within rotator cuff tendons with a crescent-shaped and an L-shaped tear

BACKGROUND

There are 2 representative shapes of full-thickness rotator cuff tears commonly observed: crescent-shaped and L-shaped tears. To date, the exact process of tear propagation in each shape remains unknown.

PURPOSE

To determine the stress distribution pattern in rotator cuff tendons with a crescent-shaped tear and an L-shaped tear.

STUDY DESIGN

Descriptive laboratory study.

METHODS

The computed tomography (CT) data of a normal cadaveric shoulder from a 69-year-old man were used to develop a 3-dimensional finite element model of the rotator cuff tendons. Three different sizes (1.0-, 2.0-, and 3.0-cm widths) of crescent-shaped and L-shaped tears were created. Tensile load was applied to each cuff tendon that simulated shoulder abduction and external rotation in the hanging-arm position. Elastic analysis was performed, and distribution of the von Mises equivalent stress was calculated. Then, the stress distribution pattern was compared between the 2 tear shapes and among the 3 different tear sizes.

RESULTS

In the crescent-shaped tear models, stress concentration was seen in both the anterior and the posterior edges of the torn tendon stump. In the L-shaped tear models, stress concentration was seen in the posterior torn tendon edge as well as the bottom of the longitudinal tear. The areas with high stress concentration increased with increasing tear size. At the posterior torn tendon edge, a common site of delamination, the articular half represented a higher equivalent stress than the bursal half in all models. The highest equivalent stress increased with an increase in tear size for both the abduction and the external rotation loads.

CONCLUSION

A high stress concentration was seen in both the anterior and the posterior tendon edge in crescent-shaped tears and in both the posterior tendon edge and the bottom of the longitudinal tear in L-shaped tears. Stress concentration inside the tendon increased with increasing tear size.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Crescent-shaped tears may propagate in the anterior and posterior directions, whereas L-shaped tears may propagate in the posterior and medial directions. Tear propagation may accelerate with an increase in tear size.

Stress distribution inside bone after suture anchor insertion: simulation using a three-dimensional finite element method

PURPOSE

To define stress distribution patterns inside a bone around suture anchors inserted at different angles using a three-dimensional finite element (FE) method.

METHODS

An isotropic cube model (Young's modulus, 1,380 MPa; Poisson's ratio, 0.3) was designed on a computer to standardize analysis conditions. A virtual Twinfix anchor was inserted into the cube at two different angles (45° and 90°) against the top surface. A traction force (100 N) was applied to the anchor at six different angles (15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75° and 90°) against the top surface. Elastic analysis was performed, and the distribution of the von Mises equivalent stress inside the cube was calculated. The highest value of the equivalent stress at each traction angle was compared between the 45° and 90° anchor insertion settings.

RESULTS

Stress concentration was most evident around proximal anchor threads, particularly on the traction side. Interestingly, stress gradually declined with an increase in traction angle only for the 90° insertion setting. At 15° and 90° traction angles, the equivalent stress was lower for the 45° insertion setting than for the 90° insertion setting. In contrast, the 90° insertion setting exhibited lower equivalent stress than the 45° insertion setting at 30°, 45° and 60° traction angles.

CONCLUSIONS

Insertion of an anchor at 90° might reduce the stress concentration around the proximal anchor threads on the traction side and provide lower equivalent stress in the middle range of traction angles (30°-60°) than insertion at 45°. This could avoid early postoperative anchor failure.

Immobilizing performances, comfort, and user-friendliness of the shoulder abduction-external rotation braces

BACKGROUND

Shoulder external rotation braces used for patients with a first-time shoulder dislocation are designed with a variety of arm positions in abduction as well as external rotation. However, few studies have focused on their immobilizing performance, comfort, or user-friendliness. Especially, there have been no robust data of shoulder abduction-external rotation (A-ER) braces in comparison to those of external rotation (ER) braces.

METHODS

Four types of commercially available shoulder braces (two ER and two A-ER braces) were tested in 30 healthy participants. The angles of external rotation and abduction were measured for each brace at initial application, after simulated daily activities, and after reapplication. Then, subjects were asked to assess the discomfort of bracing and difficulty of reapplication using a visual analogue scale. Data were compared between the two ER braces and two A-ER braces as well as among the four braces.

RESULTS

For both external rotation angle and subjective assessment, there were no significant differences between the ER and A-ER braces. Among the four braces, the measurement of arm position demonstrated no significant differences, except the external rotation angles between the two ER braces. The A-ER braces were assessed to be significantly less comfortable than the ER braces in the subjective assessment.

CONCLUSIONS

Immobilization using the A-ER braces could maintain the arm position in abduction-external rotation with comparable user-friendliness, although they tended to be less comfortable during daily activities compared to the ER braces.

Nicotine reduced MMP-9 expression in the primary porcine tenocytes exposed to cyclic stretch

Nicotine is one of the major chemical components of the cigarette smoke, which has been known as a risk factor for tendon ruptures including rotator cuff tears. This study investigated the effect of nicotine on tenocytes under cyclic-stretched condition. Particularly, we focused on the morphologic changes of tenocytes and their expression of MMPs. Primary porcine tenocytes were obtained from the infraspinatus tendon. The cells were cultured on elastic chambers under static or cyclic-stretched condition for 24 h in the existence of nicotine (0, 1, 10, and 100 µM). Cell shape, gene expression of collagen type I and III, MMPs (-1, -2, -3, -9, and -13) and TIMPs (-1, -2, and -3) and enzyme activity of MMP-9 were analyzed using immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR, and zymography. Tenocytes exposed to nicotine represented significantly decreased gene expressions in MMP-9 (p < 0.001) and TIMP-3 (p < 0.05) under the cyclic stretch. Enzymatic activity of MMP-9 was also reduced by nicotine exposure in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.001). The down-regulation of MMP and TIMP expression by nicotine shown in our in vitro experiment might deteriorate normal metabolism of the tendon. These mechanisms might affect the mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix of the rotator cuff tendon.

Switching to an L/N-type calcium channel blocker shows renoprotective effects in patients with chronic kidney disease: the Kyoto Cilnidipine Study

OBJECTIVE

This open-label, randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of cilnidipine, an L/N-type calcium channel blocker (CCB), in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

METHODS

Sixty patients with CKD and well-controlled hypertension being treated with a renin- angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitor and an L-type CCB (L-CCB) were randomly assigned either to switch from the L-CCB to cilnidipine after a 4-week observation period or to continue with L-CCB treatment. Blood pressure, heart rate and renal function were monitored for 12 months. Data were available for analysis from 50 patients: 24 from the cilnidipine group and 26 from the L-CCB group.

RESULTS

Blood pressure was well controlled in both groups. After 12 months, proteinuria and heart rate were significantly decreased in the cilnidipine group, but proteinuria increased and heart rate remained unchanged in the L-CCB group. There was a significant positive correlation between the percentage changes in proteinuria and heart rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Cilnidipine has antihypertensive effects equivalent to those of L-CCBs. In patients with CKD, proteinuria can be decreased by switching from an L-CCB to cilnidipine, thereby improving renal function.

Localization of degenerative changes of the acromioclavicular joint: a cadaveric study

PURPOSE

It has not been fully clarified yet how degenerative changes occur within the acromioclavicular (AC) joint, including their localizations. The aim of this study was to clarify the localization of degenerative changes in the AC joint using cadaveric specimens.

METHODS

Thirty-eight cadaveric AC joints with the sections were cut in the coronal plane. For both the acromion and the clavicle, the joint surface was divided into upper and lower halves. Histological features including the mean thickness of cartilage, reduction of proteoglycan staining and the extent of damaged tidemark were evaluated. The shapes of intraarticular discs as well as their histological structures were also assessed, which were compared between the upper and lower halves.

RESULTS

Articular cartilage in the lower half was significantly thinner than that in the upper half for both the acromion and the clavicle (p < 0.01). Similarly, the lower half of cartilage was more degenerated than the upper half. Intraarticular discs were absent in nine joints and the meniscoid-like type in 29, which contained rich fibrocartilaginous tissues in the upper half, whereas it mainly consisted of the fibrous tissues with granulation in the lower half.

CONCLUSION

The lower half of the AC joint demonstrated more advanced degeneration than the upper half, which might reflect the greater repetitive mechanical stress. The present study revealed both the localization and the extent of degenerative changes in AC joint, which might be useful information for surgeons to determine the proper amount of bony resection in the surgical treatment for osteoarthritis of this joint.

Reliability and validity of the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI) in the Japanese population

BACKGROUND

The Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI) questionnaire is a disease-specific self-evaluated measurement tool used for patients with shoulder instability. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the WOSI Japanese version for the Japanese population.

METHODS

The WOSI Japanese version was prepared by use of several steps including translation, back translation, and verification by the author and owner of the WOSI. Reliability (internal consistency and reproducibility) and validity were then tested for 85 patients with shoulder instability. All patients completed the WOSI Japanese version, Quick DASH, and SF-36, and underwent assessment of the Rowe rating scale for the purpose of internal consistency and validity. Fifty-nine of the patients repeated the WOSI 2 weeks after the first examination for assessment of test-retest reproducibility.

RESULTS

Both internal consistency (0.84 for Cronbach's alpha) and reproducibility (Pearson's r = 0.91, intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.91) indicated the reliability of the WOSI Japanese questionnaire was good. Comparison with the Rowe rating scale (p < 0.001) also showed validity was good. The correlation coefficient between the WOSI Japanese version and the Quick DASH (Pearson's r = 0.62) was higher than that between the WOSI Japanese version and the SF-36 (Pearson's r = 0.10-0.36 for subscales).

CONCLUSION

The WOSI Japanese questionnaire is a reliable self-assessment tool that is comparable with the original English version. We therefore recommend use of the WOSI Japanese version when evaluating patients with shoulder instability in the Japanese population.

A case of Goodpasture syndrome positive for anti-GBM antibody and MPO-ANCA complicated by a variety of serious infections

A 62-year-old female was admitted to our hospital for investigation of acute progressive renal insufficiency and a systemic inflammatory reaction, despite treatment with several antibiotics. Laboratory data revealed severe renal insufficiency and positive titers for the myeloperoxidase anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic and anti-glomerular basement membrane antibodies. The deterioration of her general status did not allow us to perform the renal biopsy. Although corticosteroid therapy, hemodialysis, and plasma exchange were concomitantly initiated, pulmonary hemorrhage occurred several days after admission. Mechanical ventilation support was provided and continuous hemodiafiltration was carried out, following which the respiratory failure improved immediately. However, she developed clinical depression and suicidal behavior under the intensive therapy. Therefore, plasma exchange was discontinued and corticosteroid was tapered as quickly as possible. Four months after admission, platelet transfusion and short-term mechanical ventilation support improved the pulmonary hemorrhage; however, her mental status deteriorated despite psychiatric consultation and treatment with a tranquilizer. Thereafter, severe and serious systemic infection due to various pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus, Cytomegalovirus, Pneumocystis jiroveci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Bacteroides recurred, and she died from systemic invasive aspergillosis (IA). We suspected severe immunosuppression caused by various factors, such as predonisolone administration, chronic renal failure on maintenance hemodialysis, depression, and malnutrition due to chronic inflammation and granulocytopenia as a side effect of ganciclovir. When treating rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis, immunosuppressive status should be carefully monitored regarding not only the dosage of therapeutic regimen but also the mental health status and nutrition of the patient.

Bony island within the articular cartilage of the knee in a child: a rare condition for early osteoarthritis

Articular cartilage is a specific type of connective tissue composed of hydrated proteoglycans within a matrix of collagen fibrils. In the elderly population, it shows degenerative changes that may results in osteoarthritis. The more severe form of osteoarthritis occasionally demonstrates bone formation within the cartilage, which is designated as a bony protuberance, however, such lesions are rare in children. This report presents the case of a 10-year-old boy with a bony protuberance within the articular cartilage of the knee. The patient initially complained of knee pain and he subsequently developed flexion contracture. Radiological and arthroscopic examinations revealed a bony protuberance in the articular cartilage and degenerative changes of the cartilage above it. He was successfully treated by the removal of the bony protuberance and osteochondral grafting. The bony protuberance may have caused cartilage degradation since the thickness of the cartilage above it was thinner than that around the lesion. The bony protuberance within the articular cartilage formed in the younger population may be a possible cause of osteoarthritis. This case is a noteworthy with regard to the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis.

Bony island within the articular cartilage of the knee in a child: a rare condition for early osteoarthritis

Articular cartilage is a specific type of connective tissue composed of hydrated proteoglycans within a matrix of collagen fibrils. In the elderly population, it shows degenerative changes that may results in osteoarthritis. The more severe form of osteoarthritis occasionally demonstrates bone formation within the cartilage, which is designated as a bony protuberance, however, such lesions are rare in children. This report presents the case of a 10-year-old boy with a bony protuberance within the articular cartilage of the knee. The patient initially complained of knee pain and he subsequently developed flexion contracture. Radiological and arthroscopic examinations revealed a bony protuberance in the articular cartilage and degenerative changes of the cartilage above it. He was successfully treated by the removal of the bony protuberance and osteochondral grafting. The bony protuberance may have caused cartilage degradation since the thickness of the cartilage above it was thinner than that around the lesion. The bony protuberance within the articular cartilage formed in the younger population may be a possible cause of osteoarthritis. This case is a noteworthy with regard to the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis.

Hemisphere Specialisation and Categorical Spatial Relations Representations

Hemisphere specialisation in two- and three-dimensional categorical spatial relations tasks was investigated using normal adult subjects. In Experiment 1, subjects were asked to indicate the rightmost (or leftmost) card in stimuli consisting of three overlapping cards as quickly and as accurately as possible. The results showed no significant visual field difference in either response times or error rates. In Experiment 2, stimuli identical to those of Experiment 1 were used and subjects were asked to indicate the card most to the front or the one most to the back. The error rates showed a strong tendency towards a left visual field advantage in accuracy while no visual field difference was shown in response times. Based on these findings, relations between the hemisphere specialisation and categorical spatial relations encoding subsystems in Kosslyn's (1987) model of visual information processing are discussed.

Multiple Polychlorinated Biphenyl Transformation Systems in the Gram-Positive Bacterium Rhodococcus sp. Strain RHA1

The cloned bphA gene of the polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) degrader Rhodococcus sp. strain RHA1 was expressed in Rhodococcus erythropolis IAM1399 cells, resulting in the transformation of di-, tri-, and tetrachlorobiphenyls. Disruption of the bphA1 gene in RHA1 resulted in a lack of growth on biphenyl and a loss of PCB transformation activity. However, the bphA1 insertion mutant of RHA1, designated RDA1, retained the ability to transform PCB congeners when grown on ethylbenzene as its carbon source. It also transformed 4-chlorobiphenyl to 4-chlorobenzoate, although it was suspected to be deficient in bphB and bphC gene activities as well as bphA. This suggested that an alternative PCB degradation system distinct from the one encoded by the cloned bph genes was present.

A Novel Transformation of Polychlorinated Biphenyls by Rhodococcus sp. Strain RHA1

We have characterized a biphenyl degrader, Rhodococcus sp. strain RHA1. Biphenyl-grown cells of strain RHA1 efficiently transformed 45 components in the 62 major peaks of a polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) mixture of Kanechlors 200, 300, 400, and 500 within 3 days, which includes mono- to octachlorobiphenyls. Among the intermediate metabolites of PCB transformation, di- and trichlorobenzoic acids were identified. The gradual decrease of these chlorobenzoic acids during incubation indicated that these chlorobenzoic acids would also be degraded by this strain. The effect of the position of chlorine substitution was determined by using PCB mixtures that have chlorine substitutions mainly at either the ortho or the meta position. This strain transformed both types of congeners, and strong PCB transformation activity of RHA1 was indicated. RHA1 accumulated 4-chlorobenzoic acid temporally during the transformation of 4-chlorobiphenyl. The release of most chloride in the course of 2,2(prm1)-dichlorobiphenyl degradation was observed. These results suggested that RHA1 would break down at least some PCB congeners into smaller molecules to a considerable extent.

The composition of Chloris striate mosaic virus, A geminivirus

Preparations of Chloris striate mosaic virus (CSMV) were shown to contain circular single-stranded DNA with a molecular weight of 7.1 x 10(5) and a polypeptide molecular weight of 92.79 +/- 0.06 x 10(4). The buoyant density in CsCl of intact CSMV particles was shown to be 1.35 g.cm(-3). From these data and the capsomeric structure of CSMV (T. Hatta and R. 1. B. Francki, 1979, Virology92, 428-435) it is concluded that each geminate particle of CSMV has a molecular weight of about 3.8 x 10(6) and contains a single molecule of ss-DNA.

The bipartite genome of red clover necrotic mosaic virus

Purified preparations of red clover necrotic mosaic virus isolated in Australia have been shown to contain three RNA components whose electrophoretic mobilities in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis indicate molecular weights of 1.5 x 106 (RNA 1), 0.5 x 10(6) (RNA 2), and 0.14 x 10(6) (RNA 3). Comparisons of the RNAs by hybridization analysis with 3H-labeled complementary DNAs synthesized in vitro have established that RNAs 1 and 2 are unique RNA molecular species with little or no sequence homology between them. However, RNA 3 appears to be a complex mixture of breakdown fragments of both RNA 1 and RNA 2. Infectivity experiments with highly purified preparations of RNAs 1 and 2 have demonstrated that both molecules are essential for infectivity.

Characterization of a viroid associated with avocado sunblotch disease

A viroid has been purified from avocado leaves infected by sunblotch disease and designated the avocado sunblotch viroid. It is a covalently closed circular RNA molecule with a molecular weight lower than that of chrysanthemum stunt viroid and citrus exocortis viroid while hybridization analysis with 32P-labeled complementary DNA indicated that it is a single RNA species. It could be detected as a stainable RNA band on polyacrylamide tube gel electrophoresis of partially purified extracts of only two of four avocado isolates with positive symptoms of sunblotch disease. However, the viroid was detected in all four isolates by hybridization analysis with 32P-complementary DNA; this procedure has potential use for the rapid indexing of sunblotch disease since the viroid was not present in an isolate of healthy avocado. It has yet to be shown that the viroid is the causative agent of sunblotch disease.

Studies on encapsidated viroid-like RNA I. Characterization of velvet tobacco mottle virus

Velvet tobacco mottle virus (VTMoV) isolated from Nicotiana velutina growing wild in arid Central Australia was transmitted by inoculation to a limited number of plant species of which N. clevelandii was the most convenient experimental host. The virus was also transmitted from field-grown plants toN. velutina and N. clevelandii by the mirid Cyropeltis nicotianae. VTMoV preparations purified by clarification with organic solvents and differential centrifugation contained polyhedral particles about 30 nm in diameter sedimenting as a single component at about 115 S. The particles were shown to be located in the nucleus, cytoplasm, and vacuoles of infected plant cells. Virus dissociated in the presence of mercaptoethanol and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) separated into one major and two minor polypeptides with estimated molecular weights of 33,000, 36,000 and 31,000, respectively. Single-stranded RNA isolated from VTMoV by extraction with phenol was separated into five components with apparent molecular weights of 1.5 x 10(6), 0.63 x 10(6), 0.25 x 10(6), 0.16 x 10(6), and 0.12 x 10(6) referred to as RNAs 1, 1a, 1b, 2, and 3, respectively. It appears that RNAs 1a and 1b are breakdown products of RNA 1, as shown elsewhere, and electron microscopic examination of the other species showed that whereas RNAs 1 and 3 are linear molecules, RNA 2 is circular. The similarity of RNAs 2 and 3 to the RNA of viroids is discussed. VTMoV has been compared with several RNA plant viruses with small polyhedral particles. Only solanum nodiflorum mottle virus appears to share some of its unique features and the two have been shown to be antigenically related.

Partial functional overlap of the three ras genes in mouse embryonic development

In mammals, three ras genes, H-ras, N-ras and K-ras, encode homologous but distinct 21-kDa Ras proteins. We examined the in vivo functional relationship of the three ras genes in mouse embryonic development by investigating the phenotypes of mice deficient in one or multiple ras genes. H-ras-/- mice and N-ras-/- mice as well as a substantial proportion of H-ras-/-/N-ras-/- mice expressing only the K-ras gene were viable, while K-ras-/- mice were embryonically lethal, as have been reported previously. N-ras-/-/K-ras+/- mice died neonatally, while H-ras-/-/K-ras-/- embryos died much earlier than K-ras homozygous mutant fetuses. To further investigate the functional relationship of the ras genes in embryonic development, we introduced a human H-ras transgene into single or multiple ras mutant mice and found that the transgene rescued mice, including triple ras mutants, from embryonic lethality in association with correction of thin ventricular walls of the heart in null K-ras mutant mice. In situ hybridization revealed that the expression of the H-ras transgene on embryonic day E13.5 and E15.5 was more intense in major organs, including the heart, than those of endogenous ras genes. We therefore conclude that the functions of the ras genes are partially overlapping in mouse embryonic development.

Histamine ameliorates anti-glomerular basement membrane antibody-induced glomerulonephritis in rats

Anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM)-induced glomerulonephritis involves T-helper type 1 (Th1) responses leading to rapid crescent formation. As many inflammatory and immune responses in general are affected by histamine, we examined the effects of histaminergic ligands on immune renal injury in the rat. Female Wistar-Kyoto rats were injected intraperitoneally with an antibody against the GBMs. Histaminergic ligands were then injected twice daily for 5 days after which renal function was assessed by proteinuria. Treatment with histamine led to significant dose-dependent reductions in proteinuria compared to the control antibody-injected group and markedly decreased the number of crescentic glomeruli and macrophage infiltration of the glomeruli. Furthermore, histamine significantly decreased the plasma concentration of interleukin-12, a Th1-type cytokine compared to the antibody-injected control animals. Dimaprit, an H(2)/H(4) agonist, mimicked the effects of histamine on proteinuria and crescent formation. Clozapine, an H(4) agonist, tended to mimic the effects of histamine, whereas an H(1), mepyramine, or an H(2) antagonist, ranitidine, did not reverse the protective effect of histamine. We suggest that histamine may alleviate renal injury in anti-GBM glomerulonephritis by suppressing the immune response.

Renal involvement in cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL)

Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is a hereditary systemic arteriopathy presenting with migraines, mood disorders, focal neurologic deficits, recurrent ischemic attacks and dementia in young adults. The genesis of this disease relates to missense mutation of the Notch3 gene. We report here a newly identified CADASIL patient and discuss unique vascular lesions observed in the kidney. A 64-year-old female was admitted to our hospital for the investigation of proteinuria, hematuria and progressive neurological abnormalities. Her mother and brother died of cerebral infarction at a relatively young age despite a lack of apparent risk factors for arteriosclerosis. Over the past 4 months before admission, she had suffered from frequent transient ischemic attacks despite appropriate antiplatelet therapy. Blood examination revealed mild renal insufficiency and urinalysis revealed moderate protein excretion and dysmorphic hematuria. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed multiple infarcts and leukoencephalopathy. Histopathological analysis of the kidney revealed focal segmental mesangial proliferation, the loss and degeneration of arterial medial smooth muscle cells and arterial intimal thickening. Immunofluorescence analysis of glomeruli revealed IgA deposition in the mesangial area. Electron microscope analysis revealed electron-dense deposition also in the mesangial area. In addition, granular osmophilic material (GOM) was observed in the extraglomerular mesangial area and around the vascular smooth muscle cells. Genetic analysis of Notch3 revealed an R141C missense mutation and she was diagnosed with CADASIL complicated with IgA nephropathy. In immunohistological analysis, Notch3 stains were positive in vascular smooth muscle cells of the interlobular arteries and both afferent and efferent arterioles, and weak in the glomerular mesangial area. Antihypertensive treatment using angiotensin II receptor blocker and a low protein diet were initiated, and her urinary protein excretion decreased to 0.2 g/day. However, due to the progression of her neurological abnormalities, she became socially withdrawn. In CADASIL, GOM, abnormal accumulation of Notch3 ectodomain, is thought to induce the degeneration and loss of vascular smooth muscle cells and subsequent intimal thickening. Analysis of our cases provided that these morphological abnormalities were also observed in the CADASIL patient kidney.

Idiopathic nodular glomerulosclerosis: three Japanese cases and review of the literature

Idiopathic nodular glomerulosclerosis (ING) is characterized as diffuse nodular glomerulosclerotic lesions, closely resembling Kimmelstiel-Wilson lesions without diabetic mellitus. We report here three Japanese cases of ING and discuss the previous reports. The patients were 75-, 48- and 84-year-old males with a history of long-term hypertension. Laboratory examination revealed moderate proteinuria and mild renal dysfunction. Diabetes mellitus was excluded by repeated clinical and laboratory investigations. Renal histology revealed nodular glomerulosclerosis, and both afferent and efferent arteriolosclerosis in all patients. In electron microscopy, the glomerular basement membrane was markedly thick in all patients. A low-protein diet and potent anti-hypertensive treatment using angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors were initiated in all patients and urinary protein excretion significantly reduced without the progression of renal dysfunction. We reviewed 42 previously reported cases and our three cases. The analysis revealed that common clinical features of ING are being male (82.2%) of relatively advanced age (mean age 61.3 years), with hypertension (82.2%), mild renal dysfunction (mean serum creatinine 2.9 mg/dl) and moderate urinary protein excretion (mean 4.05 g/day). Common histopathological findings of ING are nodular glomerulosclerosis (100%), arterio-arteriolosclerosis (91.2 and 89.7%) and glomerular basement membrane thickening (85.7%). In conclusion, ING is one of the phenotypes of arteriosclerotic renal disease without diabetes mellitus. Severe arterio-arteriolosclerosis may contribute to the progression to glomerular nodular formation in ING. The combination of renin-angiotensin system inhibition and a low protein diet can be beneficial for the reduction of urinary protein excretion.

A trypanosome species isolated from naturally infected Haemaphysalis hystricis ticks in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan

Common arthropod vectors for trypanosomes are flies, fleas and bugs. This study reports on an unknown trypanosome species isolated from naturally infected Haemaphysalis hystricis ticks, hereby, referred to as Trypanosoma KG1 isolate. The parasite has been successfully cultured in vitro with L929 or HEK 293T cell line as feeder cells. This trypanosome cannot survive in vitro without feeder cells. Following experimental infections of ticks, the trypomastigote-like and the epimastigote-like forms of this trypanosome could be detected by Giemsa-stained smears of the midgut and salivary glands of Ornithodoros moubata ticks which were made to feed on a culturing medium containing Trypanosoma KG1 isolate through an artificial membrane. Trypanosoma KG1 isolate could also be detected from Giemsa-stained smears of the haemolymph up to 30 days post-inoculation into the O. moubata haemocoel. Trypanosoma KG1 isolate cannot be propagated in laboratory animals including mice, rats, rabbits and sheep. A phylogenetic tree constructed with the 18S rRNA gene indicates that Trypanosoma KG1 is a member of the stercorarian trypanosomes.

Babesiaparasites develop and are transmitted by the non-vector soft tickOrnithodoros moubata(Acari: Argasidae)

Ornithodoros moubataticks were fed on blood infected withBabesia equi. However, the parasites were quickly cleared as evidenced by the disappearance ofB. equi-specific ribosomal RNA from the ticks. We hypothesized that if theBabesiaparasite can escape midgut-associated barriers a non-vector tick can become infected withBabesia. To test this hypothesis,B. equiparasite-infected blood fromin vitroculture was injected into the haemocoel of ticks.B. equi-specific rRNA was surprisingly detected 45 days after injection even in the eggs.Babesia-free dogs were infested withO. moubataticks that were infected by inoculation withB. gibsoni-infected red blood cells. Parasitaemia and antibody production against Bg-TRAP ofB. gibsoniincreased gradually. These results indicate thatO. moubatamay be a useful vector model forBabesiaparasites and also a very important tool for studies on tick immunity againstBabesiaparasites and tick-Babesiainteractions.

Histological analysis on adhesive molecules of renal intravascular large B cell lymphoma treated with CHOP chemotherapy and rituximab

A 48-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for investigation of mild renal dysfunction. A blood examination revealed mild elevation of creatinine level (1.77 mg/dl). Urinary examination revealed mild protein excretion (0.54 g/day) and microhematuria; renal biopsy revealed the focal proliferation of large mononuclear cells with mitosis in glomerular capillaries. According to immunohistochemical analysis, the intravascular lymphomatous cells stained positively with anti-leukocyte common antigen (LCA: CD45) and CD20, indicating a B lymphocyte lineage. In electron microscopy, the glomerular capillary was filled with lymphoma cells and epithelial foot process fusion was noted. Immunohistochemical analysis on adhesive molecules revealed a lack of CD11a expression on lymphoma cells, but positive CD54 expression on endothelial cells. Systemic 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) revealed no abnormal uptake of isotopes. On the basis of these findings, we diagnosed intravascular diffuse large B cell lymphoma localized in the kidney. Despite treatment with rituximab and CHOP (prednisolone, doxorubicin, vincristine, cyclophosphamide) for 3 cycles at 1-month intervals, the renal dysfunction did not change. In histopathological analysis of the second biopsy, lymphoma cells disappeared, but focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and moderate interstitial fibrosis were noted. Electron microscopic findings revealed severe subendothelial edema with mesangial interposition, indicating severe endothelial damage. Epithelial foot process fusion was improved. These pathological analyses let us conclude that a lack of CD11a could be a candidate factor for prevention of the extravasation of lymphoma cells from blood vessels in our patient. We also presumed that the intraglomerular endothelial damage occurred due to chemotherapy-associated cell injury.

Cloning and sequence analysis of hydroxyquinol 1,2-dioxygenase gene in 2,4,6-trichlorophenol-degrading Ralstonia pickettii DTP0602 and characterization of its product

A gene encoding hydroxyquinol 1,2-dioxygenase was cloned from 2,4,6-trichlorophenol-degrading Ralstonia (Pseudomonas) pickettii strain DTP0602. Cell-free extracts of Escherichia coli containing a cloned 1.4-kb StuI-XhoI DNA fragment of R. pickettii DTP0602 hydroxyquinol 1,2-dioxygenase converted hydroxyquinol into maleylacetate and also degraded 6-chlorohydroxyquinol. The 1.4-kb DNA fragment contained one open reading frame (designated hadC) composed of 948 nucleotides. The molecular mass of 34,591 deduced from the gene product (HadC) was in agreement with the size (35 kDa) of the purified HadC protein determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The amino acid sequence of HadC exhibited high homology to that of the hydroxyquinol 1,2-dioxygenase of 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid-degrading Burkholderia cepacia AC1100 (Daubaras, D. L. et al., Appl. Environ. Microbiol., 61, 1279-1289, 1995). The active enzyme had a molecular mass of 68 kDa, suggesting that it is functional as a homodimer. The enzyme also catalyzed the oxidation of pyrogallol and 3-methylcatechol, possible intermediates in the degradation of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol, in addition to 6-chlorohydroxyquinol and hydroxyquinol. The dioxygenase catalyzed both ortho- and meta-cleavage of 3-methylcatechol.

Fetal jaw movement affects condylar cartilage development

Using a mouse exo utero system to examine the effects of fetal jaw movement on the development of condylar cartilage, we assessed the effects of restraint of the animals' mouths from opening, by suture, at embryonic day (E)15.5. We hypothesized that pre-natal jaw movement is an important mechanical factor in endochondral bone formation of the mandibular condyle. Condylar cartilage was reduced in size, and the bone-cartilage margin was ill-defined in the sutured group at E18.5. Volume, total number of cells, and number of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine-positive cells in the mesenchymal zone were lower in the sutured group than in the non-sutured group at E16.5 and E18.5. Hypertrophic chondrocytes were larger, whereas fewer apoptotic chondrocytes and osteoclasts were observed in the hypertrophic zone in the sutured group at E18.5. Analysis of our data revealed that restricted fetal TMJ movement influences the process of endochondral bone formation of condylar cartilage.

Fluorescence microscopic visualization of a DNA-cationic fullerene complex

Cationic fullerene derivative 1, which is soluble in aqueous medium, bound to double stranded DNA. Observation of Coliphage T4 DNA in the absence and presence of 1 by fluorescence microscopy suggested that 1 bound to DNA along its groove. Upon irradiation of visible light on the DNA complex of 1, DNA was cleaved dramatically. The process of DNA photo-cleavage could be monitored continuously by fluorescence microscopy.

The role of the hypothalamic nitric oxide in the pressor responses elicited by acute environmental stress in awake rats

We quantitatively investigated the change in nitric oxide (NO) in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and its effect on cardiovascular regulation during shaker stress (SS) using brain microdialysis in awake rats. Male Wistar rats were fed either N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 0.7 g/L) or tap water for 2 weeks. Two days after implantation of an arterial catheter and guide shaft, a microdialysis probe was placed to perfuse the PVN with degassed Ringer solution at 2 microl/min in awake normotensive Wistar (CONTROL) and chronic L-NAME-treated hypertensive rats. After the rat was placed in a plastic cage set on a shaker, the blood pressure and heart rate was monitored and 10-min SS was loaded at a frequency of 200 cycles/min. Dialysate samples were analyzed by NO analyzer (based on the Griess reaction) every 10 min, and NOx (NO(2)(-) + NO(3)(-)) was measured. Plasma NOx was also measured before and after SS. Pressor responses elicited by SS were significantly greater in L-NAME-treated rats than in the CONTROL. Although NOx in the PVN dialysate were increased by SS in the CONTROL, these responses were attenuated in chronic L-NAME-treated rats. Resting plasma NOx were higher in the CONTROL than in L-NAME-treated rats. SS elicited no difference between two groups in plasma NOx. These results indicated that NO within the PVN, but not in systemic circulation, may play a role on the attenuation of the pressor responses elicited by SS. The dysfunction of NO release within the PVN may, in part, play a role in the exaggerated pressor responses in acute environmental stress.

Differential cognitive processing of Kanji and Kana words: do orthographic and semantic codes function in parallel in word matching task

Relative engagements of the orthographic and semantic codes in Kanji and Hiragana word recognition were investigated. In Exp. 1, subjects judged whether the pairs of Kanji words (prime and target) presented sequentially were physically identical to each other in the word condition. In the sentence condition, subjects decided whether the target word was valid for the prime sentence presented in advance. The results showed that the response times to the target swords orthographically similar (to the prime) were significantly slower than to semantically related target words in the word condition and that this was also the case in the sentence condition. In Exp. 2, subjects judged whether the target word written in Hiragana was physically identical to the prime word in the word condition. In the sentence condition, subjects decided if the target word was valid for the previously presented prime sentence. Analysis indicated that response times to orthographically similar words were slower than to semantically related words in the word condition but not in the sentence condition wherein the response times to the semantically and orthographically similar words were largely the same. Based on these results, differential contributions of orthographic and semantic codes in cognitive processing of Japanese Kanji and Hiragana words was discussed.

Inhibitory effect of modified 5'-capped short RNA fragments on influenza virus RNA polymerase gene expression

We have shown previously that the 5'-capped short phosphodiester RNA fragments, Cap decoy, (Gm 12 nt) are potent inhibitors of influenza virus RNA polymerase gene expression. Here we investigate the modified capped RNA derivative containing phosphorothioate oligonucleotides (Cap decoy) as a potential influenza virus RNA polymerase inhibitor. The modified 5'-capped short phosphorothioate RNA fragments (Gms 12-15 nt) with the 5'-capped structure (m7GpppGm) were synthesized by T7 RNA polymerase. The 5'-capped short RNA fragments (Gms 12-15 nt) were encapsulated in liposome particulates and tested for their inhibitory effects on influenza virus RNA polymerase gene expression in the clone 76 cells. The 12-15 nt long Gms RNA fragments showed highly inhibitory effects. By contrast, the inhibitory effects of the 13 nt long short RNA fragments (Gm 13 nt) were considerably less in comparison with the 5'-capped short phosphorothioate RNA fragments (Gms 12-15 nt). In particular, the various Gms RNA chain lengths showed no significant differences in the inhibition of influenza virus RNA polymerase gene expression. Furthermore, the capped RNA with a phosphorothioate backbone was resistant to nuclease activity. These phosphorothioate RNA fragments exhibited higher inhibitory activity than the 5'-capped short RNA fragments (Gm 12 nt). These decoys may prove to be useful in anti-influenza virus therapeutics.

Directional tendencies of Hebrew, Japanese, and English readers

Consistent left-right and right-left reading habits are associated with corresponding directional tendencies in the reproduction of horizontally displayed visual stimuli. Inconsistent reading habits should therefore be associated with inconsis tent directional tendencies. This hypothesis was tested on Japanese readers whose reading habits were inconsistent by asking them to reproduce four series of 12-item horizontal stimulus arrays. The hypothesis was partially supported by the data which showed that, like Hebrew readers who also have inconsistent reading habits, the directional tendencies shown by the 68 Japanese readers were significantly weaker on some tasks that those shown by the 16 English readers whose left-right reading habits were consistent. The data were interpreted as showing that acquired reading habits may affect directionality in perception of visual stimuli.

Crystal structure of 2-hydroxyl-6-oxo-6-phenylhexa-2,4-dienoic acid (HPDA) hydrolase (BphD enzyme) from the Rhodococcus sp. strain RHA1 of the PCB degradation pathway

2-Hydroxyl-6-oxo-6-phenylhexa-2,4-dienoic acid (HPDA) hydrolase (the BphD enzyme) hydrolyzes a ring-cleavage product of an aromatic compound generated in a biphenyl/polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) degradation pathway of bacteria. The crystal structure of the BphD enzyme has been determined at 2.4 A resolution by the multiple isomorphous replacement method. The final refined model of the BphD enzyme yields an R-factor of 17.5 % at 2.4 A resolution with reasonable geometry. The BphD enzyme is an octameric enzyme with a 422 point-group symmetry. The subunit can be divided into core and lid domains. The active site of the enzyme is situated in the substrate-binding pocket, which is located between the two domains. The substrate-binding pocket can be divided into hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions. This feature of the pocket seems to be necessary for substrate binding, as the substrate is composed of hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts. The proposed orientation of the substrate seems to be consistent with the general catalytic mechanism of alpha/beta-hydrolases.

Identification of the ligand-binding site of the BMP type IA receptor for BMP-4

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) belong to the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily of multifunctional cytokines. BMP induces its signal to regulate growth, differentiation, and apoptosis of various cells upon trimeric complex formation with two distinct type I and type II receptors on the cell surface: both are single-transmembrane serine/threonine kinase receptors. To identify the amino acid residues on BMP type I receptor responsible for its ligand binding, the structure-activity relationship of the extracellular ligand-binding domain of the BMP type IA receptor (sBMPR-IA) was investigated by alanine-scanning mutagenesis. The mutant receptors, as well as sBMPR-IA, were expressed as fusion proteins with thioredoxin in Escherichia coli, and purified using reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) after digestion with enterokinase. Structural analysis of the parent protein and representative mutants in solution by CD showed no detectable differences in their folding structures. The binding affinity of the mutants to BMP-4 was determined by surface plasmon resonance biosensor. All the mutant receptors examined, with the exception of Y70A, displayed reduced affinities to BMP-4 with the rank order of decreases: I52A (17-fold) approximately F75A (15-fold) >> T64A (4-fold) = T62A (4-fold) approximately E54A (3-fold). The decreases in binding affinity observed for the latter three mutants are mainly due to decreased association rate constants while alterations in rate constants both, for association and dissociation, result in the drastically reduced affinities for the former two mutants. These results allow us to conclude that sBMPR-IA recognizes the ligand using the concave face of the molecule. The major ligand-binding site of the BMP type IA receptor consists of Phe75 in loop 2 and Ile52, Glu54, Thr62 and Thr64 on the three-stranded beta-sheet. These findings should provide a general basis for the ligand/type I receptor recognition in the TGF-beta superfamily.

Antisense therapy of influenza

The liposomally encapsulated and the free antisense phosphorothioate oligonucleotides (S-ODNs) with four target sites (PB1, PB2, PA, and NP) were tested for their abilities to inhibit virus-induced cytopathogenic effects by a MTT assay using MDCK cells. The liposomally encapsulated S-ODN complementary to the sites of the PB2-AUG initiation codon showed highly inhibitory effects. On the other hand, the inhibitory effect of the liposomally encapsulated S-ODN targeted to PB1 was considerably decreased in comparison with those directed to the PB2 target sites. The liposomally encapsulated antisense phosphorothioate oligonucleotides exhibited higher inhibitory activities than the free oligonucleotides, and showed sequence-specific inhibition, whereas the free antisense phosphorothioate oligonucleotides were observed to inhibit viral absorption to MDCK cells. Therefore, the antiviral effects of S-ODN-PB2-AUG and PA-AUG were examined in a mouse model of influenza virus A infection. Balb/c mice exposed to the influenza virus A (A/PR/8/34) strain at dose of 100 LD(50)s were treated i.v. with various doses (5-40 mg/kg) of liposomally (Tfx-10) encapsulated PB2-AUG or PA-AUG before virus infection and 1 and 3 days postinfection. PB2-AUG oligomer treated i.v. significantly prolonged the mean survival time in days (MDS) and increased the survival rates with a dose-dependent manner. We demonstrate the first successful in vivo antiviral activity of antisense administered i.v. in experimental respiratory tract infections induced with influenza virus A.

Is segmentectomy with lymph node assessment an alternative to lobectomy for non-small cell lung cancer of 2 cm or smaller?

BACKGROUND

Lesser resection than the standard lobectomy for small-sized cT1N0M0 non-small cell lung cancers continues to be debated.

METHODS

We reviewed specimens of 139 patients after lobectomy for cT1N0M0 cancer of 2 cm or less. In addition, we prospectively enrolled 70 patients able to tolerate a lobectomy, in a trial of lesser resection for these lesions. The limited procedure consisted of segmentectomy in which the resection line was delivered beyond the burdened segment, plus exploration of lymph nodes by frozen sectioning. This procedure was modified if the result was positive; this modified procedure was called extended segmentectomy.

RESULTS

The nodal status after lobectomy was pN0, 107 patients; pN1, 12 patients; and pN2, 20 patients. Of the pN1 patients, 2 had only intralobar nodal involvement within the same segment of the main tumor. In the remaining 30 patients with nodal involvement, we ascertained the nodal involvement during the operation. Regarding intrapulmonary metastasis, 1 of 8 patients having this metastasis had the lesion at the segment where the main tumor was not located and had N2 disease, which was detected intraoperatively. If extended segmentectomy had been performed instead of lobectomy, the lesion could have been removed completely. The 5-year survival of patients with cT1N0M0 cancer of 2 cm or less was 87.3% after extended segmentectomy. There were no local recurrences and three noncancer-related deaths. Among patients with pT1N0M0 cancer of 2 cm or less, the 5-year survival was 87.1% in the extended segmentectomy group and 87.7% in the lobectomy group (p = 0.8008).

CONCLUSIONS

Extended segmentectomy should be considered as an alternative for patients with cT1N0M0 non-small cell lung cancer of 2 cm or smaller.

Characteristics of proper names and temporal memory of social news events

Long-term memory of social news events was investigated by means of a questionnaire methodology with a large sample of participants. In Experiment 1, a total of 501 university students were asked to give proper names (i.e., persons and places) that related to a certain news event, and to estimate the date of the event. The accuracy of proper names (especially person names) was superior to that of estimated date (i.e., year). In addition, telescoping effects were found in the events that occurred more than 3 years ago, but time expansion effects emerged in the events that occurred less than 2 years ago. In Experiment 2, in which 182 students participated, the accuracy of proper names and the date estimates tended to be high on the events that participants judged to be given frequent exposure by the mass media. Based on these results, we discuss long-term memory and temporal schemata regarding social news events.

Role of the central nervous system in the development of hypertension produced by chronic nitric oxide blockade in rats

We examined the role of the central nervous system, and particularly the renin-angiotensin (RA) system, in the development of hypertension produced by chronic inhibition of NO synthesis. In experiment 1, Wistar rats drank either nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester (L-NAME) or tap water. Before L-NAME treatment rats were divided into 6 groups. Four of them were administered either losartan or artificial cerebroventricular fluid (a-CSF) intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) for 1 week using an osmotic mini pump. The other two groups were administered the same amount of losartan intravenously (i.v.). In experiment 2, cardiovascular responses to acute i.c.v. losartan and muscimol, a GABA(A) agonist, were examined in conscious L-NAME-treated rats. Finally, in experiment 3, effects of ablation of the AV3V (anteroventral third ventricle) area, known to be one of the centers of cardiovascular control, were tested in the development of L-NAME hypertension. The development of hypertension by L-NAME treatment was attenuated with chronic i.c.v. losartan in a dose-dependent manner, while i.v. losartan had no effect. One week after cessation of i.c.v. losartan, blood pressure was elevated to the same level as in a-CSF-infused, L-NAME-treated rats. Acute i.c.v. losartan produced no cardiovascular changes in either L-NAME-treated or control rats. On the other hand, although i.c.v. muscimol elicited depressor effects in both groups, these responses were significantly larger in L-NAME-treated rats. Cardiovascular responses to i.v. hexamethonium were similar in both groups. The existence of prior lesions in the AV3V area significantly attenuated the development of L-NAME-induced hypertension. These results indicate that the central RA system plays an important role in the development of hypertension produced by chronic inhibition of NO synthase. Moreover, disorder of the central GABA system, rather than that of the RA system, might be important in the maintenance of hypertension in this model.

How Japanese students characterize information from web-sites

How 352 Japanese university students regard web-site information was investigated by two kinds of survey. Application of correspondence analysis and cluster analysis to the questionnaire responses to the web-site advertisement showed students regarded a web-site as a new alien medium which is different from current media. Students regarded web-sites as simply complicated, intellectual, and impermanent, or not memorable. Students got precise information from web-sites but they did not use it in making decisions to purchase goods.

Interpersonal constructs of pregnant married women during pregnancy and postpartum period as perceptions of family members

Interpersonal constructs and their dynamics in pregnant women during the perinatal period were investigated using a symbol figure placement technique and a semantic differential test. 16 pregnant women represented their interpersonal perceptions of family members (husband, mother, father, mother-in-law, father-in-law, and child) at four different times (34 weeks of pregnancy, 37 weeks of pregnancy, and 3 days and 30 days after delivery). Two tests indicated positive perceptions of the pregnant women (cohesion, confidence, and dependence) of family members changed over the perinatal period and their interpersonal perceptions of self-husband and self-child were the most positive next to self-mother. Based upon these findings, the support system for pregnant women was discussed.