Caspase-12 compensates for lack of caspase-2 and caspase-3 in female germ cells

Previously, we analyzed mice lacking either caspase-2 or caspase-3 and documented a role for caspase-2 in developmental and chemotherapy-induced apoptosis of oocytes. Those data also revealed dispensability of caspase-3, although we found this caspase critical for ovarian granulosa cell death. Because of the mutual interdependence of germ cells and granulosa cells, herein we generated caspase-2 and -3 double-mutant (DKO) mice to evaluate how these two caspases functionally relate to each other in orchestrating oocyte apoptosis. No difference was observed in the rate of spontaneous oocyte apoptosis between DKO and wildtype (WT) females. In contrast, the oocytes from DKO females were more susceptible to apoptosis induced by DNA damaging agents, compared with oocytes from WT females. This increased sensitivity to death of DKO oocytes appears to be a specific response to DNA damage, and it was associated with a compensatory upregulation of caspase-12. Interestingly, DKO oocytes were more resistant to apoptosis induced by methotrexate (MTX) than WT oocytes. These results revealed that in female germ cells, insults that directly interfere with their metabolic status (e.g. MTX) require caspase-2 and caspase-3 as obligatory executioners of the ensuing cell death cascade. However, when DNA damage is involved, and in the absence of caspase-2 and -3, caspase-12 becomes upregulated and mediates apoptosis in oocytes.

Influence of the target vessel on the location and area of maximum skin dose during percutaneous coronary intervention

BACKGROUND

A number of cases involving radiation-associated patient skin injury attributable to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have been reported. Knowledge of the location and area of the patient's maximum skin dose (MSD) in PCI is necessary to reduce the risk of skin injury.

PURPOSE

To determine the location and area of the MSD in PCI, and separately analyze the effects of different target vessels.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

197 consecutive PCI procedures were studied, and the location and area of the MSD were calculated by a skin-dose mapping software program: Caregraph. The target vessels of the PCI procedures were divided into four groups based on the American Heart Association (AHA) classification.

RESULTS

The sites of the MSD for AHA #1-3, AHA #4, and AHA #11-15 were located mainly on the right back skin, the lower right or center back skin, and the upper back skin areas, respectively, whereas the MSD sites for the AHA #5-10 PCI were widely spread. The MSD area for the AHA #4 PCI was larger than that for the AHA #11-15 PCI (P<0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Although the radiation associated with PCI can be widely spread and variable, we observed a tendency regarding the location and area of the MSD when we separately analyzed the data for different target vessels. We recommend the use of a smaller radiation field size and the elimination of overlapping fields during PCI.

Regulators of small GTPases

Small GTPases are converted from the GDP-bound inactive form to the GTP-bound active form by a GDP/GTP exchange reaction which is regulated by GDP/GTP exchange proteins (GEPs). We have found both stimulatory and inhibitory GEPs, which we have named GDP dissociation stimulators (GDSs) and GDP dissociation inhibitors (GDIs) respectively. We have isolated Smg GDS, Rho GDI and Rab GDI, cloned them, and determined their primary structures. These GEPs are active on a group of small GTPases: Smg GDS on at least K-Ras, Rap1/Smg21, Rho and Rac; Rho GDI on at least Rho, Rac and Cdc42; Rab GDI on most of the Rab family members. These GEPs have an additional function, regulating the translocation of their substrate small GTPases between the membrane and the cytosol. The GEPs interact only with the post-translationally modified form of their substrate small GTPases.

Interaction of cancer cells with platelets mediated by Necl-5/poliovirus receptor enhances cancer cell metastasis to the lungs

Necl-5 is an immunoglobulin (Ig)-like molecule that was originally identified as a poliovirus receptor and is often upregulated in cancer cells. We recently found that it colocalizes with integrin alpha(v)beta(3) at the leading edges of moving cells and enhances growth factor-induced cell movement and proliferation. Upon cell-cell contact, Necl-5 is removed from the cell surface by its trans-interaction with the cell adhesion molecule nectin-3, resulting in reduced cell movement and proliferation. Here, we investigated the role of Necl-5 in the interaction of cancer cells with platelets. Necl-5 was upregulated in CT26 cells, a colon adenocarcinoma cell line. When CT26 cells were injected into the tail vein of mice, they were arrested in the pulmonary vessels by adhering to platelets and subsequently metastasized to the lungs. Overexpression of Necl-5 in CT26 cells enhanced this metastasis, while inhibition of the trans-interaction of Necl-5 with CD226 by an anti-Necl-5 monoclonal antibody reduced the metastasis. Depletion of platelets by treatment with a rabbit anti-mouse platelet serum reduced the Necl-5-enhanced metastasis in mice. Thus, the trans-interaction of upregulated Necl-5 in cancer cells with its counter-receptor in platelets, probably CD226, is critical for efficient metastasis of cancer cells to the lungs.

Identification of a female-pig profile associated with lower productivity on commercial farms

At-risk female pigs were defined as females having characteristics of at least one of the four subgroups: females with reservices, lactation length (LL) 0-13 days, weaning-to-first-mating interval (WMI) > or = 8 days, and abortion records. These females may have suboptimal reproductive performance. This study examined reproductive performance in at-risk females, and the relationships between at-risk females, parity, season of mating, and the four subgroups. From 117 farms, 102,494 parity records were categorized into at-risk females and non-at-risk females. Statistical mixed models were used to analyze reproductive performance. Of the 102,494 records, 19.6% were at-risk females. At-risk females had at least 11.1% lower farrowing rates than non-at-risk females among all parities and seasons of mating (P<0.05). As parity increased from 1 to > or = 6, farrowing rate in at-risk females decreased from 74.1 to 62.9%, while the farrowing rate in non-at-risk females decreased from 87.3 to 82.0% (P<0.05). There was no difference in the number of pigs born alive between at-risk females and non-at-risk females (P=0.810). Females at Parity 1 and those that mated during summer had the highest proportion of becoming at-risk females (P<0.001). Gilts and sows with abortion records had at least 39.3% lower farrowing rates than those with non-abortion records (P<0.001). Among the LL 0-13 days, the farrowing rate was below 70% regardless of WMI. Monitoring and reducing at-risk females is an opportunity for producers to improve herd productivity.

Stereotactic bradiotherapy (SRT) for operable stage I non-small cell lung cancer: Is SRT comparable to surgery?

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Background: Stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) has been aggressively performed as a radical treatment for stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in Japan, however most cases were medically inoperable. In a large Japanese multi-institutional experience, we reviewed the treatment outcome of SRT for medically operable stage I NSCLC cases with the patients’ refusal to surgery. Methods: In 1995–2004, 86 medically operable patients with stage I NSCLC (median age, 74 years; 62 T1N0M0; 24 T2N0M0) were treated with SRT alone in 14 reliable institutions. Stereotactic three-dimensional treatment was performed using non-coplanar dynamic arcs or multiple static ports. A total dose of 20 to 72.5 Gy at the isocenter was administered in 1 to 10 fractions. Median calculated biological effective dose (BED) was 115 Gy (range, 100–153 Gy). The data was collected and analyzed in a retrospective manner. Results: During follow-up (median, 43 months), pulmonary complications of above grade 2 arose in 4 patients (5.8%). Local control rates at 3 and 5-year post SRT were 88.1% and 85.5%, respectively. Three and 5-year overall survival rates were 80.7% and 71.3%, respectively. Five-year overall survival rate for patients whose age was over 70 years (n=27) and under 70 years (n=58) were 74.3% and 69.6%, respectively. Five-year overall survival rate for stage IA (n=62) and IB (n=24) cases were 72.3% and 68.4%, respectively. Conclusions: SRT is safe and promising as a radical treatment for operable stage I NSCLC. The survival rate of SRT is potentially comparable to that of surgery.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Multiple high-throughput analyses monitor the response of E. coli to perturbations

Analysis of cellular components at multiple levels of biological information can provide valuable functional insights. We performed multiple high-throughput measurements to study the response of Escherichia coli cells to genetic and environmental perturbations. Analysis of metabolic enzyme gene disruptants revealed unexpectedly small changes in messenger RNA and proteins for most disruptants. Overall, metabolite levels were also stable, reflecting the rerouting of fluxes in the metabolic network. In contrast, E. coli actively regulated enzyme levels to maintain a stable metabolic state in response to changes in growth rate. E. coli thus seems to use complementary strategies that result in a metabolic network robust against perturbations.

Agonist and antagonist sensitivity of non-selective cation channel currents evoked by muscarinic receptor stimulation in bovine ciliary muscle cells

1 In the bovine ciliary muscle, stimulation of muscarinic receptors with carbachol (CCh) opens two types of non-selective cation channels (NSCCS and NSCCL) with widely different unitary conductances (100 fS and 35 pS). Here we examined the dependence of the activity of NSCCS on the agonist (CCh) concentration by whole-cell voltage clamp in freshly isolated bovine ciliary muscle cells. We also examined the sensitivity of CCh-evoked NSCCS currents to several muscarinic receptor antagonists. 2 The voltage clamp experiments were carried out using Ba2+ as the charge carrier, as this divalent cation is the most permeant for NSCCS of the alkali and alkaline earth metal ions hitherto examined, whereas it is relatively impermeant to NSCCL. For the dose-activation relationship obtained, the apparent dissociation constant K was estimated to be 0.5 +/- 0.2 microm (n = 31), a value of an order of magnitude smaller than the one reported for CCh-evoked NSCCL currents in our previous experiments. 3 In the dose-inhibition experiments we observed that the CCh-evoked NSCCS currents were inhibited by the muscarinic antagonists with the following potency sequence: atropine approximately 4-DAMP >> pirenzepine > AF-DX116, indicating that the activation of NSCCS by CCh is mediated by an M3 muscarinic receptor. 4 We have previously shown by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction that the bovine ciliary muscle contains mRNAs for several transient receptor potential channel homologues (TRPC1, TRPC3, TRPC4 and TRPC6) which are attracting attention as molecular candidates for receptor-operated NSCCs. In the present experiments, we succeeded in visually identifying these TRPCs in the plasma membrane of cultured bovine ciliary muscle cells by immunofluorescence microscopy.

Stereotactic hypofractionated high-dose irradiation (STI) for stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): Mature results in 300 cases of a Japanese multi-institutional study

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Background: With the increasing accuracy of localization for tumor-bearing areas using various new techniques, hypofractionated or single high-dose stereotactic irradiation (STI) has been actively investigated for stage I NSCLC in Japan. The current study retrospectively evaluated Japanese multi-institutional results for high-dose STI for stage I NSCLC. Methods: From 1993 to 2003, stereotactic three-dimensional treatment was performed using 3–10 non-coplanar dynamic arcs or 6–20 static ports for a total of 300 stage I (median age, 75 years; T1N0M0, n = 193; T2N0M0, n = 107) patients with primary NSCLC (adenocarcinoma, n = 138; squamous cell carcinoma, n = 129; and others, n = 33) in 14 institutions. Totally 190 patients were medically inoperable, and other 110 were medically operable but selected STI. A total dose of 18–75 Gy at the isocenter was administered in 1–22 fractions. Median calculated biological effective dose (BED) was 108 Gy (range, 57–180 Gy). Results: Median follow-up period of survivors was 38 months (range; 2–128 months). Pulmonary complications of NCI-CTC criteria (version 2.0) grade ≥ 3 were noted in 9 patients (3.0%). Local progression occurred in 44 patients (14.7%), and 5-year local control rate was high (86%) for BED ≥100 Gy (n = 227) compared to 67% for <100 Gy (n = 73) (P < 0.001). Overall 5-year survival rates of operable and inoperable patients were 65% and 37%, respectively. Overall 5-year survival rates in operable cases was high (74%) for BED ≥100 Gy (n = 85) compared to 37% for <100 Gy (n = 24) (P < 0.01). In a subset of operable patients irradiated with BED ≥100, 3-year locally progression-free survival rates was high (81%) for stage IA (n = 60) compared to 67% for stage IB (n = 23) (P < 0.05) Conclusions: Local control and survival rates of STI for stage I NSCLC are better with BED ≥100 Gy compared to <100 Gy. Survival rates in selected patients (medically operable, BED ≥100 Gy) were excellent, and potentially comparable to those of surgery. Stage IB patients displayed higher rate of local progression than stage IA. We have started multi-institutional prospective study for stage IA NSCLC with a schedule of total dose of 48 Gy in 4 fractions during 4–8 days.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Requirement of nectin, but not cadherin, for formation of claudin-based tight junctions in annexin II-knockdown MDCK cells

Adherens junctions (AJs) and tight junctions (TJs) comprise a junctional complex which plays key roles not only in cell adhesion and polarization but also in regulation of cell movement and proliferation in epithelial cells. E-Cadherin and nectin are major cell-cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) at AJs, whereas claudin is a major CAM at TJs. We have shown that the cadherin-based cell-cell adhesion is not formed in MDCK cells in which annexin II, a Ca(2+)- and phospholipid-binding protein, is knocked down. Here, we found that TJs and the nectin-based cell-cell adhesions were formed in annexin II-knockdown cells. The formation of TJs in annexin II-knockdown MDCK cells required the nectin-based cell-cell adhesion and afadin, a nectin- and actin-filament-binding protein. In addition, it required the activation of Cdc42 and Rac small G proteins and subsequent reorganization of the IQGAP1-dependent actin cytoskeleton which were induced by the nectin-based cell-cell adhesion. These results indicate that the nectin-based cell-cell adhesion and afadin, but not the cadherin-based cell-cell adhesion, are necessary for the formation of TJs and that the signaling by nectin and the subsequent reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton are also necessary for the formation of TJs under certain conditions.

Construction of Escherichia coli K-12 in-frame, single-gene knockout mutants: the Keio collection

We have systematically made a set of precisely defined, single-gene deletions of all nonessential genes in Escherichia coli K-12. Open-reading frame coding regions were replaced with a kanamycin cassette flanked by FLP recognition target sites by using a one-step method for inactivation of chromosomal genes and primers designed to create in-frame deletions upon excision of the resistance cassette. Of 4288 genes targeted, mutants were obtained for 3985. To alleviate problems encountered in high-throughput studies, two independent mutants were saved for every deleted gene. These mutants—the ‘Keio collection'—provide a new resource not only for systematic analyses of unknown gene functions and gene regulatory networks but also for genome-wide testing of mutational effects in a common strain background, E. coli K-12 BW25113. We were unable to disrupt 303 genes, including 37 of unknown function, which are candidates for essential genes. Distribution is being handled via GenoBase (http://ecoli.aist-nara.ac.jp/).

FFT analysis of the X-ray tube voltage waveforms of high-frequency generators for radiographic systems

PURPOSE

To present a novel method for analyzing the voltage waveform from high-frequency X-ray generators for radiographic systems.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The output signal of the actual voltage across the tube of a high-frequency generator was measured using the built-in voltage sense taps that are used for voltage regulation feedback in X-ray generators. The output signal was stored in an analyzing recorder, and the waveforms were analyzed using FFT analysis. The FFT analysis of high-frequency generators consisted of obtaining the power spectrum, comparing the major frequency components in the tube voltage waveforms, and examining the intensity of each frequency component.

RESULTS

FFT analysis enables an objective comparison of the complex tube voltage waveforms in high-frequency X-ray generators. FFT analysis detected the change in the X-ray tube voltage waveform that occurred when there were problems with the high-frequency generator.

CONCLUSION

High-frequency X-ray generators are becoming the universal choice for radiographic systems. The X-ray tube voltage and its waveform are important features of an X-ray generator, and quality assurance (QA) is important, too. As a tool for engineers involved in the design and development of X-ray generators, we can see that our methods (FFT analysis) might have some value as a means of describing generator performance under varying conditions. Furthermore, since the X-ray tube voltage waveform of a high-frequency generator is complex, FFT analysis may be useful for QA of the waveform.

Activation of Rac by cadherin through the c-Src–Rap1–phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase–Vav2 pathway

Cadherin first forms homo-cis-dimers on the cell surface of the same cells, followed by formation of homo-trans-dimers (trans-interactions) in a Ca2+-dependent manner, eventually causing adherens junctions. In addition, trans-interacting cadherin induces activation of Rac small G protein, which stabilizes non-trans-interacting cadherin on the plasma membrane by inhibiting its endocytosis through the reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton. However, it has not fully been understood how cadherin induces the activation of Rac. We examined here the molecular mechanism of the activation of Rac by trans-interacting cadherin in fibroblasts and epithelial cells. Trans-interacting cadherin induced activation of c-Src locally at the cadherin-based cell-cell adhesion sites. c-Src then tyrosine-phosphorylated Vav2, one of the Rac-GDP/GTP exchange factors (GEFs), and induced activation of C3G, one of the Rap1-GEFs, through Crk adaptor protein, resulting in the activation of Rap1 locally at the cadherin-based cell-cell adhesion sites. The c-Src-catalysed tyrosine phosphorylation was not sufficient for the activation of Vav2 and the c-Src-induced activation of Rap1 was additionally necessary for it, although activated Rap1 alone was not sufficient for the activation of non-tyrosine-phosphorylated Vav2. This effect of Rap1 on Vav2 was mediated by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. We describe here the signaling pathway from trans-interacting cadherin to the activation of Rac.

Automated preparation of hypoxic cell marker [18F]FRP-170 by on-column hydrolysis

An automated synthesis for the preparation of the novel hypoxic cell marker, [(18)F]FRP-170 3, [(18)F]1-[2-fluoro-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethoxy]methyl-2- nitroimidazole, was developed using an on-column basic-hydrolysis step. The (18)F-labeled protected intermediate 2 was retained on a Sep-Pak Plus C18 cartridge and, in the same cartridge at room temperature, hydrolyzed by NaOH for deacetylation to give [(18)F]FRP-170. The elution method from the cartridge was optimized for direct injection of the crude product into an HPLC column. Thus, [(18)F]FRP-170 was prepared in 20-30% decay-corrected radiochemical yield within 60 min.

Effective phase correction function for high-resolution exit wave reconstruction by a three-dimensional Fourier filtering method

The phase correction function used in the three-dimensional Fourier filtering method (3D-FFM) for compensating lens aberrations was investigated to reconstruct a high-resolution exit wave of a sample. An appropriate function, which hardly suffered from imperfect illumination conditions, was determined by comparing two types of phase correction functions with numerical calculations and experiments using through-focus images of an amorphous thin film and a [110]-oriented Si single crystal taken under tilted illumination or partially coherent illumination. Theoretical calculations indicated that a function in terms of w (an axial Fourier component), available uniquely in the 3D Fourier space, compensated for the phase shift due to the spherical aberration more precisely than did a conventional function in terms of g (the two-dimensional (2D) planar Fourier components). Experimentally, exit waves reconstructed using the w-function showed sample structures at approximately 20% higher resolution than those reconstructed using the g-function. Image contrast simulations proved that the w-function had a significant advantage over the g-function: the former canceled out the effect of illumination divergence, resulting in a high-resolution exit wave. These results demonstrated that exit waves, which are uniquely realized in the 3D-FFM, should be reconstructed using the w-type phase correction function.

The expression of nectin-1alpha in normal human skin and various skin tumours

BACKGROUND

A novel cell-cell adhesion system that consists of nectin and afadin has been identified at cadherin-based cell-cell adherens junctions. Nectin is a Ca2+-independent homophilic and heterophilic cell adhesion molecule that belongs to the immunoglobulin superfamily. Nectin has recently been shown to serve as an alpha-herpesvirus entry and cell-cell spread mediator. In spite of the ubiquitous expression of nectin-1alpha, its detailed localization in human skin has not been examined so far.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the localization of nectin-1alpha in normal human skin and the alteration of its expression in malignant skin tumours.

METHODS

Immunohistochemistry was employed to determine the expression of nectin-1alpha and other adhesion molecules.

RESULTS

We detected nectin-1alpha in normal human epidermis, follicles and eccrine ducts. Nectin-1alpha was colocalized with E-cadherin at cell-cell adherens junctions of the epidermis. The concentration of the nectin-afadin system at cell-cell adherens junctions was reduced in the early stage of malignant transformation of keratinocytes, such as in basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas, where the cadherin-catenin system was preserved. Nectin-1alpha at cell-cell adherens junctions was reduced in human epithelial cancer cells located at the advancing border of the tumour.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed that nectin-1alpha is located at cell-cell adherens junctions in human skin and that reduction of nectin-1alpha at cell-cell adherens junctions may be involved in the invasion of squamous cell tumours.

Congenital sinus of the upper lip with idiopathic precocious puberty

An extremely rare case of congenital sinus of the upper lip is presented in a 22-year-old woman with idiopathic precocious puberty. The sinus has a pin-like orifice located in the midline of the upper lip philtum just below the base of the columella. Sexual precocity was found out when she was 7 years old. A series of exact examinations had been performed at that time. Neither neurogenic lesions of the central nervous system nor other systemic abnormalities were observed. Oral Diseases

Nano-area electron diffraction pattern reconstructed from three-dimensional Fourier spectrum

A method to obtain a nano-area electron diffraction pattern in transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was proposed, based on three-dimensional (3D)) image formation theory. This method allows us to reconstruct an electron diffraction pattern from a 3D Fourier spectrum of high-resolution through-focus images. As a test case, an electron diffraction pattern from a tilted Si single crystal was reconstructed using the proposed method and compared with the conventional selected-area electron diffraction pattern. The intensity distribution of the reconstructed electron diffraction pattern was confirmed to be qualitatively equal to that of the selected-area electron diffraction pattern, though the degree of the equivalency between these patterns reduces at the high frequency region and the reproducibility of the intensity degrades when the number of images used in the image processing was decreased. By selecting areas in a reconstructed exit wave field, some electron diffraction patterns were obtained from the nano-areas without the influence of spherical aberration.

Pilt, a novel peripheral membrane protein at tight junctions in epithelial cells

Tight junctions (TJs) serve as a barrier that prevents solutes and water from passing through the paracellular pathway, and as a fence between the apical and basolateral plasma membranes in epithelial cells. TJs consist of transmembrane proteins (claudin, occludin, and JAM) and many peripheral membrane proteins, including actin filament (F-actin)-binding scaffold proteins (ZO-1, -2, and -3), non-F-actin-binding scaffold proteins (MAGI-1), and cell polarity molecules (ASIP/PAR-3 and PAR-6). We identified here a novel peripheral membrane protein at TJs from a human cDNA library and named it Pilt (for protein incorporated later into TJs), because it was incorporated into TJs later after the claudin-based junctional strands were formed. Pilt consists of 547 amino acids with a calculated M(r) of 60,704. Pilt has a proline-rich domain. In cadherin-deficient L cells stably expressing claudin or JAM, Pilt was not recruited to claudin-based or JAM-based cell-cell contact sites, suggesting that Pilt does not directly interact with claudin or JAM. The present results indicate that Pilt is a novel component of TJs.

Complementing yeast rho1 mutation groups with distinct functional defects

Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a multifunctional molecular switch involved in establishment of cell morphogenesis. We systematically characterized isolated temperature-sensitive mutations in the RHO1 gene and identified two groups of rho1 mutations (rho1A and rho1B) possessing distinct functional defects. Biochemical and cytological analyses demonstrated that mutant cells of the rho1A and rho1B groups have defects in activation of the Rho1p effectors Pkc1p kinase and 1,3-beta-glucan synthase, respectively. Heteroallelic diploid strains with rho1A and rho1B mutations were able to grow even at the restrictive temperature of the corresponding homoallelic diploid strains, showing intragenic complementation. The ability to activate both of the essential Rho1p effector proteins was restored in the heteroallelic diploid. Thus, each of the complementing rho1 mutation groups abolishes a distinct function of Rho1p, activation of Pkc1p kinase or 1,3-beta-glucan synthase activity.

The participation of pharmacists in a team to introduce a clinical pathway to laparoscopic cystectomy in obstetrics and gynecology

In the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at our hospital, a team of doctors, pharmacists, nurses, and other medical staff was established to prepare a clinical pathway for laparoscopic cystectomy. Various data on clinical charts including the use of drugs were collected from 57 patients by pharmacists and nurses. Based on the analysis of these data, hospitalization period, method of preoperative bowel preparation, time to initiation of food intake, duration of antibiotic administration, and time and content of pharmaceutical instructions to patients of dosage and administration were determined. Criteria for variances requiring the doctor's directions were determined for fever, wound pain, and vomiting. The clinical pathway established here allows of not only the efficient and uniform care of patients, but also the active exchange of opinions among members of the medical team. Moreover, most patients who replied to a questionnaire said that they were at ease during hospitalization because they had received detailed information about the clinical pathway including the use of drugs before surgery. Thus, the participation of pharmacists on a medical team that is introducing a clinical pathway is particularly important because the use of drugs and pharmaceutical care are an important part of good patient care.

Wave field restoration using three-dimensional Fourier filtering method

A wave field restoration method in transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was mathematically derived based on a three-dimensional (3D) image formation theory. Wave field restoration using this method together with spherical aberration correction was experimentally confirmed in through-focus images of amorphous tungsten thin film, and the resolution of the reconstructed phase image was successfully improved from the Scherzer resolution limit to the information limit. In an application of this method to a crystalline sample, the surface structure of Au(110) was observed in a profile-imaging mode. The processed phase image showed quantitatively the atomic relaxation of the topmost layer.

Demonstration of angiogenin in human endometrium and its enhanced expression in endometrial tissues in the secretory phase and the decidua

Angiogenesis is thought to be crucial for normal physiology of the endometrium, where dynamic vascular remodeling occurs during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. We investigated the presence of angiogenin, a potent inducer of angiogenesis, and the regulatory mechanisms of its production in the human endometrium. Western blot analysis demonstrated that angiogenin protein expression increased by 3- to 4-fold in the endometrium in the mid and late secretory phases and in early gestation relative to that during the proliferative phase. Quantitative mRNA analysis showed the similar tendency in the expression of angiogenin mRNA in the endometrium, with the highest levels observed in the mid and late secretory phases and early gestation. An immunohistochemical study showed that angiogenin was expressed in both stromal cells and epithelial cells, with indistinguishable intensity between these cells regardless of phases of the menstrual cycle. In support of the Western blot analysis, the intensity of staining appeared to be highest in the mid to late secretory phases relative to other phases. Consistent with these in vivo results, decidualized cultured stromal cells, after treatment with progesterone or progesterone plus E2, exhibited the capacity to secrete significantly increased amounts of angiogenin compared with untreated or E2 alone-treated control group. Both the treatment with (Bu)2cAMP and hypoxic conditions stimulated angiogenin secretion by stromal cells. For isolated epithelial cells, hypoxia stimulated angiogenin secretion, whereas (Bu)2cAMP had no appreciable effect. In summary, we demonstrated the presence of angiogenin in human endometrium and its possible local regulatory factors, such as progesterone, cAMP, and hypoxia. These findings along with its enhanced expression in the endometrium in the secretory phase and in decidual tissues raise the possibility that angiogenin may play a role in establishing pregnancy.