Expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the rat forebrain and upper brain stem during postnatal development: an immunohistochemical study

The present study was undertaken to characterize the regional and temporal patterns of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the rat forebrain and upper brain stem during postnatal development using an immunohistochemical approach. Results indicated that BDNF-immunoreactive (IR) cells could be divided into three groups based on their postnatal developmental patterns: (group 1) BDNF-IR cells were first detected between postnatal days (PND) 1 and 7, and thereafter they increased in number and remained stable during later stages of ontogeny; (group 2) BDNF-IR cells progressively increased in number with age, and then decreased in adults; (group 3) numerous BDNF-IR cells detected between PND 1 and 7 showed a dramatic reductions in number with few IR cells in adults. In contrast, the developmental pattern of most BDNF-IR fibers differed from that of IR neurons, i.e. they appeared between PND 1-28 and thereafter continued to increase in number showing a maximum level in adults. Additionally, BDNF-IR cells in the superficial layer of the neocortex and IR fibers in the stratum oriens of CA2 first appeared as late as PND 28 and in adults, respectively. After colchicine treatment, reexpression or a marked increase in the number of BDNF-IR neurons was observed in many areas of the adult brain where a progressive decrease in BDNF-IR cell numbers during development and scant or some IR neurons in adults were shown. These results showed both transient and persistent expression of BDNF in various regions of the developing rat brain.

Detection of intracranial atherosclerotic steno-occlusive disease with 3D time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography with sensitivity encoding at 3T

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The spatial resolution of 3D time-of-flight MR angiography (TOF-MRA) can be improved within a reasonable examination time by combining 3T and sensitivity encoding technique. We evaluated the diagnostic performance of high-resolution 3D TOF-MRA at 3T in patients with suspected atherosclerotic steno-occlusive disease of the intracranial arteries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We assessed 160 arteries in 39 patients: 68 distal internal carotid arteries, 68 middle cerebral arteries, and 24 vertebrobasilar arteries. The measured voxel size of 3D TOF-MRA was 0.28 x 0.56 x 1.2 mm(3). Steno-occlusive disease was assessed independently by 2 observers using conventional angiography as the reference standard.

RESULTS

According to observers 1 and 2, respectively, 3D TOF-MRA at 3T had a sensitivity of 78%/85% (21/27, 23/27), a specificity of 95%/95% (126/133, 127/133), a positive predictive value of 75%/79% (21/28, 23/29), and a negative predictive value of 95%/97% (126/132, 127/131), using a 50%-99% threshold of diameter stenosis. For detection of complete occlusion, according to observers 1 and 2, respectively, 3D TOF-MRA at 3T had a sensitivity of 100% (13/13), a specificity of 99% (145/147), a positive predictive value of 87% (13/15), and a negative predictive value of 100% (145/145). Interobserver agreement of 3D TOF-MRA was excellent (kappa = 0.81).

CONCLUSION

High-resolution 3D TOF-MRA with sensitivity encoding at 3T can be used as a reliable diagnostic tool for the detection of clinically significant steno-occlusive disease of major intracranial arteries.

Fabrication of zinc oxide nanostructures using solvent-assisted capillary lithography

We present a simple solvent-assisted capillary molding method to fabricate zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures using an ultraviolet (UV) curable polyurethane acrylate (PUA) mold. A thin film of the ZnO sol-gel precursor solution in methyl alcohol was prepared by spin coating on a solid substrate and subsequently a nanopatterned PUA mold was brought into conformal contact with the substrate under slight physical pressure (∼3.5 bar). After annealing at 230 °C for 4 h, well-defined ZnO nanostructures formed with feature size down to ∼50 nm, aided by capillary rise and solvent evaporation. It was found that the height of capillary rise depended highly on the applied pressure. A simple experimental setup was devised to examine the effects of pressure, revealing that the optimum pressure ranged from 3.5 bar to 5 bar. Also, ZnO nanorods could be selectively grown on patterned regions using the seed layer as a pseudocatalyst when the width of the seed layer was larger than ∼200 nm.

Spontaneous resolution of prenatally diagnosed dural sinus thrombosis: a case report

Fetal thrombosis of the dural sinus is an extremely rare congenital cerebrovascular condition that is potentially fatal. We report a case of dural sinus thrombosis diagnosed by prenatal ultrasonography and fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the second trimester. The thrombosis showed partial resolution during pregnancy and resolved spontaneously after birth without neurological complications. This is the first report of spontaneous postnatal resolution, and may provide helpful information on the natural history and prenatal counseling of fetal thrombosis of the dural sinus.

Low-pressure detachment nanolithography

A simple, one-step method is developed to fabricate various nanostructures such as nanoholes and nanolines based on the detachment of an organic polymer film in contact with a patterned polyurethane acrylate mould under a low physical pressure (1-2 bar) at ambient conditions. Calculation of the work of adhesion based on contact angle measurements indicates that the adhesion strength at the organic/mould interface is greater than that at the organic/substrate interface, resulting in a successful detachment without any surface modifications. 4,4(')-bis[N-1-napthyl-N-phenyl-amino]biphenyl (NPB) is used as the organic film owing to its low cohesion energy and stability in air. Nanoholes as small as 150 nm and nanolines as small as 50 nm have been fabricated using this approach. These nanostructures are used as a template for selective deposition of silver nanoparticles and a wet/dry etch resist for further pattern transfer.

Improved therapeutic outcomes of DLBCL after introduction of rituximab in Korean patients

The addition of rituximab to cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) has been shown to improve the outcome in all age groups with newly diagnosed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). We conducted a retrospective analysis to evaluate the impact of this combination therapy on DLBCL outcomes in Korea. From October 2001 to June 2004, newly diagnosed DLBCL patients in nine Korean institutes were included. All of these 81 patients were treated with three or more cycles of rituximab plus CHOP (R-CHOP) combination chemotherapy (R group), and followed for a minimum of 12 months. For comparison, a historical cohort of patients was used and analyzed for "Clinicopathologic characteristics of Korean non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHLs) based on Revised American Lymphoma (REAL) classification" in 1999. Among the 1,098 NHL patients, the data of 214 DLBCL patients, who were treated with CHOP chemotherapy in first-line, were analyzed (C group). We compared outcomes between the C group and the R group. A total of 295 patients were evaluated (C group, 214; R group, 81). The complete response (CR) rate was higher in R group (73 vs 91%, p=0.001). The 2-year event-free survival (EFS) rate was significantly higher in R group (78 vs 85%, p=0.0194). This survival benefit was maintained in high-risk patients according to the international prognostic index (IPI) (p=0.0039), regardless of age. However, there was no significant difference in low-risk patients. The addition of rituximab to CHOP combination chemotherapy for DLBCLs showed improved outcomes, particularly in high-risk group according to the IPI. Long-term follow-up results will be needed to confirm these results.

Particle detachment during hydraulic shock loads in granular media filtration

Particle breakthrough can occur by either the breakoff of previously captured particles (or flocs) or the direct passage of some influent particles through the filter. Filtration experiments were performed in a laboratory-scale filter using spherical glass beads with a diameter of 0.55 mm as collectors. A single type of particle suspension (Min-U-Sil 5) and three different destabilisation methods (pH control, alum and polymer destabilisation) were used to destabilise particles. The filtration velocity of 5 m/h was similar to that used in standard media filtration practice. To assess the possibility of particle detachment during normal filtration, a hydraulic shock load (20% increase of flow rate) was applied after 4 h of normal filtration. The magnitude of particle detachment was proportional to the particle size for non-Brownian particles. At the same time, less favourable particles, i.e. particles with larger surface charge, were easily detached during the hydraulic shock load. Therefore, proper particle destabilisation before filtration is crucial for maximum particle removal, as well as minimum particle breakthrough.

Acute gastrointestinal bleeding: contrast-enhanced MDCT

With the introduction of multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT), CT is being considered a potential diagnostic method for patients with acute gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. On arterial phase MDCT images, active GI bleeding is typically identified as a focal area of high attenuation within the bowel lumen, which represents a collection of contrast material that has been extravasated in association with arterial bleeding. Additional CT findings suggestive of acute GI bleeding are focal dilatation of fluid-filled bowel segment noted on contrast-enhanced CT and acute hematoma on unenhanced CT. In addition to detection of active bleeding, an advantage of contrast-enhanced MDCT is the ability to demonstrate morphologic changes in the GI tract, which could suggest specific conditions that cause acute GI bleeding such as intestinal tumors. Arterial phase contrast-enhanced MDCT is rapid, noninvasive, and accurate in detecting and localizing sites of bleeding in patients with acute GI bleeding. Contrast-enhanced MDCT may be a promising diagnostic option in patients with acute GI bleeding.

Polarity effect of the thimble-type ionization chamber at a low dose rate

It is known that the current collected from an ionization chamber exposed to a constant radiation intensity changes in magnitude when the polarity of the collecting potential is reversed. It is called the polarity effect of the ionization chamber. There are many possible causes that induce the polarity effect and one of them can be a field distortion due to a potential difference between the guard electrode and the collector. We studied how much the polarity effect depends on the design of the electrodes in the thimble-type ionization chamber. Two thimble-type ionization chambers, which had different electrode structures, were designed and fabricated at KAERI. We calculated the field distortions due to the potential difference between the guard electrode and the collector for the two ionization chambers. MAXWELL and Garfield were employed to calculate the electron drift lines inside the chamber. The polarity effects of the two ionization chambers were measured, and they were consistent with the field calculation. We could conclude that the polarity effect is mostly induced from the field distortion due to the potential difference between the guard electrode and the collector in our experiment and it depends significantly on the design of the electrodes.

Identification and characterization of the peroxiredoxin gene family in chickens

Peroxiredoxin (PRX) is a crucial antioxidant protein that protects against endogenously produced peroxides in prokaryotes to eukaryotes. To date, 6 different isoforms have been identified in mammals. In this study, we describe the first members of the PRX protein family to be characterized in Chicken. Through bioinformatics analysis, we observed that at least 4 different classes of PRX protein have been evolutionarily conserved in chickens. Furthermore, in vitro functional assays of the candidate chicken PRX proteins demonstrated that they had levels of antioxidant activity similar to those of the mammalian enzymes. The expression patterns of the PRX transcript in several chicken tissues were not tissue specific, suggesting that they might play an essential role as a housekeeping gene in all tissues to protect against oxidative damage. In conclusion, the sequences of the putative members of this functional gene family in chickens could be effectively retrieved in silico through bioinformatics analysis, and the functionality of their gene products evaluated by in vitro comparative assay.

Species status and phylogeography of two closely related Coptolabrus species (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in South Korea inferred from mitochondrial and nuclear gene sequences

We investigated the species status and intraspecific phylogeography in South Korea of two ground beetle species, Coptolabrus jankowskii and Coptolabrus smaragdinus (Coleoptera: Carabidae), using statistical parsimony networks and nested clade analyses based on sequences from the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) and nuclear phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PepCK) and wingless (Wg) genes. Although traditional parsimony tree construction generally failed to resolve interspecific relationships and construct biologically meaningful genealogies, analysis using statistical parsimony networks yielded statistically significant inter- and intraspecific genealogical structures. We found that although these two species represent a notable case of trans-species polymorphisms in both mitochondrial and nuclear gene sequences, their status as separate species was evidenced by the nonrandom association between species and nested clades at various nesting levels. The exceptional occurrence of shared identical or very similar COI sequences was considered to be the result of introgressive hybridization. In addition, range expansion and fragmentation events across the Korean Peninsula and adjacent islands were inferred from nested clade phylogeographical analyses. The COI gene revealed the geographical divergence of major eastern and western clades and historical biogeographical events within each major clade, whereas the nuclear PepCK gene, which did not reveal corresponding east-west clades, indicated past fragmentation and range expansion across wide areas that may have been the result of older biogeographical events. Thus, phylogeographical inferences drawn from analyses of mitochondrial and nuclear genes can reveal different and potentially complementary information about phylogeographical processes.

Treatment of spontaneous arterial dissections with stent placement for preservation of the parent artery

BACKGROUND

A wide variety of treatment regimens have been advocated for dissections involving the intracranial arteries. Recently, the stent can be used to exclude the aneurysm from the circulation and preserve the parent artery. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of stent angioplasty for intracranial arterial dissections.

METHODS

Ten patients with spontaneous dissections, nine vertebral artery and one internal carotid artery lesions underwent endovascular treatment using stent placement as primary treatment modality. One stent placement was attempted in five patients initially. Three patients were intentionally treated with two overlapping stents which completely covered the aneurysm orifice. Two tandem stents were used in one patient to allow spanning the entire length of the dissection. Stent-assisted coil embolization was performed in one patient.

RESULTS

Of the 10 patients in whom stenting was tried, the overall success in reaching the target lesion with stents was 90%. Of the 9 patients treated with stents, stent release and positioning were considered optimal in 7 patients (77.8%) and suboptimal in two. Lesions of 8 patients were improved or stable in angiographic follow-up. However, one pseudo-aneurysm was enlarged, and subsequently, was treated by proximal occlusion using coils. There were no instances of postprocedural ischaemic attacks, new neurological deficits, and no new minor or major strokes prior to patient discharge. All parent arteries of the patient who underwent the successful procedure were preserved. On the modified Rankin scale used for the follow up, all patients were assessed as functionally improved or of stable clinical status.

CONCLUSIONS

The success in reducing dissection-induced stenosis or pseudo-aneurysm, the patency rate obtained at follow-up, and the lack of strokes (ischaemic or haemorrhagic) suggest that stent placement offers a viable alternative to complex surgical procedures or deconstructive procedures. The long-term efficacy and durability of stent placement for arterial dissection remains to be determined in a large series.

Subacute toxicity evaluation of a new camptothecin anticancer agent CKD-602 administered by intravenous injection to rats

The subacute toxicity of a new camptothecin anticancer agent, CKD-602, was investigated after 4-week repeated intravenous administration of the chemical in Sprague-Dawley rats. The test chemical was administered intravenously to rats at dose levels of 0, 0.003, 0.013, or 0.067 mg/kg/day for males and 0, 0.004, 0.018, or 0.089 mg/kg/day for females. At the end of the treatment period, 10 rats/sex/group were sacrificed. The remaining 5 rats/sex in the vehicle control and high dose groups continued the study without treatment for 2 weeks (recovery period). During the test period, clinical signs, mortality, body weights, food and water consumption, ophthalmoscopy, urinalysis, hematology, serum biochemistry, gross findings, organ weights, and histopathology were examined. In both sexes of the high dose group, an increase in the incidence of abnormal clinical signs and paleness of the eyes, a reduction in the body weight gain, food consumption and urine protein, and an increase in the water consumption were observed. Hematological investigations revealed a decrease in the red blood cells, hemoglobin and hematocrit and an increase in the mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, platelets, and reticulocytes in a dose-dependent manner. Serum total cholesterol and total protein values were lower in females than those of controls, but not in males. An increase in the heart and liver weights and a decrease in the thymus weight were also found. Histopathological alterations included an increase in the incidence of atrophy of the sternal marrow, atrophy, fibrosis and mast cell hyperplasia of the femoral marrow, atrophy of the white pulp and extramedullary hematopoiesis of the spleen, atrophy of the thymus, auricular hypertrophy of the heart, extramedullary hematopoiesis and centriacinar telangiectasis of the liver, follicular degeneration of the ovary, and inflammation of the tail. The major treatment-related effects were not recovered at the end of 2-week recovery period. There were no adverse effects in the low and middle dose groups of both genders. In the present experimental conditions, the target organs were determined to be bone marrow, blood cells, spleen, liver, thymus, and heart. The no-observed-adverse-effect level was considered to be 0.013 mg/kg/day for males and 0.018 mg/kg/day for females.

Simulation of ultrashort electron pulse generation from optical injection into wake-field plasma waves

A laser-plasma-based source of relativistic electrons is described in detail, and analyzed in two dimensions using theoretical and numeric techniques. Two laser beams are focused in a plasma, one exciting a wake-field electron plasma wave while another locally alters some electron trajectories in such a way that they can be trapped and accelerated by the wave. Previous analyses dealt only with one-dimensional models. In this paper two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations and analysis of single particle trajectories show that the radial wake field plays an important role. The simulation results are interpreted to evaluate the accelerated electron beam's properties and compared with existing devices.

Hemodynamic changes in limb shaking TIA associated with anterior cerebral artery stenosis

Limb shaking TIA is a rare but well-known feature of severe carotid artery stenosis. The authors report a patient who developed recurrent shaking movements of a leg. An angiogram showed the focal stenosis of the anterior cerebral artery. Ictal and postacetazolamide SPECT scans suggested a local hyperfunction of cortical neurons and an impaired hemodynamic reserve in the vicinity of the ischemic area.

Elective stenting for symptomatic middle cerebral artery stenosis presenting as transient ischaemic deficits or stroke attacks: short term arteriographical and clinical outcome

BACKGROUND

Although stent assisted angioplasty is an effective treatment for coronary and peripheral arterial disease, its efficacy in intracranial arteriosclerotic disease has not been verified.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the radiographic and clinical outcome of stent assisted angioplasty for symptomatic middle cerebral artery (MCA) stenosis.

METHODS

We attempted stent assisted angioplasty in 14 patients with symptomatic high grade stenosis (>60%) on the proximal portion of the MCA, who had experienced either recurrent transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs) resistant to medical therapy or one or more stroke attacks. Patient records were analysed for angiographic characteristics, degree of stenosis, pre-procedural regimen of anti-platelet and/or anti-coagulation agents, use of devices, procedure related complications, pre-operative and post-operative single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) findings, and clinical and radiographic outcomes.

RESULTS

Stent assisted angioplasty was successfully performed in 8 of 14 patients without any serious complications and unsuccessful in 2 of 14 patients due to the tortuous curve of the internal carotid artery siphon. Four patients had complications. Two patients had an arterial rupture; one patient was rescued by an additional stent and balloon tamponade, the other patient died. Complications in the other two patients included thrombotic occlusion and distal thrombosis. Residual stenosis was less than 50% in diameter in all the patients. All eight patients who underwent follow up cerebral angiography had no restenosis. Follow up SPECT showed improved perfusion in the affected MCA territory in all the tested patients with TIA and in one of three stroke patients. Using the modified Rankin Scale at follow up, four of five TIA patients and five of six stroke patients were assessed as functionally improved or having a stable clinical status.

CONCLUSION

Although the re-stenosis rate in stent assisted angioplasty seems to be better than in primary balloon angioplasty as reported previously, the complication rate is still high. Elective stenting is an alternative therapeutic method for the prevention of secondary ischaemic stroke in stroke patients with MCA stenosis, and seems to be a potentially effective but also hazardous therapeutic technique in patients with recurrent TIAs. This study indicates the need for randomised control trial data of this intervention. Additionally, long term follow up data and additional clinical experience are required to assess the durability of this procedure.

Usefulness of reversed display of soft-copy abdominal radiographs for urinary calculi detection

PURPOSE

To determine the usefulness of reversed display of soft-copy abdominal radiographs for urinary calculi detection.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Sixty radiographs with a single urinary calculus less than 5 mm in the long diameter (15 in the kidney; 15 in the proximal ureter; 15 in the mid-ureter, 15 in the distal ureter) and 15 radiographs without calculi were evaluated. Four readers blinded to the presence or absence of urinary calculi on each radiograph reviewed the radiographs in the conventional display, reversed display, and combination of conventional and reversed displays at 1-week intervals. All images were evaluated in random order and the presence or absence of urinary calculi was interpreted using the confidence score from 1 to 5.

RESULTS

Multireader analysis for calculi in all locations showed a greater area under the receiver operating curve for combination of the two displays (0.764) than for the conventional display alone (0.655) (P=0.031). In the single-reader analysis for calculi in all locations, the third reader showed a greater area under the receiver operating curve for the reversed display (0.784) than for the conventional display (0.622) (P=0.027). Multireader analysis of the calculi in the kidney showed a greater area under the receiver operating curve for combination of the two displays (0.824) than for the conventional display alone (0.703) (P=0.043).

CONCLUSION

The reversed display of soft-copy abdominal radiographs may be useful for urinary calculi detection.

GDC Embolization of Intracranial Aneurysms with SAH and Mass Effect by Subdural Haematoma. A Case Report and Review

SUMMARY

A 43-year-old woman was brought to the emergency room due to the sudden onset of severe headache and stuporous consciousness. She had no history of head injury. Computerized tomography scan revealed subarachnoid haemorrhage and left SDH with midline shift of about 10 mm. Cerebral angiography demonstrated anterior communicating artery and right middle cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysms. Her family refused operation due to her religion never to permit blood transfusion. So just aneurysm coiling and medical ICP control was planned. Guglielmi detachable coil (GDCs) embolization of the two aneurysms was successfully performed. She made a neurological recovery after embolization without evacuation of the SDH. She was discharged from hospital with no neurological deficit on day 21. We report our experience of successful GDC embolization on multiple aneurysms without craniotomy even in the selected case of mass effect.

Performance evaluation of leachate treatment system using innovative sulfur circulation method

A pilot-scale experimental study was carried out to evaluate the performance of an innovative method for early stabilization of landfill. This method employs sequential processes of: leachate collection; nitrification through aeration; sulfate addition in effluent tank; and leachate injection back to the landfill. This study focused on: 1) decomposition of recalcitrant organic matters, 2) the characteristics of denitrification, 3) sulfide oxidation for sulfate recovery, and 4) nitrification by aerating discharged leachate. It was found that, when sulfate (SO4(2-)) added leachate was introduced inside the landfill, sulfate-reducing bacteria decomposed recalcitrant organic matters like lignocellulose by using SO4(2-) as an electron acceptor and simultaneously sulfur-oxidizing bacteria denitrified the leachate using sulfides (H2S, HS-, S2-) as electron donors. These two types of bacteria existed not competitively but symbiotically on substrate utilization. Sulfate-reducing bacteria produced S2- while sulfur-oxidizing bacteria oxidized S2- to SO4(2-). During aeration, the concentration of NO3(-)-N increased from near zero up to 925 mg l(-1). Eventual denitrification efficiency in the simulated waste landfill was observed to be approximately 92.3%. Also, S2- present in the discharged leachate was converted to SO4(2-) again in the aeration process. Sulfate needed in this process could be recirculated. Therefore, the amount of sulfate required in the operation of this method could be maintained marginal after the initial addition of sulfate in the effluent tank. Decomposition of recalcitrant organic matters and denitrification hastened the stabilization of landfill. The results of this study indicated that this innovative method was effective and economic.

Endoscopic hemoclipping using a transparent cap in technically difficult cases

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Technical difficulties have been experienced in endoscopic hemoclipping on the posterior wall of the body of the stomach because the angle of approach is tangential. It has been suggested that the use of a transparent cap on the tip of the endoscope could help to solve this problem. The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of endoscopic hemoclipping using a transparent cap over the tip of the endoscope.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 74 patients with a bleeding peptic ulcer or stigmata of recent hemorrhage underwent endoscopic hemoclipping. Technical difficulty in hemoclipping was experienced in 18 patients and the transparent cap was used in these cases. We therefore conducted a nonrandomized prospective study to compare bleeding control with the hemoclip with and without the aid of a transparent cap.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences between the patients treated with the cap and those treated without the cap with regard to the initial hemostasis rate (94.4 % vs. 91.1 %), the rebleeding rate (11.7 % vs. 11.8 %), or the permanent hemostasis rate (94.4 % vs. 96.4 %).

CONCLUSIONS

Although there was no statistically significant difference between patients treated with or without a transparent cap, hemoclipping with the aid of the cap made it possible to clip a lesion too tangential to be clipped without it. However, this study did not compare conventional hemoclipping with hemoclipping using a cap because the cap was only used in cases in which conventional clipping had failed.

Multiple sclerosis: an important role for post-translational modifications of myelin basic protein in pathogenesis

Myelin basic protein (MBP) represents a candidate autoantigen in multiple sclerosis (MS). We isolated MBP from normal and MS human white matter and purified six components (charge isomers) to compare the post-translational modifications on each. The sites and extent of methylation, deimination, and phosphorylation were documented for all tryptic peptides by mass spectrometry. We found that mono and dimethylated arginine 107 was increased in MS samples; deimination of arginine occurred at a number of sites and was elevated in MS; phosphorylation was observed in 10 peptides in normal samples but was greatly reduced or absent in most peptides from MS samples. Data obtained with MBP isolated from fresh brain obtained from a spontaneously demyelinating mouse model supported the view that the changes observed in human brain were probably related to pathogenesis of demyelination, i.e. we found decreased phosphorylation and decreased amounts of glycogen synthesis kinase in brain homogenates using specific antibodies. This study represents the first to define post-translational modifications in demyelinating disease and suggest an important role in pathogenesis.

Spine needle biopsy simulator using visual and force feedback

OBJECTIVE

Biopsy with an inserted needle is an important procedure for lesion detection in the spine, but is difficult to perform due to the presence of many critical organs near the spine. This article presents a spine needle biopsy simulator, based on visual and force feedback, which can be used to plan the optimal path of a needle and to practice the procedure without risk.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The simulator is composed of a 3D human model, a visual-feedback component, a force-feedback component, and an evaluation module. The human model is based on 3D CT data. The visual-feedback component provides an oblique section, multiplanar reformatting images, and a volume-rendered image. Of these, the oblique section display is very useful for planning a 3D path for the needle. During simulation, the force-feedback component generates and provides realistic forces acting on the biopsy needle in real time by synchronizing them to visual feedback. After each simulation, the evaluation module provides a performance analysis for the trainee.

RESULTS

For an XCT abdomen volume data set of 256 x 256 x 256, the update rate of image rendering due to needle movement is over 25 Hz, with a force-feedback rate of 1 kHz. This performance proved to be good enough for the trainee to learn the relationship between visual and force feedback.

CONCLUSIONS

The simulator is useful for the planning of and training in complicated 3D spine needle biopsy procedures. It may be used as an educational tool for beginners, a practice tool to increase expertise, or a test bed for new procedures.

CT analysis of postoperative tumor recurrence patterns in periampullary cancer

BACKGROUND

We analyzed postoperative tumor recurrence in periampullary cancer on computed tomography (CT).

METHODS

Forty-six patients with tumor recurrence (16 pancreas head cancers, 19 distal common bile duct cancers, and 11 ampulla of Vater cancers) of 125 patients who underwent surgery for periampullary cancer were enrolled. Recurrence was diagnosed by CT findings plus elevated CA 19-9 (n = 28) or biopsy (n = 18). Two radiologists retrospectively reviewed 156 contrast-enhanced CT scans, with 7-mm slice thickness, obtained in our institution until the initial diagnosis of tumor recurrence. The modes of recurrence were classified as local recurrence, hepatic metastasis, lymph node metastasis, peritoneal carcinomatosis, or extraabdominal metastasis. We evaluated the time of recurrence, the frequency of each mode of recurrence, and the earliest mode of recurrence. The differences in tumor recurrence for the three types of periampullary cancer were evaluated.

RESULTS

Half of the recurrences occurred within 6 months after surgery and 87% occurred within 12 months after surgery. Local recurrences (67%), hepatic metastases (72%), and lymph node metastases (61%) were common modes of tumor recurrence. Pancreas head cancers recurred earlier than the other types of periampullary cancer (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Periampullary cancer tends to recur early after surgery, usually as a local recurrence, hepatic metastasis, or lymph node metastasis.

Pictorial review: CT urography and virtual endoscopy: promising imaging modalities for urinary tract evaluation

CT urography and virtual endoscopy images are generated from dedicated multislice helical CT data sets and various three-dimensional reconstruction techniques. These imaging techniques can provide external and endoscopic images of the urinary tract and also provide high spatial resolution images helping overcome some of the limitations of intravenous urography and ultrasound. This pictorial review presents clinical applications of CT urography and virtual endoscopy in various urinary tract abnormalities.

Distribution of nociceptin-like immunoreactivity in the central nervous system of the Mongolian gerbil: an immunohistochemical study

This study is designed to demonstrate the distribution of nociceptin, endogenous ORL1 receptor ligand, in the central nervous system of the Mongolian gerbil. To intensify the nociceptin-like immunoreactivity (NOC-LI), colchicine was administered into the lateral ventricle, at 48 h prior to the transcardiac perfusion. In the group without colchicine treatment, NOC-LI was observed in the fibres of the spinal dorsal horn, specifically in the superficial layers. However, the NOC-LI in the superficial layers disappeared after the administration of colchicine. In the brain, NOC-LI was prominent in the hypothalamus, hippocampus, cerebral peduncle, substantia nigra, dorsal raphe, periaqueductal grey, locus coeruleus and trapezoid nucleus. Colchicine treatment markedly intensified the NOC-LI in the somata of the central nervous system, whereas the untreated sections were too weak to observe and analyse. The distribution of NOC-LI provides informative data for studies of the neuronal circuit that nociceptin may be involved in.

Digital envelope detector for blood pressure measurement using an oscillometric method

Blood pressure measurement in the finger artery offers some advantages compared with that in the brachial artery. However, volume oscillometric signals obtained from finger artery measurement are often influenced by motion artefact due to respiration, speaking, involuntary or voluntary movement, etc. In this paper, we developed a digital envelope detector to detect the maximum oscillation criterion in blood pressure measurement for the first time. The digital envelope detector is robust to noise signals generated by motion artefact and filters out the carrier frequency efficiently. To verify the feasibility of our method, we measured blood pressure for eight subjects using our developed system. The results were compared with the auscultation method. In the case of using a digital envelope detector, we could reduce the mean difference error and standard deviation by 30-40%. Our proposed digital envelope detector is a useful tool to improve the accuracy of blood pressure measurement in finger artery.

The role of KCNQ1/KCNE1 K(+) channels in intestine and pancreas: lessons from the KCNE1 knockout mouse

KCNE1 (IsK, minK) co-assembles with KCNQ1 (KvLQT1) to form voltage-dependent K(+) channels. Both KCNQ1 and KCNE1 are expressed in epithelial cells of gut and exocrine pancreas. We examined the role of KCNQ1/KCNE1 in Cl(-) secretion in small and large intestine and exocrine pancreas using the KCNE1 knockout mouse. Immunofluorescence revealed a similar basolateral localization of KCNQ1 in jejunum and colon of KCNE1 wild-type and knockout mice. Electrogenic Cl(-) secretion in the colon was not affected by gene disruption of KCNE1; in jejunum forskolin-induced short-circuit current was some 40% smaller but without being significantly different. Inhibition of KCNQ1 channels by 293B (IC(50) 1 micromol l(-1)) and by IKS224 (IC(50) 14 nmol l(-1)) strongly diminished intestinal Cl(-) secretion. In exocrine pancreas of wild-type mice, KCNQ1 was predominantly located at the basolateral membrane. In KCNE1 knockout mice, however, the basolateral staining was less pronounced and the distribution of secretory granules was irregular. A slowly activating and 293B-sensitive K(+) current was activated via cholinergic stimulation in pancreatic acinar cells of wild-type mice. In KCNE1 knockout mice this K(+) current was strongly reduced. In conclusion intestinal Cl(-) secretion is independent from KCNE1 but requires KCNQ1. In mouse pancreatic acini KCNQ1 probably co-assembled with KCNE1 leads to a voltage-dependent K(+) current that might be of importance for electrolyte and enzyme secretion.

Prenatal detection of mesoblastic nephroma by sonography and magnetic resonance imaging

Congenital mesoblastic nephroma is the most common neonatal kidney tumor and surgical excision is almost always curative. We report the prenatal detection of congenital mesoblastic nephroma by sonography and magnetic resonance imaging. After birth, a right nephrectomy was performed and the baby recovered well.

Expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in rat dorsal root ganglia, spinal cord and gracile nuclei in experimental models of neuropathic pain

Chronic constriction injury of the sciatic nerve and lumbar L5 and L6 spinal nerve ligation provide animal models for pain syndromes accompanying peripheral nerve injury and disease. In the present study, we evaluated changes in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) immunoreactivity in the rat L4 and L5 dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and areas where afferents from the DRG terminates (the L4/5 spinal cord and gracile nuclei) in these experimental models of neuropathic pain. Chronic constriction injury induced significant increase in the percentage of small, medium and large BDNF-immunoreactive neurons in the ipsilateral L4 and L5 DRG. Following spinal nerve ligation, the percentage of large BDNF-immunoreactive neurons increased significantly, and that of small BDNF-immunoreactive neurons decreased markedly in the ipsilateral L5 DRG, while that of BDNF-immunoreactive L4 DRG neurons of all sizes showed marked increase. Both chronic constriction injury and spinal nerve ligation induced significant increase in the number of BDNF-immunoreactive axonal fibers in the superficial and deeper laminae of the L4/5 dorsal horn and the gracile nuclei on the ipsilateral side. Considering that BDNF may modulate nociceptive sensory inputs and that injection of antiserum to BDNF significantly reduces the sympathetic sprouting in the DRG and allodynic response following sciatic nerve injury, our results also may suggest that endogenous BDNF plays an important role in the induction of neuropathic pain after chronic constriction injury and spinal nerve ligation. In addition, the increase of BDNF in L4 DRG may contribute to evoked pain which is known to be mediated by input from intact afferent from L4 DRG following L5 and L6 spinal nerve ligation.

Some general regularities of synergistic interaction of hyperthermia with various physical and chemical inactivating agents

Various cellular systems have been analysed for synergistic interactions of the simultaneous action of hyperthermia with physical agents including ionizing radiation, ultraviolet light, and ultrasound, and with chemical agents including thio-TEPA and cis-DDP. Some general rules of synergistic interaction were revealed. First, for every constant rate or intensity of exposure to physical factors or concentration of chemical agents, synergy can be observed only within a certain temperature range that is different for various cellular systems. Secondly, within this range, there is a specific temperature that maximizes the synergistic effect. Any deviation of temperature from the optimal one results in a reduction in synergy. Thirdly, the rate of exposure to physical agents or the concentration of chemical agents strongly influences the synergy; i.e. as the dose rate or concentration is reduced, the temperature for maximum synergism decreases. Possible interpretations of the mechanisms responsible for these relationships of synergy are discussed.

Molecular cloning and characterization of Mycobacterium bovis BCG pcp gene encoding pyrrolidone carboxyl peptidase

The Mycobacterium bovis bacilli Calmette-Guerin (BCG) pcp gene that encodes the pyrrolidone carboxyl peptidase (Pcp) was cloned from a lambdagtll genomic library and sequenced. The nucleotide sequence contains a 669 bp open reading frame coding for a protein of 222 amino acid residues with a calculated molecular mass of 23,209 Da. The deduced amino acid sequence is highly homologous to the Pcps from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus subtilis, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus. A multiple sequence alignment revealed highly conserved domains. The BCG pcp gene was overexpressed in Escherichia coli. The Pcp was purified to homogeneity. The recombinant protein was further confirmed by an enzymatic assay.

Role of glucocorticoid hormones in arginine vasopressin gene regulation

The mechanism underlying increased AVP synthesis and release in glucocorticoid deficiency is not known. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to investigate whether the mechanism was at the level of AVP gene transcription. The AVP gene promoter contains a consensus GRE, a CRE, and four AP2 sites. To assess the functional importance of these sites, 5' deletions of the AVP promoter were created and transient transfections were performed. Promoter activity in hypothalamic cells transfected with deletions lacking the GRE or both the GRE and CRE exhibited higher activity when compared to longer constructs containing both sites. In neuroblastoma cells, only the deletion lacking the GRE exhibited increased AVP promoter activity over the longer construct. These results are consistent with the idea that glucocorticoids suppress AVP gene expression by acting on a GRE in the AVP promoter region. Further, dexamethasone inhibited AVP promoter activity by >50% in hypothalamic cells transfected with the GRE-containing construct. In conclusion, the data presented here support a central mechanism to explain, at least in part, the nonosmotic increase in AVP with glucocorticoid deficiency.

Exposure rate as a determinant of the synergistic interaction of heat combined with ionizing or ultraviolet radiation in cell killing

A synergistic interaction of hyperthermia with ionizing or UV light (254 nm) radiation was analyzed in experiments with yeast cells. For a fixed dose rate of radiation, the synergism was shown to be observed only within a definite temperature range (40-45 degrees C), inside of which there was an optimal temperature to achieve the highest synergism. The effectiveness of the synergistic interaction was smaller for haploid cells than for diploid cells. Experimental data from diploid yeast cells evidenced the significance of the exposure rate in the synergistic interaction of heat combined with ionizing or ultraviolet radiation. The data show that the less is the intensity of radiation, the lower is the temperature that should be used to provide some definite, or highest, synergistic interaction with the radiation. To demonstrate the significance of this rule for other cellular systems, the results of other authors published for bacterial spores and mammalian cells are discussed. Calculations from these results have confirmed the revealed relationship between the dose rate and the exposure temperature. On this basis, it is inferred that synergism may take place at small intensities of harmful environmental factors existing in the biosphere. Hence, any assessment of the health or environmental risks should take into account synergistic interactions between harmful agents.

Retinal vein occlusion in two patients with primary antiphospholipid syndrome

Primary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a disease producing vascular thrombus with antiphospholipid antibody without association with autoimmune diseases as systemic lupus erythematosus. Retinal vein occlusion is a rare vascular manifestation in primary APS. We describe 2 cases of primary APS presenting with developing blurred vision. Each had central retinal vein occlusion and high titer of IgG anticardiolipin antibody.

The covalent structure of the small subunit from Pseudomonas putida amine dehydrogenase reveals the presence of three novel types of internal cross-linkages, all involving cysteine in a thioether bond

Pseudomonas putida contains an amine dehydrogenase that is called a quinohemoprotein as it contains a quinone and two hemes c as redox active groups. Amino acid sequence analysis of the smallest (8.5 kDa), quinone-cofactor-bearing subunit of this heterotrimeric enzyme encountered difficulties in the interpretation of the results at several sites of the polypeptide chain. As this suggested posttranslational modifications of the subunit, the structural genes for this enzyme were determined and mass spectrometric de novo sequencing was applied to several peptides obtained by chemical or enzymatic cleavage. In agreement with the interpretation of the X-ray electronic densities in the diffraction data for the holoenzyme, our results show that the polypeptide of the small subunit contains four intrachain cross-linkages in which the sulfur atom of a cysteine residue is involved. Two of these cross-linkages occur with the beta-carbon atom of an aspartic acid, one with the gamma-carbon atom of a glutamic acid and the fourth with a tryptophanquinone residue, this adduct constituting the enzyme's quinone cofactor, CTQ. The thioether type bond in all four of these adducts has never been found in other proteins. CTQ is a novel cofactor in the series of the recently discovered quinone cofactors.

Extrahepatic portal vein tear with intraperitoneal hemorrhage during TIPS

Temporary occlusion with an angioplasty balloon can stop intraperitoneal bleeding.

Sino-aortic denervation alters the hemodynamic response to exercise in hypertensive rats

The effect of sino-aortic denervation (SAD) on the heart rate (HR), arterial pressure (AP) and regional blood flow responses during dynamic exercise was examined in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Intact (n= 14) and SAD (n= 17) rats were instrumented with arterial catheters and mesenteric and iliac Doppler ultrasonic flow probes. After recovery, all rats underwent a graded exercise test. Heart rate increased significantly during exercise in intact and SAD rats. There was no significant difference in the steady state heart rate response to exercise in the intact and SAD rats. Arterial pressure increased during exercise in the intact rats. In sharp contrast, arterial pressure decreased during exercise in the SAD rats. Iliac vascular conductance increased during exercise in the intact and SAD rats. The increase in iliac vascular conductance during exercise was significantly greater in the SAD rats. Mesenteric vascular conductance decreased during exercise in the intact and SAD rats. The decrease in mesenteric vascular conductance during exercise was significantly attenuated in the SAD rats. Results suggest that functioning arterial baroreceptors are required for the typical hemodynamic responses during dynamic treadmill running in hypertensive rats.

Srg3, a mouse homolog of yeast SWI3, is essential for early embryogenesis and involved in brain development

Srg3 (SWI3-related gene product) is a mouse homolog of yeast SWI3, Drosophila melanogaster MOIRA (also named MOR/BAP155), and human BAF155 and is known as a core subunit of SWI/SNF complex. This complex is involved in the chromatin remodeling required for the regulation of transcriptional processes associated with development, cellular differentiation, and proliferation. We generated mice with a null mutation in the Srg3 locus to examine its function in vivo. Homozygous mutants develop in the early implantation stage but undergo rapid degeneration thereafter. An in vitro outgrowth study revealed that mutant blastocysts hatch, adhere, and form a layer of trophoblast giant cells, but the inner cell mass degenerates after prolonged culture. Interestingly, about 20% of heterozygous mutant embryos display defects in brain development with abnormal organization of the brain, a condition known as exencephaly. Histological examination suggests that exencephaly is caused by the failure in neural fold elevation, resulting in severe brain malformation. Our findings demonstrate that Srg3 is essential for early embryogenesis and plays an important role in the brain development of mice.