Computation of Solar Radiative Fluxes by 1D and 3D Methods Using Cloudy Atmospheres Inferred from A-train Satellite Data

This study used realistic representations of cloudy atmospheres to assess errors in solar flux estimates associated with 1D radiative transfer models. A scene construction algorithm, developed for the EarthCARE mission, was applied to CloudSat, CALIPSO and MODIS satellite data thus producing 3D cloudy atmospheres measuring 61 km wide by 14,000 km long at 1 km grid-spacing. Broadband solar fluxes and radiances were then computed by a Monte Carlo photon transfer model run in both full 3D and 1D independent column approximation modes. Results were averaged into 1,303 (50 km)² domains. For domains with total cloud fractions A_c  < 0.7 top-of-atmosphere (TOA) albedos tend to be largest for 3D transfer with differences increasing with solar zenith angle. Differences are largest for A_c  > 0.7 and characterized by small bias yet large random errors. Regardless of A_c , differences between 3D and 1D transfer rarely exceed ±30 W m^-2 for net TOA and surface fluxes and ±10 W m^-2 for atmospheric absorption. Horizontal fluxes through domain sides depend on A_c with ∼20% of cases exceeding ±30 W m^-2; the largest values occur for A_c  > 0.7. Conversely, heating rate differences rarely exceed ±20%. As a cursory test of TOA radiative closure, fluxes produced by the 3D model were averaged up to (20 km)² and compared to values measured by CERES. While relatively little attention was paid to optical properties of ice crystals and surfaces, and aerosols were neglected entirely, ∼30% of the differences between 3D model estimates and measurements fall within ±10 W m^-2; this is the target agreement set for EarthCARE. This, coupled with the aforementioned comparison between 3D and 1D transfer, leads to the recommendation that EarthCARE employ a 3D transport model when attempting TOA radiative closure.

Pharmacoresistant convulsions and visual hallucinations around two weeks after selegiline overdose: a case report

A case of pharmacoresistant convulsions after selegiline overdose is reported. A 50-year-old male having been suffering from bipolar II disorder for 16 years attempted suicide by taking an overdose of 195 mg selegiline with other psychotropics. He developed recurrent pharmacoresistant seizure from 12th day to 19th day after selegiline overdose. He also had visual hallucinations and temporary high blood pressure. The authors suspect that the catecholamine-influenced convulsions and visual hallucinations that manifested during the period increased by the MAO-inhibiting action of selegiline which lasts about 2 weeks.

Regulated histone methyltransferase and demethylase complexes in the control of genes by nuclear receptors

Liganded nuclear receptors (NRs) are DNA-binding transcription factors that control the transcription of target genes. Such NRs exert their transcriptional functions via ligand binding-induced interactions with a number of coregulator complexes to reorganize chromatin state. Intensive investigation of NR coregulator complexes has revealed that, besides histone acetylation, histone methylation is critical for ligand-dependent transcriptional controls by NRs. Our recent biochemical screening for NR coregulator complexes showed that the enzymatic activities of these histone methylation/demethylation complexes are under the control of posttranslational modifications (PTMs) of their catalytic subunit. Characterization of such regulated complexes has established the concept that transcriptional coregulator complexes sense and decode cellular signals at the molecular level. In this symposium review, we will illustrate our recent findings regarding PTM-based regulation of NR transcriptional control and discuss how these findings are applicable to the diverse roles of NR coregulators in interpreting regulatory signals into proper gene regulation.

Role of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF)-dependent macrophages in gastric ulcer healing in mice

We examined the role of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF)-dependent macrophages in the healing of gastric ulcers in mice. Male M-CSF-deficient (op/op) and M-CSF-expressing heterozygote (+/?) mice were used. Gastric ulcers were induced by thermal cauterization under ether anesthesia, and healing was observed for 14 days after ulceration. The numbers of macrophages and microvessels in the gastric mucosa were determined immunohistochemically with anti-CD68 and anti-CD31 antibodies, respectively. Expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA was determined via real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and the mucosal content of prostaglandin (PG) E(2) was determined via enzyme immunoassay on day 10 after ulceration. The healing of gastric ulcers was significantly delayed in op/op mice compared with +/? mice. Further, significantly fewer macrophages were observed in the normal gastric mucosa of op/op mice than in +/? mice. Ulcer induction caused a marked accumulation of macrophages around the ulcer base in +/? mice, but this response was attenuated in op/op mice. The mucosal PGE(2) content as well as the expression of COX-2, VEGF, and TNF-α mRNA were all upregulated in the ulcerated area of +/? mice but significantly suppressed in op/op mice. The degree of vascularization in the ulcerated area was significantly lower in op/op mice than in +/? mice. Taken together, these results suggest that M-CSF-dependent macrophages play an important role in the healing of gastric ulcers, and that this action may be associated with angiogenesis promoted by upregulation of COX-2/PGE(2) production.

Changes in the contents of enzymatic immature, mature, and non-enzymatic senescent cross-links of collagen after once-weekly treatment with human parathyroid hormone (1-34) for 18 months contribute to improvement of bone strength in ovariectomized monkeys

Improvements in total content of enzymatic cross-linking, the ratio of hydroxylysine-derived enzymatic cross-links, and non-enzymatic advanced glycation end product cross-link formation from once-weekly administration of hPTH(1-34) for 18 months in OVX cynomolgus monkeys contributed to the improvement of bone strength.

INTRODUCTION

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is used for the treatment of osteoporosis. To elucidate the contribution of material properties to bone strength after once-weekly treatment with hPTH(1-34) in an ovariectomized (OVX) primate model, the content of collagen and enzymatic immature, mature, and non-enzymatic cross-links, collagen maturity, trabecular architecture, and mineralization in vertebrae were simultaneously estimated.

METHODS

Adult female cynomolgus monkeys were divided into four groups (n = 18-20 each) as follows: SHAM group, OVX group, and OVX monkeys given once-weekly subcutaneous injections of hPTH(1-34) either at 1.2 or 6.0 μg/kg (low- or high-PTH groups) for 18 months. The content of collagen, enzymatic and non-enzymatic cross-linking pentosidine, collagen maturity, trabecular architecture, mineralization, and cancellous bone strength of vertebrae were analyzed.

RESULTS

Low-PTH and high-hPTH treatments increased the content of enzymatic immature and mature cross-links, bone volume (BV/TV), and trabecular thickness, and decreased pentosidine, compared with the OVX group. Stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed that BV/TV, the content of total enzymatic cross-links, and calcium content independently affected ultimate load (model R (2) = 0.748, p < 0.001) and breaking energy (model R (2) = 0.702, p < 0.001). BV/TV was the most powerful and enzymatic cross-link content was the second powerful determinant of both ultimate load and breaking energy. The most powerful determinant of stiffness was the enzymatic cross-link content (model R (2) = 0.270, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Once-weekly preventive administration of hPTH(1-34) increased the total contents of immature and mature enzymatic cross-links, which contributed significantly to vertebral cancellous bone strength.

Development of indirect cavernous dural arteriovenous fistula after trapping for direct carotid cavernous fistula. A case report

SUMMARY

A 60-year-old man with direct carotid cavernous fistula (CCF) due to a motor vehicle accident underwent internal carotid artery trapping following high-flow external carotid to internal carotid artery bypass (EC-IC bypass). Follow-up angiography revealed ipsilateral complex indirect cavernous arteriovenous fistula. Although the traumatic indirect CCF angioarchitecture differs from cavernous-sinus dural arteriovenous fistula (CS-DAVF), the present indirect fistula was similar to the latter. Complex indirect CCF can occur after treatment of direct CCF caused by severe head injury.

Periostin, a matrix protein, is a novel biomarker for idiopathic interstitial pneumonias

Idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs) are histopathologically classified into several types, including usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP), nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) and cryptogenic organising pneumonia (COP). We investigated whether periostin, a matrix protein, could be used as a biomarker to assess histopathological types of IIPs. We performed immunohistochemical analyses in each histopathological type of IIP, examined serum levels of periostin in IIP patients and analysed the relationship between serum levels of periostin and the pulmonary functions in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Periostin was strongly expressed in lungs of UIP and fibrotic NSIP patients, whereas expression of periostin was weak in the lungs of cellular NSIP and COP patients, as well as in normal lungs. Serum levels of periostin in IPF were significantly higher than those of healthy subjects and COP patients. Furthermore, periostin levels in IPF patients were inversely correlated with their pulmonary functions. Thus, we have found that periostin is a novel component of fibrosis in IIP. Periostin may be a potential biomarker to distinguish IIP with fibrosis.

Endovascular treatment of a vertebral artery aneurysm via puncture of the surgically exposed vertebral artery

We describe a case of subarachnoid hemorrhage due to a ruptured right vertebral artery (VA) aneurysm where endovascular therapy via a trans-femoral route was not feasible. Therefore we surgically exposed the VA and directly punctured it at the C4 level, followed by successful coil embolization. Direct access to the vertebral artery using an anterior surgical approach is an alternative in cases where the proximal side of the artery is occluded.

Multifunctional transcription factor TFII-I is an activator of BRCA1 function

Background:

The TFII-I is a multifunctional transcriptional factor known to bind specifically to several DNA sequence elements and to mediate growth factor signalling. A microdeletion at the chromosomal location 7q11.23 encoding TFII-I and the related family of transcription factors may result in the onset of Williams–Beuren syndrome, an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterised by a unique cognitive profile, diabetes, hypertension, anxiety, and craniofacial defects. Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer susceptibility gene product BRCA1 has been shown to serve as a positive regulator of SIRT1 expression by binding to the promoter region of SIRT1, but cross talk between BRCA1 and TFII-I has not been investigated to date.

Methods:

A physical interaction between TFII-I and BRCA1 was explored. To determine pathophysiological function of TFII-I, its role as a transcriptional cofactor for BRCA1 was investigated.

Results:

We found a physical interaction between the carboxyl terminus of TFII-I and the carboxyl terminus of BRCA1, also known as the BRCT domain. Endogenous TFII-I and BRCA1 form a complex in nuclei of intact cells and formation of irradiation-induced nuclear foci was observed. We also showed that the expression of TFII-I stimulates the transcriptional activation function of BRCT by a transient expression assay. The expression of TFII-I also enhanced the transcriptional activation of the SIRT1 promoter mediated by full-length BRCA1.

Conclusion:

These results revealed the intrinsic mechanism that TFII-I may modulate the cellular functions of BRCA1, and provide important implications to understand the development of breast cancer.

Phase II trial of cetuximab plus irinotecan for FOLFOX and FOLFIRI-refractory patients with EGFR-positive advanced and/or metastatic colorectal cancer: Evaluation of the efficacy and safety based on KRAS mutation status (T- CORE0801)

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Background: Activating mutation of the KRAS gene is a predictive biomarker for loss of efficacy to anti-EGFR antibody therapy. However, this was mainly established by the evidences of Caucasian studies. Then, this prospective study investigated the role of KRAS mutations on efficacy and safety to cetuximab plus irinotecan in Japanese patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).

Methods: We conducted a prospective study to analyze objective response to cetuximab plus irinotecan in molecularly defined KRAS wild-type (WT) or mutant subgroups of chemotherapy-refractory mCRC. KRAS mutations were detected by direct sequence on DNA from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue of patients treated in 11 centers in Japan. Additional EGFR related genes such as BRAF, PIK3CA etc. and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity related polymorphism in FCγRIIa and RIIIa genes were also examined.

Results: Forty-three patients were enrolled. KRAS mutations were found in 31.7% of 41 eligible patients. Response rate (RR) to cetuximab plus irinotecan, the primary endpoint of the study, was 17.9% and 0% for the patients with tumor harboring WT and mutant KRAS, respectively. No significant differences in toxicity were observed between the KRAS WT and mutant groups. Detail statistical analyses are ongoing.

Conclusions: We confirmed that KRAS status is a useful predictive maker for the efficacy to cetuximab plus irinotecan therapy in Japanese mCRC patients, even though the response rate in the KRAS WT group was lower than expected.

[Table: see text]

A randomized pilot study comparing safety and efficacy of irinotecan plus S-1 (IRIS) plus bevacizumab (BV) and modified (m) FOLFIRI plus BV in patients (pts) with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC): First report of T-CORE0702

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Background: Sequential combination with irinotecan (CPT-11) and S-1 (IRIS) is active and safe regimen against mCRC (ASCO2008, abstract #4107, T. Yoshioka et al. Br J Cancer 101: 1972-77, 2009). The aim of this prospective randomized pilot study was to compare safety (CTCAE v3.0, primary endpoint) and efficacy (RR and PFS, secondary endpoint) of IRIS with mFOLFIRI when these were used with BV.

Methods: Sixty pts with mCRC were randomized to compare 30 pts for IRIS+BV (CPT-11 150 mg/m2 infusion on day 1, S-1 80 mg/m2 orally on day 3-16, q3w) with 30 pts for mFOLFIRI+BV (CPT-11 150mg/m2). 57 pts (IRIS arm 29, mFOLFIRI arm 28) were evaluable. Most of them were treated as first-line therapy.

Results: Background of pts was well balanced among two arms. Although G3/4 hematological AEs profiles were similar between two arms, G2-4 neutropenia was significantly lower in IRIS arm than mFOLFIRI arm (56.6%, vs. 88.9%, p=0.01, χ2test). Among G3/4 nonhematological AEs, gastrointestinal toxicities were lower in IRIS arm than mFOLFIRI arm (anorexia: 3.5% vs. 17.9%, nausea: 0% vs. 7.1%, diarrhea: 6.9% vs. 14.3%, stomatitis: 0% vs. 3.6%). By χ2 test, nausea, vomiting and hair loss were significantly lower in IRIS arm than mFOLFIRI arm (p<0.05). GI-perforation, a BV-related severe AE, occurred in 2 pts only from mFOLFIRI arm and one of them was died as TRD. RRs (institutional evaluation) were 58.6% in IRIS (CR 2, PR 15, SD 11, and PD 1) and 55.1% in mFOLFIRI arm (CR 0, PR 16, SD 10, PD 2, and not evaluable 1). Our independent review committee will clarified definite RR and median PFS near future.

Conclusions: Our IRIS+BV regimen is well tolerated, effective and appears to be a promising choice for pts with mCRC.

[Table: see text]

Factors associated with declining numbers of chronic tuberculosis excretors in Japan

SETTING

Japan's National Tuberculosis Programme (NTP).

OBJECTIVES

To determine and assess the chronological change of chronic excretors.

DESIGN

We compared two groups of chronic excretors (continuous excretion of TB bacilli in the last 2 years) classified by time of registration; the first group was registered from 1991 to 1997, and the second from 1998 to 2004. The epidemiological situation and the NTP were also compared.

RESULT

There were 481 cases in the first group, comprising 0.17% of registered cases, and 159 cases in the second group, comprising 0.06%. Stratified analysis by treatment regimen and TB category confirmed a decrease in the ratio of chronic excretors in all sub-groups. Human factors such as non-adherence, no drug susceptibility testing (DST) on initiation of treatment and inadequate modification of treatment in new sputum smear-positive cases were more frequent in the first group than in the second (37.0% vs. 28.9%, 19.5% vs. 10.7%, 36.8% vs. 19.5%, P < 0.05). Other known risk factors, such as interruption due to side effects and complication of diabetes and/or alcoholism, were similarly distributed.

CONCLUSION

The decline in chronic excretors has been associated with the DOTS strategy, baseline DST and appropriate modification of treatment regimen in new sputum smear-positive cases.

Retrospective analysis of first-line chemotherapy in 132 patients with advanced small-bowel adenocarcinoma

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Background: No standard care has been established for advanced small-bowel adenocarcinoma (SBA). The aim of this study is to explore a most promising chemotherapy regimen for advanced SBA.

Methods: All data were collected from medical records of patients with advanced or recurrent SBA who received chemotherapy between April 1999 and March 2009 at 41 hospitals in Japan. Selection criteria were as follows: 1) histologically proven SBA, excluding ampullary carcinoma, 2) no previous chemotherapy or radiotherapy, 3) ECOG PS 0-2, 4) adequate bone marrow, hepatic and renal functions, 5) no concomitant malignancy. Patients were divided into the five groups by regimens: group A, fluoropyrimidine alone; group B, fluoropyrimidine + cisplatin; group C, fluoropyrimidine + oxaliplatin; group D, fluoropyrimidine + irinotecan; group E, others. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated by Kaplan-Meier method.

Results: Demographics of selected 132 patients were: median age (range), 59 (23-78) years; male/female, 87/45; location of primary tumor, duodenum/jejunum/ileum/unknown, 80/32/17/3; advanced/recurrent disease, 91/41. The numbers of the patients in group A, B, C, D and E were 60, 17, 22, 11 and 22, and objective response rates (ORR) in the patients with target lesions were 20% (9/46), 38% (5/13), 42% (8/19), 25% (2/8), 21% (4/19), respectively. Median PFS and OS were 6.0 and 14.0 months for the whole population, and those in each group are shown in the Table.In comparison with fluoropyrimidine alone (A), oxaliplatin-combined regimens (C) associated with better PFS (HR=0.53 [0.31-0.93], p=0.03) and OS (HR=0.64 [0.33-1.25], p=0.19), while cisplatin-combined regimens (B) did not (HR=1.54 [0.88-2.68], p=0.13 for PFS and HR=1.67 [0.94-2.97], p=0.08 for OS) by univariate analysis.

Conclusions: It is suggested that oxaliplatin-combined regimens might be the most promising regimen for advanced SBA.

[Table: see text]

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Physiopathology of dental rickets in vitamin D receptor-ablated mice

1α25(OH)(2)vitaminD(3) and its nuclear receptor, VDR, are essential for normal tooth development. However, the relative contributions of the direct vs. indirect effects of vitamin D action on odontogenesis are unclear. The aim of this study was to discriminate among the specific roles of 1α25(OH)(2) vitaminD(3), calcemia/phosphatemia, and the maternal environment in mouse VDR null mutants. Microradiographic, histological, and molecular analyses were conducted on adult mice under hypocalcemic/hypophosphatemic vs. normocalcemic/normophosphatemic conditions, and pups of first- (VDR-/- born to VDR+/- dams) vs. second-generation (VDR-/- born to VDR-/- dams) mice. In VDR-/- mice, crown morphogenesis was affected exclusively in second-generation pups. In first-generation adult VDR-/- mice, both enamel and dentin were affected, and pathologic features of root resorption in both apical and cervical regions were observed. Nutritional calcium and phosphate normalization completely rescued the root resorption and partially rescued the dentin and enamel phenotypes (altered cell differentiation and matrix protein expression). Analysis of these data illustrates the co-existence of different pathways of vitamin D action in tooth differentiation and biomineralization. These targeted and cumulative effects would generate the diverse and wide spectrum of dental rickets phenotypes.

Potential measurements with heavy ion beam probe system on LHD

The heavy ion beam probe system in the Large Helical Device (LHD) was improved as follows. At first, the additional new sweeper was installed into the diagnostic port to extend the observable region. By using this sweeper, the potential profile was measured in a wider minor radius range than in previous experiments, in the case of outward shifted magnetic configuration of LHD. Next, the real time control system was installed to control the probe beam orbit for measuring the potential in plasma with large plasma current. In this system, a digital signal processor was used to control the probe beam in real time. The system worked well in the fixed position observation mode. In the sweeping mode for profile measurement, this control system became unstable. The details of this system and the experimental results are reported in this article.

Beijing family Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolated from throughout Japan: phylogeny and genetic features

To estimate the current population genetic structure of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Japan, phylogenetic traits were analysed for 237 Beijing family strains isolated from tuberculosis patients throughout the country. Unlike previous reports from other countries, the ancient Beijing sublineage was predominant throughout Japan. Clustering analysis based on JATA-VNTR (Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association variable numbers of tandem repeats), a specialised set of VNTR for the discrimination of Japanese M. tuberculosis strains, revealed high similarity of the modern Beijing sublineage strains, irrespective of their geographic origin. JATA-VNTR might be useful for the phylogenetic classification in populations where ancient Beijing strains are frequently isolated.

Enhanced initial bone regeneration with inorganic polyphosphate-adsorbed hydroxyapatite

Inorganic polyphosphate (poly(P)) can promote binding between fibroblast growth factors and their receptors and enhance osteoblastic cell differentiation and calcification. This study evaluated the possibilities for poly(P) adsorbed onto interconnected porous calcium hydroxyapatite (IP-CHA) as a new bone regeneration material. Prepared 1%, 5%, 25% and 50% poly(P)/IP-CHA composites showed the elution peak of poly(P) between 15 and 20 min, respectively, with the highest value from 50% poly(P)/IP-CHA in vitro. Histologically, at 1 week of placement into the femur of rabbits, granulation tissue had penetrated into the pores in all composites and IP-CHA as a control. In contrast, at 2 weeks of placement, newly formed lamellar bone was found in all groups, although a higher amount of bone regeneration was obviously formed in the 25% and 50% poly(P)/IP-CHA with a significantly higher value of bone regeneration ratio of 50% poly(P)/IP-CHA. These results indicate that 25% and 50% poly(P)/IP-CHA composites may enhance initial bone regeneration.

High incidence of fatty liver and insulin resistance in long-term adult survivors of childhood SCT

Overweight/obesity among adult survivors of childhood SCT has been considered to be predictive of eventual development of metabolic abnormalities. Fatty liver is increasingly recognized as a major cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality in the general population. However, the real incidence of fatty liver in adult survivors of SCT has not been fully elucidated. We determined whether adult survivors are at risk for overweight/obesity, metabolic abnormalities and fatty liver and whether these risks are associated with cranial radiotherapy (CRT) before SCT. Among the 51 patients (30 males), only two male patients were overweight/obese at the last evaluation. On the other hand, 9 male (30%) and 15 female (71%) patients were underweight. Fatty liver was diagnosed in 11 male (37%) and 10 female (48%) patients during the follow-up period, although patients who had fatty liver did not tend to be overweight/obese. Significantly more patients who received CRT before SCT developed fatty liver with insulin resistance than those who did not (P<0.05). Even patients who are not overweight/obese may develop fatty liver and metabolic abnormalities. We recommend that healthcare professionals recognize these risks and give life-long attention to detecting, preventing and treating late complications after SCT.

Navigation-guided fence-post tube technique for resection of a brain tumor: technical note

INTRODUCTION

A new technique using a navigation system to minimize the influence of brain shift and to perform precise resection of brain tumors is demonstrated. To determine the resection plane, one to six tubes were inserted around the tumor under the guidance of a navigation system before dural incision.

RESULTS

This technique termed the "navigation-guided fence-post tube" (NGFP) procedure was used to treat 34 patients with intraaxial brain tumors including gliomas (23 cases), malignant lymphomas (4 cases) and metastatic tumors (7 cases). Tumors were removed totally in 23 cases (67.6%), subtotally (95% or more removal) in 6 cases (17.6%) and partially (less than 95% removal) in 5 cases (14.7%). The cases with subtotal or partial resection contained tumors that were close to or involved the eloquent area, or disseminated lesions. No complications due to tube insertion occurred.

CONCLUSION

NGFP is a useful and safe technique for brain tumor surgery with no influence of brain shift during tumor resection.

Prevention by lansoprazole, a proton pump inhibitor, of indomethacin -induced small intestinal ulceration in rats through induction of heme oxygenase-1

The effect of lansoprazole, a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), on indomethacin-induced small intestinal ulceration was examined in rats, particularly in relation to heme oxygenase (HO)-1. The animals were administered indomethacin (10 mg/kg, p.o.) and killed 24 h later. Lansoprazole (30-100 mg/kg, p.o.) and omeprazole (30-100 mg/kg, p.o.) were given 30 min before the administration of indomethacin, while tin-protoporphyrin IX (SnPP: 30 mg/kg, i.v.), an inhibitor of HO-1, was injected 10 min before indomethacin or lansoprazole. Indomethacin produced hemorrhagic lesions in the small intestine, accompanied with an increase of mucosal invasion of enterobacteria, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in the mucosa. Pretreatment with lansoprazole dose- dependently reduced the severity of the indomethacin-induced intestinal lesions, with suppression of the increased MPO activity, while omeprazole had no effect. Pretreatment with SnPP significantly exacerbated these intestinal lesions and almost totally abolished the protective effect of lansoprazole. The up-regulation of iNOS mRNA expression following indomethacin was suppressed by lansoprazole in a SnPP-inhibitable manner, although the enhanced enterobacterial invasion remained unaffected. The amount of HO-1 protein in the intestinal mucosa was significantly increased by lansoprazole but not by omeprazole. Prior administration of carbon monoxide (CO)-releasing molecule-2 (CORM-2; 10 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly reduced the severity of these lesions and the enhancement of mucosal iNOS mRNA expression induced in the small intestine by indomethacin. These results suggest that lansoprazole prevents indomethacin-induced small intestinal ulceration, and this effect is associated with inhibition of iNOS expression, through up-regulation of HO-1/CO production in the mucosa.

Mass screening of prostate cancer and its impact on inhabitants in Akita Prefecture, Japan

In 2001, the Akita Medical Association started a prostate cancer (PC) mass screening project for >or= 50-year-old male inhabitants in individual municipalities of Akita Prefecture, utilizing serum prostate-specific antigen. The number of examinees increased from 4321 in 2001 to 29,936 in 2006, while the annual rate of examinees per target inhabitants remained at 11.6 to 16.8% and the fraction of repeat examinees increased up to 77% in 2006. A total of 944 PCs were screened with a stage B tumor incidence of 84.1% (range: 82.2 to 86.6%). The annual PC detection rate was 0.95 to 1.11% for the first 4 years, but then declined to 0.54% in 2006 mainly due to the increase of repeat examinees. PSA mass screening is effective for the detection of early stage PC, but a further promotion is needed to mobilize the sleeping inhabitants. Indeed, the number of new PC patients in 17 major hospitals in Akita Prefecture rapidly increased after the mass screening started (3.2-fold), suggesting an enlightenment effect of the screening project on both the inhabitants and general physicians.

An autopsy case of sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with 16-year survival without artificial ventilation

An autopsy case of a 65-year-old male diagnosed as having classic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and who survived for 16 years without artificial ventilation is described. The progression of the disease was remarkably slow, and the bulbar and respiratory functions remained relatively well preserved. Pathologically, both upper and lower motor neurons were affected, the latter much more than the former. The volume of the spinal anterior horn of the fourth cervical cord (C4) was relatively well preserved compared to those of the thoracic cords, which were the most severely affected. This preservation of C4 may have been compatible with the relatively good preservation of respiratory muscle. Despite the long clinical course, the involvement was restricted to the motor and related systems, which was compatible with classic ALS. However, this case was distinctive in the lack of myelin pallor and the absence of macrophages in the pyramidal tracts, where large myelinated fibers were markedly decreased. Further-more, no identification was made of any Bunina bodies or skein-like inclusions despite a survey of almost the entire spinal cord. No abnormalities were found in superoxide dismutase 1 complementary DNA sequences. Among the previously reported long surviving cases, certain cases showed relatively uniform neuropathologic findings including the lack of Bunina bodies and macrophage activation in the pyramidal tracts. Such cases as well as ours may represent a form of ALS. Further study is required to determine the significance of these long sur-viving cases for understanding the pathomechanisms underlying motor neuron diseases.

Effect of oviductal epithelial cells on fertilization of pig oocytes in vitro

The incidence of polyspermy is reduced by co-culture of pig oocytes with oviductal cells. It is not known whether the effect is due to soluble factors secreted into the medium. Oviductal epithelial cell monolayers and cell-conditioned media were prepared and their effects on fertilization of pig oocytes were examined. In vitro matured pig oocytes were inseminated with ejaculated boar spermatozoa at a concentration of 1x10(5) or 1x10(6) cells/ml and co-cultured in one of 5 culture systems: an oviductal epithelial cell monolayer, a fibroblast monolayer, an oviductal epithelial cell-conditioned medium, or a fibroblast-conditioned medium, and medium alone (modified-TCM199). In all 5 systems, the majority (range 85 to 100%) of the oocytes were penetrated by sperm. When oocytes were inseminated with spermatozoa at a concentration of 1x10(5) cells/ml, the percentages of monospermic oocytes were significantly higher in the oocytes co-cultured with oviductal epithelial cells and fibroblasts than that of the oocytes cultured without these cells. In contrast, when oocytes were inseminated with spermatozoa at a concentration of 1x10(6) cells/ml, the percentages of monospermic oocytes were significantly higher in the oocytes co-cultured with epithelial cells than those cultured with the fibroblasts and in the control medium. The suppressive effect on polyspermy was observed in the oviductal epithelial cells-conditioned medium when oocytes were inseminated with spermatozoa at both concentrations of 1x10(5) and 1x10(6) cells/ml. The effect was absent in the fibroblasts-conditioned medium. Moreover, the effect of the epithelial cells was maintained during the culture period, whereas the proportion of monospermic oocytes co-cultured with fibroblasts showed a gradual decrease, reaching 0% after 16 h. These results suggest that a soluble factor(s) derived from the oviductal epithelial cells decreased the number of spermatozoa penetrating the oocytes without suppressing the high rate of fertilization.

Phosphodiesterase isozymes involved in regulating acid secretion in the isolated mouse stomach

The effect of subtype-selective phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors on acid secretion was examined in mouse stomachs to investigate which PDE isozymes are involved in the local regulation of this secretion. Male DDY mice were used after 18 h fasting. An isolated stomach was incubated in an organ bath containing buffered solution gassed with 95% O(2)/5% CO(2), while the lumen was perfused with unbuffered solution gassed with 100% O(2). Acid secretion was measured at pH 5.4 using a pH-stat method. Histamine or pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) was added to the serosal solution. PDE inhibitors were added to the serosal solution 30 min before histamine or PACAP. The secretion of acid in the isolated stomach was increased by histamine or PACAP, and these responses were totally inhibited by famotidine. IBMX alone increased basal acid secretion and significantly enhanced the acid responses to histamine and PACAP. Among the PDE inhibitors tested, only rolipram (PDE4 inhibitor) significantly increased basal acid secretion and potentiated the acid responses to histamine and PACAP. The latter peptide increased histamine release into the medium, and this response was also enhanced by rolipram. Furthermore, rolipram significantly increased cAMP production induced in the isolated stomach by histamine and PACAP. These results suggest that PDE4 is involved in the local regulation of gastric acid secretion via the degradation of cAMP and that the PDE4 inhibitor rolipram increases the secretion of acid by potentiating acid production in parietal cells and enhancing histamine release from enterochromaffin-like cells.

Role of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in aggravation of indomethacin-induced gastric damage in adjuvant arthritic rats

The role of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isozymes in the aggravation of indomethacin-induced gastric damage in adjuvant arthritic rats was investigated. Two weeks after injection of Freund's complete adjuvant, the animals were given indomethacin, and the stomach was examined for damage 4 h later. Indomethacin caused hemorrhagic lesions in the normal rat stomach, and these lesions were markedly aggravated in arthritic rats. Pretreatment with L-NAME (a nonselective inhibitor of NOS) and aminoguanidine (a relative selective inhibitor of iNOS) did not affect the ulcerogenic response in normal rats but dose-dependently prevented the aggravation of lesions in arthritic rats, but the effect of aminoguanidine was apparently less than that of L-NAME. The increased ulcerogenic response in arthritic rats was significantly suppressed by 1400 W (a selective inhibitor of iNOS) and L-NIO (a selective inhibitor of eNOS) but not by L-NPA (a selective inhibitor of nNOS). The concurrent administration of 1400 W and L-NIO almost totally abolished the aggravation of damage in arthritic rats. The expressions of eNOS and iNOS but not nNOS in the gastric mucosa were clearly enhanced in arthritic rats. Mucosal levels of non-protein sulfhydryls were significantly lower in arthritic rats than those in normal rats. The aggravation of damage in arthritic rats was significantly prevented by glutathione. These results suggest that the increased ulcerogenic response to indomethacin in arthritic rat stomachs is mediated by NO derived from eNOS in addition to iNOS. It is assumed that eNOS/NO may act harmfully on the gastric mucosa of arthritic rats with mucosal SH deficiency.