Expression of fimbriae and host response in Branhamella catarrhalis respiratory infections

Sputum during the acute exacerbation of chronic respiratory diseases were observed under the electron microscope, to determine the in vivo expression of surface structures of Branhamella catarrhalis (B. catarrhalis), the polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) response to B. catarrhalis infections, and the composition of sputum. It was found that during infection fimbriae are expressed in B. catarrhalis. However, there were sparsely to densely fimbriated bacteria in each sputum sample. The length of the fimbriae were from 50 to 76 nm. In the sparsely fimbriated B. catarrhalis, external to the cell wall, a thin, granular, electron-dense layer was observed. Due to the presence of fimbriae, this layer was not seen in densely fimbriated B. catarrhalis. Blebs were also found in B. catarrhalis. PMNs were found to phagocytose both B. catarrhalis and debris. Evidence was found that debris were formed mainly by the destruction of PMNs. Bacteria as well as debris were phagocytosed by PMNs.

[A case of sarcoidosis with middle lobe atelectasis]

We report a case of sarcoidosis complicated by middle lobe atelectasis. A chest radiograph and a chest CT film on admission revealed middle lobe atelectasis and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Bronchofiberscopic findings showed slit-like stenosis and reddish, edematous mucosal change of the middle lobe orifice. On admission, the serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) level was within the normal range. However, the ACE level had increased beyond the normal range by 2 months later, histological examination of a specimen from a transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) of the middle lobe revealed noncaseating epithelioid cell granulomas. We diagnosed sarcoidosis because of the histological findings from the TBLB and serum ACE elevation. Treatment with predonisolone resulted in remarkable alleviation of middle lobe atelectasis and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Cases of sarcoidosis with middle lobe atelectasis are rare in Japan.

[Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) for stenosis at the subclavian artery and at the origin of the vertebral artery: therapeutic indication and some adjunctive safe methods during PTA]

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) for brachiocephalic occlusive lesions has progressed. In this paper our experiences and results of PTA in dealing with those lesions are described with emphasis on adjunctive procedures during PTA. Recently, twenty-four patients with stenosis of the subclavian artery (SA) and/or stenosis at the origin of the vertebral artery (VA) were included in this study. Among the 24, there were 16 cases with SA stenosis, 6 cases with stenosis at the origin of VA and 3 cases with both SA and stenosis at the origin of VA. The stenosis was due to atherosclerosis in 21 cases and aortitis in 3 cases. Most of the patients presented ischemic symptoms of vertebrobasilar circulation and affected upper extremities. In PTA of brachiocephalic lesions, one of the most formidable complications is an embolism distal to the central nervous system. To prevent this complication, a vascular endoscope was used for visualization of the luminal surface of the stenotic lesions in 7 cases, and a protective balloon was used in 4 recent cases. The protective balloon was used for transient occlusion of the artery to alter the flow direction so that the possible emboli might be forced to flow away to a less critical distal artery. In the distal protective balloon technique, the protective balloon was set so as to occlude the stenotic artery distally. Debris caused by PTA was aspirated and/or washed out to an extracranial artery with heparinized saline. In the proximal protective balloon technique, the protective balloon was set so as to occlude the stenotic artery proximally. Debris was washed out with blood flow caused by the induced steal phenomenon to an extracranial artery.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Evaluation of calcium hydroxide-containing root canal sealers with an improved rabbit ear chamber

An improved rabbit ear chamber was used to evaluate calcium hydroxide-containing root canal sealers on their potential to induce dystrophic calcification in connective tissue. Four sealers and two control materials were introduced into the chambers and the effects of these materials on the living vascular tissue were observed continuously under a biomicroscope up to 9 weeks. Conventional histopathological investigation and examinations with a scanning electron microscope and an X-ray microanalyzer were done to supplement the results. Sealapex and Calvital (Ca(OH)2 + iodoform) revealed almost the same tissue reaction as calcium hydroxide-saline paste; they rapidly made a precipitate-barrier of calcium phosphate in the connective tissue, inducing calcification. However, Dentalis KEZ (ZnO-Ca(OH)2 + eugenol) caused mild disorders of microcirculation without calcification, as well as Canals (ZnO + eugenol). New A (Ca(OH)2 + fatty acid) had good compatibility with microvessels as well as New B (ZnO + fatty acid), however they induced no calcification and disintegrated rapidly in the tissue. These sealers were reclassified according to what they actually bring about in the tissue, not according to what they include.

Role of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and an inhibitory effect of erythromycin on IL-8 release in the airways of patients with chronic airway diseases

To evaluate of the role of interleukin-8 (IL-8), a chemotactic cytokine, in the continuous neutrophil accumulation in the airways of patients with chronic airway disease (CAD) and persistent Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection, we investigated the cell population, IL-8 levels, IL-1 beta levels, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) activities, and neutrophil elastase (NE) activities of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluids in 17 CAD patients (with P. aeruginosa infections [CAD+PA], n = 9; without any bacterial infections [CAD-PA], n = 8) and 8 normal volunteers. We found significant elevations of neutrophil numbers, IL-8/albumin ratios, and NE/albumin ratios in BAL fluids from CAD patients, in the following rank order: CAD+PA > CAD-PA > normal volunteers. IL-1 beta/albumin ratios were elevated only in CAD+PA, while no TNF bioactivity was detected in BAL fluids. The neutrophil numbers correlated significantly with the IL-8/albumin ratios and NE/albumin ratios in the BAL fluids of CAD patients. When anti-human IL-8 immunoglobulin G was used for neutralizing neutrophil chemotactic factor (NCF) activities in BAL fluids, the mean reduction rate of NCF activities in CAD+PA patients was significantly higher than that in CAD-PA patients. We also evaluated the effects of low-dose, long-term erythromycin therapy in BAL fluids from three CAD+PA and two CAD-PA patients. Treatment with erythromycin caused significant reductions of neutrophil numbers, IL-8/albumin ratios, and NE/albumin ratios in BAL fluids from these patients. To elucidate the mechanism of erythromycin therapy, we also examined whether erythromycin suppressed IL-8 production by human alveolar macrophages and neutrophils in vitro. We demonstrated a moderate inhibitory effect of erythromycin on IL-8 production in Pseudomonas-stimulated neutrophils but not in alveolar macrophages. Our data support the view that persistent P. aeruginosa infection enhances IL-8 production and IL-8-derived NCF activity, causing neutrophil accumulation in the airways and the progressive lung injuries observed in patients with CAD. The clinical efficacy of erythromycin therapy for CAD patients might be partly mediated through a reduced IL-8 production, diminishing neutrophil accumulation and NE release in the airways.

[MR imaging findings of nonketotic hyperglycinemia. 2 cases of neonatal onset]

We presented MR (magnetic resonance) images findings of the brain in nonketotic hyperglycinemia (NKH) from 2 patients of neonatal onset. MR findings in our cases of NKH are compatible with the pathological alterations described in the literature; MR images revealed delayed myelination of the cerebral white matter and hypoplasia of the corps callosum. The latter finding particularly seemed to be relatively characteristic to NKH. MR examination is the imaging modality of choice for this disease because it can demonstrate the degree of myelination, and development of the corpus callosum particularly on sagittal section.

Synergistic activation by Ras and 14-3-3 protein of a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase named Ras-dependent extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase stimulator

We have identified, in Xenopus oocyte cytosol, a protein kinase named REKS (Ras-dependent extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) stimulator), which phosphorylates and activates recombinant ERK2 through recombinant MEK in a recombinant GTP gamma S (guanosine 5'-(3-O-thio)triphosphate)-Ras-dependent manner. We show here that this REKS activity is synergistically enhanced by a combination of mammalian recombinant GTP gamma S-KiRas and 14-3-3 protein purified from rat brain. 14-3-3 protein is known to activate tyrosine and tryptophan hydroxylases, to modulate the protein kinase C activity, to stimulate secretion, and to show phospholipase A2 activity per se. 14-3-3 protein did not affect the MEK activity. 14-3-3 protein neither interacted with Ki-Ras nor affected the neurofibromin activity to stimulate the GTPase activity of Ki-Ras under the conditions where the recombinant N-terminal fragment of c-Raf-1 inhibited it. These results suggest that 14-3-3 protein has an additional function in the regulation of the Ras-MEK-ERK cascade pathway through the activation of REKS.

Stimulatory effects of yeast and mammalian 14-3-3 proteins on the Raf protein kinase

Intracellular signaling from receptor tyrosine kinases in mammalian cells results in activation of a signal cascade that includes the guanine nucleotide-binding protein Ras and the protein kinases Raf, MEK [mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) or extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) kinase], and MAPK. MAPK activation that is dependent on the coupling of Ras and Raf was reconstituted in yeast. Yeast genes were isolated that, when overexpressed, enhanced the function of Raf. One of them is identical to BMH1, which encodes a protein similar to members of the mammalian 14-3-3 family. Bacterially synthesized mammalian 14-3-3 protein stimulated the activity of Raf prepared from yeast cells expressing c-Raf-1. Thus, the 14-3-3 protein may participate in or be required for activation of Raf.

Antitumor agents. 7. Synthesis and antitumor activity of novel hexacyclic camptothecin analogues

Eleven novel hexacyclic and three 7,9-disubstituted pentacyclic derivatives of camptothecin were synthesized and evaluated for in vitro cytotoxic activity against P388, HOC-21, and QG-56 and in vivo antileukemic activity against P388 in mice. Hexacyclic compounds which have an additional 5-, 6-, or 7-membered ring cyclized at positions 7 and 9 of camptothecin were prepared by intramolecular cyclization of pentacyclic camptothecin derivatives or Friedländer condensation of the appropriate bicyclic amino ketone and tricyclic ketone. All of the hexacyclic compounds exhibited compatible or superior activity of 7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin (SN-38) in in vitro assays without regard to the size or type of the additional ring, and three of six compounds showed more than 300% T/C on in vivo assay. These results suggest that the potency of the hexacyclic ring system is higher than that of the original pentacyclic ring system of camptothecin and that the conformational rigidity of substituents at positions 7 and 9 is favorable for antitumor activity.

Three genes in the human MHC class III region near the junction with the class II: gene for receptor of advanced glycosylation end products, PBX2 homeobox gene and a notch homolog, human counterpart of mouse mammary tumor gene int-3

Cosmid walking of about 250 kb from MHC class III gene CYP21 to class II was conducted. The gene for receptor of advanced glycosylation end products of proteins (RAGE, a member of immunoglobulin superfamily molecules), the PBX2 homeobox gene designated HOX12, and the human counterpart of the mouse mammary tumor gene int-3 were found. The contiguous RAGE and HOX12 genes were completely sequenced, and the human int-3 counterpart was partially sequenced and assigned to a Notch homolog. This human Notch homolog, designated NOTCH3, showed both the intracellular portion present in the mouse int-3 sequence and the extracellular portion absent in the int-3. It thus corresponds to the intact form of a Notch-type transmembrane protein. About 20 kb of dense Alu clustering was found just centromeric to the NOTCH3.

Localization of pleiotrophin and midkine in the postnatal developing cerebellum

We demonstrated that pleiotrophin (PTN) and midkine (MK), proteins which constitute a novel heparin-binding growth factor family, are expressed in the postnatal developing cerebellar cortex by an immunohistochemical method. The expression patterns of both factors were quite similar both temporally and spatially; the levels of protein expression reached a peak at P7, and strong immunoreactivities were localized primarily in the premigratory zone of the external granular layer, the molecular layer, and the white matter. These findings suggest that PTN and MK are co-localized and thereby exert synergistic functions in the developmental events such as the migration of granule cells and the process outgrowth of neurons.

Beta 2- but not beta 1-adrenoceptors are involved in desipramine enhancement of aggressive behavior in long-term isolated mice

The effects of several beta-adrenoceptor antagonists on the desipramine-induced increase in aggressive behavior in long-term isolated mice were examined. Desipramine HCl (10 mg/kg, IP) significantly increased the duration of aggressive behavior in isolated mice but did not significantly change the latency to the first attack consistent with our previous reports. Intraperitoneal administration of (+/- )propranolol HCl (2.5-10 mg/kg), a nonselective beta-adrenoceptor antagonist, dose dependently attenuated the desipramine-induced enhancement of aggressive behavior without significantly affecting the basal aggressive responses. ICI118,551 HCl (1.25-5 mg/kg, IP), a selective beta 2-adrenoceptor antagonist, also blocked the desipramine-induced enhancement of aggressive behavior in a dose-dependent manner, whereas metoprolol tartrate (5-20 mg/kg, IP), a selective beta 1-adrenoceptor antagonist, did not affect it. Moreover, clenbuterol HCl (0.1-0.5 mg/kg, IP), a lipophilic beta 2-adrenoceptor agonist, significantly increased the duration of basal aggressive behavior. Taken together with our previous finding that the desipramine-induced enhancement of aggressive behavior can be blocked by yohimbine, an alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist, the present results indicate that not only alpha 2- but also beta 2-adrenoceptor stimulation plays important roles in modulation of aggressive behavior in long-term isolated mice.

Sex difference in depression and quality of life in elderly people

Two hundred and two elderly people who have been visiting a Day Service Center were examined by a Japanese version of the self-rating depression scale by Zung (SDS) and the quality of life rating scale to suit Japanese conditions (QOL scale). The QOL scale measures four aspects: physical functioning, emotional adjustment, interpersonal relationship and attitudes toward life. Significant correlations were seen between the scores of three aspects and the total score except for the score of interpersonal relationship. Although no significant difference was found between the sexes in scores of the SDS, all the scores of aspects and the total score of the QOL scale of the male subjects were significantly higher than those of the female subjects.

Antinociceptive effects of Randia siamensis extract and its constituent, pseudoginsenoside-RP1 in experimental animals

Analgesic activities of Randia siamensis CRAIB (R. siamensis) extract and pseudoginsenoside-RP1, a constituent of the extract, were examined in the writhing test, hot plate test and Randall-Selitto test. Oral administration of R. siamensis extract dose-dependently decreased the number of writhings and stretchings induced by 0.6% acetic acid in the writhing test in mice. Moreover, in the Randall-Selitto test in rats, the extract raised the nociceptive threshold of the carrageenan-inflamed but not of non-inflamed paw. It did not affect the nociceptive response in the hot plate test in mice. The R. siamensis extract did not affect hexobarbital-induced sleep or spontaneous motor activity in mice, suggesting that it has no sedative effect. Pseudoginsenoside-RP1 produced similar effects to the R. siamensis extract, but its effective doses in the analgesic tests were lower than those with the extract. These results suggest that R. siamensis extract produces anti-nociceptive actions similar to those of a peripherally acting analgesic drug aspirin, and that pseudoginsenoside-RP1 may partly contribute, but is not the main contributor, to the antinociceptive action of the extract.

An acidic polysaccharide with immunological activities from the root of Paeonia lactiflora

An acidic polysaccharide, called peonan PA, was isolated from the root of Paeonia lactiflora PALLAS. It was homogeneous on electrophoresis and gel chromatography, and its molecular mass was estimated to be 6.0 x 10(4). Peonan PA is composed of L-arabinose: D-galactose: D-galacturonic acid in the molar ratio of 2:1:10, in addition to small amounts of O-acetyl groups and peptide moieties. About forty percent of the hexuronic acid residues in peonan PA exist as methyl esters. Reduction of carboxyl groups, methylation analysis, lithium degradation and nuclear magnetic resonance studies indicated that its main structural features involve both alpha-1,5-linked L-arabino-beta-3,6-branched D-galactan type and alpha-1,4-linked D-galacturonan type structural units. The polysaccharide exhibited remarkable reticuloendothelial system-potentiating activity in a carbon clearance test and considerable anti-complementary activity.

Chemical induction of quadruple and octuple chromosomes in Chinese hamster CHO-K1 cells and relationship between their three-dimensional structure and spatial distribution of BrdU-labeled chromatids

Double endoreduplication of Chinese hamster CHO-K1 cells that exhibited quadruple chromosomes at metaphase was induced by a combination of rotenone and ammonium vanadate treatments. Analysis of sister chromatid differential staining patterns (using 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine) revealed that approximately 50% of the quadruple chromosomes did not keep the scheme of "outside replication" of DNA. Based on the ratio of the staining patterns observed, we suggest that the two diplochromosomes forming a quadruple chromosome are held together by a physical link connecting the two original chromatids. Metaphases with octuple chromosomes were also produced by the same treatment. Each chromosome constituting an octuple chromosome was longer and thinner than ordinary metaphase chromosomes. This suggests incomplete chromosome condensation at metaphase. The majority of octuple chromosomes showed the eight constituent chromosomes to be so enmeshed that a planar alignment could not be observed in air-dried preparations.

Germinoma originating in the basal ganglia and thalamus: MR and CT evaluation

PURPOSE

To describe MR and CT features of germinoma originating in the basal ganglia and thalamus and to discuss the roles of each modality for its diagnosis.

METHODS

MR and CT studies of six cases of germinomas, five of which were histologically proved, were retrospectively reviewed. T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted conventional spin-echo images, and unenhanced and contrast-enhanced CT images were evaluated.

RESULTS

Typically, the tumor consisted of an irregular solid area with contrast enhancement and various-size cysts. Cystic components were found in five cases and calcification in four. Intratumoral hemorrhage was noted in one. Ipsilateral cerebral hemiatrophy and brain stem hemiatrophy were noted in three cases each. MR was superior to CT in evaluating precise tumor extension, cystic components, and intratumoral hemorrhage, although in one case, extension of the tumor was better defined on CT in its early stage. Calcification was difficult to identify by MR alone. The solid components of the tumors generally showed slightly high density on CT, which seemed to be characteristic compared with nonspecific intensity pattern on MR.

CONCLUSION

The combination of CT and MR findings allows early detection and appropriate diagnosis of the mass in the basal ganglia and/or thalamus.

Enhanced expression of catalytic subunits of protein phosphatase type 1 and high S-phase fraction in liposarcoma

The expression of the three catalytic subunits of protein phosphatase (PP) type 1 and 2A, PP1 alpha, PP1 gamma 1, and PP2AC, was examined in 8 cases of lipoma as a benign tumor and 4 cases of liposarcoma as a malignant tumor using immunohistochemical analysis. Both types of of tumor cells stained positively with antisera against PP1 catalytic subunit isoforms PP1 alpha and PP1 gamma 1 were significantly higher in liposarcoma than in lipoma. Furthermore, liposarcoma showed a markedly high S-phase fraction in the cell cycle of tumor cells, as compared with lipoma. These results suggest that PP1 is involved in the accelerated growth of malignant cells in liposarcoma.

Cytokine secretion by peripheral blood monocytes from patients with acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis

We have measured the release of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) by unstimulated monocytes and monocytes stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) isolated from the peripheral blood of two patients with acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (AGN) and 16 healthy controls. We have demonstrated that spontaneous and LPS-induced cytokine release correlated with disease activity in the AGN patients. We speculate that in vivo streptococcal infection itself may alter peripheral blood monocyte cytokine secretion.

Paeoniflorin attenuates learning impairment of aged rats in operant brightness discrimination task

The effects of paeoniflorin isolated from peony were examined on an aging-induced learning deficit in an operant brightness discrimination task in Fischer 344 rats. Learning in aged (25 months) rats was significantly impaired compared with young (5 months) rats. Daily administration of paeoniflorin (0.01 mg/kg, PO) significantly attenuated the learning impairment in aged rats, whereas it did not affect the learning in young rats. Although tacrine (0.3 and 1 mg/kg, IP), a cholinesterase inhibitor, also did not affect the learning in young rats, it slightly augmented the aging-induced learning deficit in the present task. These data indicate the therapeutic potential of paeoniflorin in the treatment of senile dementia and aging-induced cognitive dysfunction.

3-Chloro-4-(dichloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-2(5H)-furanone (MX) induces gene mutations and inhibits metabolic cooperation in cultured Chinese hamster cells

Investigations were carried out on 3-chloro-4-(dichloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-2(5H)-furanone (MX), a potent direct-acting bacterial mutagen found in chlorinated tap water, for the potential to induce 6-thioguanine (6-TG) resistant mutations in cultured Chinese hamster V79 cells. The mutagenicity of MX was manifested when cells were treated with MX in Hanks balanced salt solution, but not in serum-free Eagle's minimal essential medium. A 12-fold higher mutation frequency over control was obtained at 12.5 micrograms/ml MX. In addition, the inhibitory effect of MX on metabolic cooperation between cocultivated 6-TG- sensitive (6-TGs) and -resistant (6-TGr) V79 cells was investigated. Recovery of 6-TGr cells significantly increased at 0.8-2.0 micrograms/ml MX due to impaired intercellular communication with 6-TGs cells. MX is believed to exert tumor-promoting and mutagenic activity in mammalian cells.

Monoamine depletion attenuates the REM sleep deprivation-induced increase in clonidine response in the forced swimming test

Effect of monoamine depletion on the REM sleep (REMs) deprivation-induced increase in clonidine response in the forced swimming test was investigated. Mice were deprived of REMs by the small pedestal method. Clonidine HCl (10-1000 micrograms/kg, IP), an alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist, dose dependently increased swimming activities in group-housed and socially isolated mice used as the control groups. The dose-response relationship shifted to the left following REMs deprivation (ED50 values in the group-housed, isolated, and REMs-deprived mice were 250, 200, and 27 micrograms/kg, respectively). Monoamine depletion, induced by reserpine (5 mg/kg, IP) plus alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine (250 mg/kg, IP), did not produce any changes in the effects of clonidine in the control groups. However, in REMs-deprived mice, monoamine depletion significantly decreased the effect of 100 micrograms/kg clonidine, but not that of 300 micrograms/kg clonidine on swimming activity. These results indicate that clonidine-induced increase in swimming activity in the forced swimming test is mainly mediated by postsynaptic alpha 2-adrenoceptor, and that endogenous noradrenaline in the brain plays an important role in the increase of clonidine response following REMs deprivation treatment. The neuronal mechanism of the increase in clonidine response is discussed.