Autoantibodies to nuclear valosin-containing protein-like protein: systemic sclerosis-specific antibodies revealed by in vitro human proteome

OBJECTIVES

To identify and characterize undescribed systemic sclerosis (SSc)-specific autoantibodies targeting nucleolar antigens and to assess their clinical significance.

METHODS

We conducted proteome-wide autoantibody screening (PWAS) against serum samples from SSc patients with nucleolar patterned anti-nuclear antibodies (NUC-ANAs) of specific antibodies (Abs) unknown, utilizing wet protein arrays fabricated from in vitro human proteome. Controls included SSc patients with already-known SSc-specific autoantibodies, patients with other connective tissue diseases, and healthy subjects. The selection of nucleolar antigens was performed by database search in the Human Protein Atlas. The Presence of autoantibodies was certified by immunoblots and immunoprecipitations. Indirect immunofluorescence assays on HEp-2 cells were also conducted. Clinical assessment was conducted by retrospective review of electric medical records.

RESULTS

PWAS identified three candidate autoantibodies, including anti-nuclear valosin-containing protein-like (NVL) Ab. Additional measurements in disease controls revealed that only anti-NVL Abs are exclusively detected in SSc. Detection of anti-NVL Abs was reproduced by conventional assays such as immunoblotting and immunoprecipitation. Indirect immunofluorescence assays demonstrated homogeneous nucleolar patterns. Anti-NVL Ab-positive cases were characterized by significantly low prevalence of diffuse skin sclerosis and interstitial lung disease, compared with SSc cases with NUC-ANAs other than anti-NVL Abs, such as anti-U3-RNP and anti-Th/To Abs.

CONCLUSION

Anti-NVL Ab is an SSc-specific autoantibody associated with a unique combination of clinical features, including limited skin sclerosis and lack of lung involvement.

The Autoantibody Array Assay: A Novel Autoantibody Detection Method

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) and dermatomyositis (DM) are autoimmune collagen diseases. Specific autoantibodies are known to be involved in their pathogeneses, each presenting with a different clinical manifestation. Although immunoprecipitation is the gold standard method for detecting autoantibodies, it is difficult to perform in all cases owing to the use of radioisotopes. In this study, we developed a new detection method for SSc and DM autoantibodies (A-cube) using cell-free protein synthesis and examined its validity. Proteins were synthesized using wheat germ cell-free protein synthesis. A total of 100 cases of SSc, 50 cases of DM, and 82 healthy controls were examined. The validity of the method was examined by a comparison with existing test results. Anti-centromere antibody, anti-topoisomerase I antibody, anti-RNA polymerase III antibody, anti-U1RNP anti-body, anti-Jo-1 antibody, anti-TIF1γ antibody, anti-Mi-2 antibody, and anti-ARS antibody were tested for. The results suggested that A-cube is comparable with existing testing methods or has a high sensitivity or specificity. In addition, there was a case in which the diagnosis was reconsidered using the A-cube. The quality of the A-cube was ensured, and its usefulness for a comprehensive analysis was demonstrated. The A-cube can therefore contribute to the clinical assessment and treatment of SSc and DM.

Comprehensive autoantibody profiling in systemic autoimmunity by a highly-sensitive multiplex protein array

Comprehensive autoantibody evaluation is essential for the management of autoimmune disorders. However, conventional methods suffer from poor sensitivity, low throughput, or limited availability. Here, using a proteome-wide human cDNA library, we developed a novel multiplex protein assay (autoantibody array assay; A-Cube) covering 65 antigens of 43 autoantibodies that are associated with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and polymyositis/dermatomyositis (PM/DM). The performance of A-Cube was validated against immunoprecipitation and established enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Further, through an evaluation of serum samples from 357 SSc and 172 PM/DM patients, A-Cube meticulously illustrated a diverse autoantibody landscape in these diseases. The wide coverage and high sensitivity of A-Cube also allowed the overlap and correlation analysis between multiple autoantibodies. Lastly, reviewing the cases with distinct autoantibody profiles by A-Cube underscored the importance of thorough autoantibody detection. Together, these data highlighted the utility of A-Cube as well as the clinical relevance of autoantibody profiles in SSc and PM/DM.

Corrigendum: Citrate synthase insufficiency leads to specific metabolic adaptations in the heart and skeletal muscles upon low-carbohydrate diet feeding in mice

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.925908.].

Global survival trends for brain tumors, by histology: analysis of individual records for 556,237 adults diagnosed in 59 countries during 2000-2014 (CONCORD-3)

BACKGROUND

Survival is a key metric of the effectiveness of a health system in managing cancer. We set out to provide a comprehensive examination of worldwide variation and trends in survival from brain tumors in adults, by histology.

METHODS

We analyzed individual data for adults (15-99 years) diagnosed with a brain tumor (ICD-O-3 topography code C71) during 2000-2014, regardless of tumor behavior. Data underwent a 3-phase quality control as part of CONCORD-3. We estimated net survival for 11 histology groups, using the unbiased nonparametric Pohar Perme estimator.

RESULTS

The study included 556,237 adults. In 2010-2014, the global range in age-standardized 5-year net survival for the most common sub-types was broad: in the range 20%-38% for diffuse and anaplastic astrocytoma, from 4% to 17% for glioblastoma, and between 32% and 69% for oligodendroglioma. For patients with glioblastoma, the largest gains in survival occurred between 2000-2004 and 2005-2009. These improvements were more noticeable among adults diagnosed aged 40-70 years than among younger adults.

CONCLUSIONS

To the best of our knowledge, this study provides the largest account to date of global trends in population-based survival for brain tumors by histology in adults. We have highlighted remarkable gains in 5-year survival from glioblastoma since 2005, providing large-scale empirical evidence on the uptake of chemoradiation at population level. Worldwide, survival improvements have been extensive, but some countries still lag behind. Our findings may help clinicians involved in national and international tumor pathway boards to promote initiatives aimed at more extensive implementation of clinical guidelines.

Citrate Synthase Insufficiency Leads to Specific Metabolic Adaptations in the Heart and Skeletal Muscles Upon Low-Carbohydrate Diet Feeding in Mice

A decrease in TCA cycle activity may lead to impaired nutrition metabolism and cellular energy shortage. Herein, we aimed to characterize the detailed metabolic changes that compensate for energy shortages in energy-consuming organs (heart and skeletal muscles) in mice with knockout of citrate synthase (CS), an important enzyme in the TCA cycle. CS hetero knockout (CS +/−) mice and wild-type mice were fed a low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet (LCKD) or high-fat, high-carbohydrate diet (HFHCD) to induce metabolic changes. Body weight, blood serum parameters, metabolic gene expression, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels were measured in the heart and skeletal muscles. Glycogen content, anabolic and catabolic biomarkers, and morphological changes were also assessed in the skeletal muscles. After diet feeding, there were no differences observed in the body weight and blood serum parameters between wild-type and CS +/− mice. The cardiac expression of genes related to the utilization of fatty acids, monocarboxylates, and branched amino acids increased in LCKD-fed CS +/− mice. In contrast, no significant differences in gene expression were observed in the muscles of LCKD-fed mice or the heart and muscles of HFHCD-fed mice. ATP levels decreased only in the skeletal muscles of LCKD-fed CS +/− mice. Additionally, the decrease in glycogen content, suppression of p70 S6 kinase, and presence of type I fiber atrophy were observed in the muscles of LCKD-fed CS +/− mice. These results suggest that the energy-consuming organs with CS insufficiency may undergo tissue-specific adaption to compensate for energy shortages when the carbohydrate supply is limited.

Autoantibody Landscape Revealed by Wet Protein Array: Sum of Autoantibody Levels Reflects Disease Status

Autoantibodies are found in various pathological conditions such as autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, and malignant tumors. However their clinical implications have not yet been fully elucidated. Herein, we conducted proteome-wide autoantibody screening and quantification with wet protein arrays consisting of proteins synthesized from proteome-wide human cDNA library (HuPEX) maintaining their three-dimensional structure. A total of 565 autoantibodies were identified from the sera of three representative inflammatory disorders (systemic sclerosis, psoriasis, and cutaneous arteritis). Each autoantibody level either positively or negatively correlated with serum levels of C-reactive protein, the best-recognized indicator of inflammation. In particular, we discovered total levels of a subset of autoantibodies correlates with the severity of clinical symptoms. From the sera of malignant melanoma, 488 autoantibodies were detected. Notably, patients with metastases had increased overall autoantibody production compared to those with tumors limiting to the primary site. Collectively, proteome-wide screening of autoantibodies using the in vitro proteome can reveal the "autoantibody landscape" of human subjects and may provide novel clinical biomarkers.

Autologous Transplantation of the Internal Limiting Membrane for Refractory Macular Hole following Ruptured Retinal Arterial Macroaneurysm: A Case Report

Purpose

To report a case of macular hole (MH) secondary to a retinal arterial macroaneurysm (RAMA) which was successfully treated with an autologous transplantation of internal limiting membrane (ILM).

Case Report

An 87-year-old female presented with a sudden decrease in central vision in the right eye. A fundus examination revealed a RAMA in the superonasal macular region, a subretinal hemorrhage (SRH), involving the macula, and a sub-ILM hemorrhage. A pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) was performed. Intraoperatively, an MH filled with coagulum was detected. We tried to blow off and drain the SRH with a current of BSS and a gentle suction with a 27-gauge vitreous cutter from the MH, but some amount of SRH at the bottom of the MH remained. The ILM was peeled off for 2 disc diameters around the MH. The vitreous cavity was filled with air at the end of the operation. Two weeks after the surgery, the MH was not closed. One month following the initial PPV, a second PPV was performed to achieve closure of the MH.

Results

An autologous transplantation of ILM was performed as second PPV. Six months after the final surgery, the MH was successfully closed and the best-corrected decimal visual acuity was 0.6.

Conclusions

Autologous ILM transplantation can be an effective treatment option for MH closure following RAMA rupture.

Staphylococcus epidermidis is involved in a mechanism for female reproduction in mice

Both external and internal surfaces of organs (e.g., skin, mouth, gut, and intestine) are covered with bacteria, which often contribute to physiological events in host animals. Despite externally opened organs, the presence of bacteria in the mammalian female reproductive tract is uncertain. Here we assessed this problem using wild-type strains of mice, C57BL/6N and ICR. We first demonstrated that bacterial colonies were formed from the oviductal fluid in the C57BL/6N mice with birth experience (“parous”), but not in the mice without birth experience (“non-parous”). Sequence analysis of 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) revealed that Staphylococcus epidermidis existed in the oviductal fluid of the parous mice, confirmed by immunohistochemical analysis. Furthermore, extinction of bacterial population with intraperitoneal injection of antibiotics, penicillin G and streptomycin, disturbed the regularly implanted pattern of embryos in ICR mice. Our results indicate that symbiotic S. epidermidis plays a role in interaction between embryo and uterus upon implantation in mice.

High-Level Secretory Production of Phospholipase A1by Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Aspergillus oryzae

Phospholipase A1 (PLA1) is a hydrolytic enzyme that catalyzes the removal of the acyl group from position 1 of lecithin to form lysolecithin. The PLA1 gene, which had been cloned from Aspergillus oryzae, was expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and A. oryzae. Through the modification of the medium composition and the feeding conditions of substrate, the production level of PLA1 by S. cerevisiae was increased to a level fivefold higher than that indicated in a previous report. In the case of A. oryzae, introduction of multicopies of PLA1 expression units, and the morphological change from the pellet form to the filamentous form were effective for the enhancement of PLA1 production. We succeeded in producing 3,500 U/ml of PLA1 using an industrial-scale fermentor.

CD81 and CD9 work independently as extracellular components upon fusion of sperm and oocyte

When a sperm and oocyte unite into one cell upon fertilization, membranous fusion between the sperm and oocyte occurs. In mice, Izumo1 and a tetraspanin molecule CD9 are required for sperm-oocyte fusion as one of the oocyte factors, and another tetraspanin molecule CD81 is also thought to involve in this process. Since these two tetraspanins often form a complex upon cell-cell interaction, it is probable that such a complex is also formed in sperm-oocyte interaction; however, this possibility is still under debate among researchers. Here we assessed this problem using mouse oocytes. Immunocytochemical analysis demonstrated that both CD9 and CD81 were widely distributed outside the oocyte cell membrane, but these molecules were separate, forming bilayers, confirmed by immunobiochemical analysis. Electron-microscopic analysis revealed the presence of CD9- or CD81-incorporated extracellular structures in those bilayers. Finally, microinjection of in vitro-synthesized RNA showed that CD9 reversed a fusion defect in CD81-deficient oocytes in addition to CD9-deficient oocytes, but CD81 failed in both oocytes. These results suggest that both CD9 and CD81 independently work upon sperm-oocyte fusion as extracellular components.

Innate immune system still works at diapause, a physiological state of dormancy in insects

Diapause is most often observed in insects and is a physiologically dormant state different from other types of dormancy, such as hibernation. It allows insects to survive in harsh environments or extend longevity. In general, larval, pupal, or adult non-diapausing insects possess an innate immune system preventing the invasion of microorganisms into their bodies; however, it is unclear whether this system works under the dormant condition of diapause. We here report the occurrence of innate cellular reactions during diapause using pupae of a giant silkmoth, Samia cynthia pryeri. Scanning electron microscopic analysis demonstrated the presence of two major types of cells in the body fluid isolated from the thoracic region of a pupa. Phagocytosis and encapsulation, characteristics of innate cellular reactions, by these cells were observed when latex beads as foreign targets were microinjected into the internal portion of a pupa. Such behavior by these cells was still observed even when pupae were continuously chilled at 4°C. Our results indicate that innate cellular reactions can work in diapausing insects in a dormant state.

Targeted disruption of the genes, mlcR and ariB, which encode GAL4-type proteins in Penicillium citrinum

The role of two genes, mlcR and ariB, was investigated by gene disruption experiments. The mlcR gene in the ML-236B biosynthetic gene cluster of Penicillium citrinum encodes a putative 50.2-kDa protein with a Zn (II) 2Cys6 DNA-binding domain, and has similarity to most of the GAL4-type regulatory proteins. The mlcR disruptant did not produce ML-236B or its intermediates, suggesting that mlcR is involved in ML-236B biosynthesis. Transcriptional analysis of the mlcR disruptant by Northern hybridization and RT-PCR indicated that MlcR activates the transcription of mlcA, B, C,D, F, G and H in a pathway-specific manner. On the other hand, MlcR did not affect the transcription of mlcE and the genes outside the ML-236B cluster. The ariB gene, next to mlcR, encodes another GAL4-type protein. Transcriptional analysis of the ariB disruptant indicated that it is a transcriptional activator of the genes outside the ML-236B cluster, and is not related to ML-236B biosynthesis.

Diffusion tensor imaging of cerebral white matter in patients with myotonic dystrophy

PURPOSE

To determine whether myotonic dystrophy (MyD) patients have diffusion tensor abnormalities suggestive of microstructural changes in normal-appearing white matter (NAWM).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Conventional and diffusion tensor magnetic resonance images of the brain were obtained in 19 MyD patients and 19 age-matched normal control subjects. Fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) values were calculated in white matter lesions (WMLs) and NAWM in MyD patients and in the white matter of normal control subjects. Differences between WML and NAWM values and between MyD patient and control subject values were analyzed statistically.

RESULTS

Significantly lower FA and higher MD values were found in all regions of interest in the NAWM of MyD patients than in the white matter of control subjects (P<0.01), as well as significantly lower FA and higher MD values in WMLs than in NAWM of MyD patients (P < 0.05). There was no significant correlation of mean FA or MD values in NAWM with patient age, age at onset, or duration of illness (P>0.1).

CONCLUSION

Diffusion tensor imaging analysis suggests the presence of diffuse microstructural changes in NAWM of MyD patients that may play an important role in the development of disability.

Functional analysis of mlcR, a regulatory gene for ML-236B (compactin) biosynthesis in Penicillium citrinum

The mlcR gene encodes a putative 50.2-kDa protein with a Zn(II)(2)Cys(6) DNA-binding domain, which may be involved in the regulation of ML-236B biosynthesis in Penicillium citrinum. The induction of ML-236B production appears to correlate with the expression of mlcR, and the ML-236B biosynthetic genes mlcA- mlcH, and occurs mostly during the stationary phase. The present study was designed to examine the effects of alterations in mlcR expression on ML-236B biosynthesis. We first set out to increase the mlcR copy number in the chromosome of P. citrinum. Transformants with additional copies of native mlcR showed increased transcription of mlcR and produced larger amounts of ML-236B than the parent strain. Altered mlcR expression was also achieved by introducing a construct, designated pgkA(P)::mlcR, that contained the mlcR coding region fused to the (constitutively active) promoter and terminator sequences of the Aspergillus nidulans 3-phospho-glycerate kinase (pgkA) gene. Transformants carrying the pgkA(P)::mlcR construct expressed mlcR constitutively, and produced ML-236B during the exponential growth phase, suggesting that the pgkA(P)::mlcR construct does affect the regulation of ML-236B biosynthesis. Comparative expression analysis by RT-PCR showed that altering the expression profile of mlcR influenced the expression of some of the ML-236B biosynthetic genes. The evidence suggests that mlcR may indeed be involved in the transcriptional activation of some of the pathway-specific genes required for ML-236B biosynthesis.

Effect of increased dosage of the ML-236B (compactin) biosynthetic gene cluster on ML-236B production in Penicillium citrinum

The gene cluster responsible for ML-236B (compactin) biosynthesis has recently been characterized from P. citrinum No. 41520. Here, we describe how the ML-236B-producing strain was improved using a cosmid-mediated recombination technique. The introduction of the cosmid pML48, which contains seven of the nine ML-236B biosynthetic genes, into P. citrinum No. 41520 resulted in transformants which produced increased amounts of ML-236B. Southern analysis showed that pML48 had been incorporated by a homologous recombination event, and all high producers possessed two copies of each of the seven genes, mlcA- mlcF and mlcR, suggesting that increased dosage of the biosynthetic gene cluster was responsible for the enhanced production of ML-236B. On the other hand, various kinds of mutants with decreased titers of ML-236B were also obtained. Characterization of one such mutant, designated as T48.28, which was more sensitive to ML-236B than the parental strain, suggested that one of the ML-236B biosynthetic genes, mlcD, which encodes a putative HMG-CoA reductase, was involved in conferring resistance to ML-236B.

Molecular cloning and characterization of an ML-236B (compactin) biosynthetic gene cluster in Penicillium citrinum

Cloning of genes encoding polyketide synthases (PKSs) has allowed us to identify a gene cluster for ML-236B biosynthesis in Penicillium citrinum. Like lovastatin, which is produced by Aspergillus terreus, ML-236B (compactin) inhibits the enzyme 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase. Genomic sequencing and Northern analysis showed that nine predicted genes for ML-236B biosynthesis were located within a 38-kb region and were transcribed when ML-236B was produced. The predicted amino acid sequences encoded by these nine genes, designated mlcA- mlcH and mlcR, were similar to those encoded by the genes for lovastatin synthesis, and were therefore assumed to be involved either directly or indirectly in ML-236B biosynthesis. Targeted disruption experiments provided evidence that two PKS genes in the cluster, mlcA and mlcB, are required for the biosynthesis of the nonaketide and the diketide moieties, respectively, of ML-236B, suggesting that the gene cluster as a whole is responsible for ML-236B biosynthesis in P. citrinum. Bioconversion of some of the predicted intermediates by an mlcA-disrupted mutant was also investigated in order to analyze the ML-236B biosynthetic pathway. The molecular organization of the gene cluster and proposed functions for the ML-236B biosynthetic genes in P. citrinum are described.

Discontinuous rectal cancer spread in the mesorectum and the optimal distal clearance margin in situ

PURPOSE

We examined the frequency, mode, and extent of discontinuous spread of rectal cancer in the mesorectum to determine the optimal distal clearance margin in situ.

METHODS

Forty consecutive patients with rectal cancer undergoing locally curative resection were studied prospectively. Discontinuous cancer spread in the mesorectum and the extent of distal spread was examined microscopically. A tissue shrinkage ratio comparing the distal clearance margin measured before transection to that measured after fixation in each case, was used to convert microscopically measured extent of distal spread to extent in situ.

RESULTS

Discontinuous cancer spread in the mesorectum was observed in 17 cases (43 percent); lymph node metastasis in 15 cases (38 percent) and small deposits other than nodal metastases in 8 cases (20 percent). Distal cancer spread (either intramural or mesorectal) was observed in 6 cases (15 percent). The mean distal clearance margin before transection and after fixation was 3.2 cm and 2 cm, respectively. The mean tissue shrinkage ratio was 60 percent. The maximum extent of microscopic distal spread and adjusted distal spread in situ were 20 and 24 mm, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Excising the mesorectum with fascia propria circumferentially intact is essential for rectal surgery. The optimal distal clearance margin for the rectal wall as well as the mesorectum in situ can be reduced to 3 cm with a right angle.

Three-dimensional portography using multislice helical CT is clinically useful for management of gastric fundic varices

OBJECTIVE

This study seeks to evaluate three-dimensional (3D) helical CT portography as a tool for examining patients with gastric fundic varices.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We compared 3D helical CT portography and conventional angiographic portography in 30 consecutive patients with gastric fundic varices. We assessed whether 3D helical CT portography is useful in selecting patients and in evaluating the results of balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration.

RESULTS

Three-dimensional helical CT portography simultaneously depicted second or third branches of the intrahepatic portal vein and provided images of entire portosystemic collaterals. On 3D helical CT portography, gastric fundic varices were seen in 30 patients (100%), left gastric veins in 19 (63%), posterior gastric veins or short gastric veins in 28 (93%), gastrorenal shunts in 27 (90%), paraumbilical veins in three (10%), and inferior phrenic veins in two patients (7%). Findings of 3D helical CT portography and conventional angiographic portography were in close agreement. However, in four patients, posterior gastric veins or short gastric veins were not seen on conventional angiographic portography images of the spleen, but they were clearly revealed on 3D helical CT portography. Treatment was successful in all patients except one. Three-dimensional helical CT portography could easily evaluate therapeutic results.

CONCLUSION

Three-dimensional helical CT portography proved so effective that it can be considered a less invasive alternative than conventional angiographic portography in assessing portosystemic collaterals. CT portography is useful in selecting candidates from patients with gastric fundic varices for retrograde transvenous obliteration and also in evaluating therapeutic results.

[Appearance of the hepatic artery in Multidetector-row CT using a test bolus injection]

To separate the hepatic artery from the portal vein for the clear appearance of the hepatic artery, we used a test bolus injection in Multidetector-row CT. We examined 25 patients using the following method: 75 ml Iopamidol (370 mgI/ml), at a rate of 5 ml/sec, with scanning commencing 5 sec after the contrast medium reached the upper abdominal aorta. Successful separation could be obtained in almost all of the patients (88%). Separating the hepatic artery from the portal vein enabled us to evaluate the anatomy of the hepatic artery and the abnormality of blood flow in the liver.

Depressive behavior and alterations in receptors for dopamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine in the brain of the senescence accelerated mouse (SAM)-P10

The senescence accelerated mouse (SAM) is known as a murine model of aging. SAM consists of senescence accelerated-prone mouse (SAMP) and senescence accelerated-resistant mouse (SAMR). Previous studies reported that SAMP10 exhibits age-related learning impairments and behavioral depression in a tail suspension test after 7 months. We investigated the changes in emotional behavior in a forced swimming test and in receptors for dopamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in SAMP10. SAMP10 at 8 months showed an increase of immobility in the test compared with SAMR1. Treatment with desipramine (25 mg/kg, i.p., 3 days) in SAMP10 caused a decrease in immobility. In the cortex from SAMP10, [3H]quinpirole binding to D2/D3 dopamine receptors increased significantly compared with control SAMR1. In the hippocampus from SAMP10, [3H]8-hydroxy DPAT binding to 5-HT1A receptor increased. In midbrains from SAMP10, bindings of [3H]quinpirole and [3H]8-hydroxy DPAT increased. [3H]SCH23390 binding to D1/D5 receptors and [3H]ketanserin binding to 5-HT2 receptor in brain regions examined in SAMP10 were similar to those in SAMR1. The present findings represent the first neurochemical evidence of an increase of D2/D3 and 5-HT1A receptors in SAMP10. SAMP10 may be a useful model of aging associated depressive behavior.

Effect of ethanol on the production of carboxypeptidase Y using the GAL10 promoter in a Saccharomyces cerevisiae gal80 mutant

In the course of studying carboxypeptidase Y (CPY) production, we found that the expression level of the gene, which is under the control of the GAL10 promoter, increased in a Saccharomyces cerevisiae gal80 mutant grown in a medium containing ethanol as the sole carbon source. In the cultivation of the gal80 mutant KS58-2D/pCY303 carrying a multicopy plasmid, which contains the PRC1 gene fused to the GAL10 promoter, CPY production continued after the consumption of galactose. In this phase, the cells utilized ethanol as the carbon source. To increase the CPY production level, we examined the effect of carbon source feeding in a fed-batch culture. The production level in the fed-batch culture using ethanol was 1.3-fold higher than that in a batch culture and 1.6-fold higher than that in a fed-batch culture using galactose. By 5'-deletion analysis of the GAL10 promoter, the region between -256 and -232 was found to be important for the promoter activity in the gal80 mutant growing in the presence of ethanol.

[Developmental changes of awareness during passive and active attentions: evaluation of serial event-related potentials (N130, N180, P250)]

Serial event-related potentials (ERPs), especially the negative components before P300, were recorded to evaluate the developmental changes of awareness, or intentional attention. In this study, 36 healthy children (5-16 years of age) and eight healthy adults (19-37 years) were told to perform two attentive paradigms: passive and active. Each test condition consisted of 16 electrical stimuli. Four trials were averaged in sequence and then evaluated as serial four blocks. With repetition in both passive and active attentive paradigms the amplitude of N130 was not attenuated until six years old. During active attention, N180 remained undiminished in adolescents and adults. The amplitude of P250 decreased with repetition during passive attention in children over seven years old, but was not attenuated during active attention in adults. These results suggest that N130 reflects the orienting reflex, and that N180 is associated with the process to maintain awareness.

[Quantitative measurement of prefrontal lobe volume on three dimensional magnetic resonance imaging scan]

This article describes the measurement of the frontal and prefrontal lobe volumes on three dimensional (3-D) MRI in 13 children aged 5 months to 14 years and in 3 adults aged 27 to 39 years. The 3-D MRI data were acquired by the fast spoiled gradient recalled (SPGR) sequence using a 1.5 T MR imager. The frontal and prefrontal lobe volumes were measured by the volume measurement function of the Workstation. We confirmed that this technique to analyze segmental brain volumes achieved acceptable levels of reliability and accuracy. There was an increase in the frontal and prefrontal lobe volumes with advancing age, being rapid between 8 and 15 years of age. The prefrontal to frontal lobe volume ratio also increased gradually, with spurts between 8 and 15 years of age. This approach may be particularly useful for studies on patients with frontal and prefrontal lobe dysfunctions.

Isolation and characterization of the gene conferring thiamine-inducible expression from Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The production level of CPY in Saccharomyces cerevisiae KS58-2D/pCY303 was drastically decreased when thiamine was not added to the culture medium. We isolated and characterized the mutants that could produce CPY even though thiamine was absent from the medium. Using complementation screening in the mutants obtained, we isolated a gene that was involved in the thiamine-inducible expression, TIE1, which corresponded to the YDR325w ORF on chromosome IV. The predicted protein sequence of TIE1 did not have significant homology to proteins from public databases. The disruption of the TIE1 gene caused two phenotypes, increase of expression level in thiamine-free medium and ethanol sensitivity. This increase in thiamine-free medium was also observed in the expression under the control of ENO1 or ADH1 promoter in addition to the GAL10 promoter, suggesting that the TIE1 protein is associated with a similar kind of transcriptional mechanism regulated by thiamine.

Perfusion and blood pool scintigraphy for diagnosing soft-tissue arteriovenous malformations

PURPOSE

Six arteriovenous malformations were assessed to determine the effectiveness of perfusion and blood pool scintigraphy to diagnose arteriovenous malformations of soft tissue.

METHODS

After injection of Tc-99m RBC or Tc-99m DTPA-HSA, dynamic perfusion and early and delayed blood pool images were analyzed.

RESULTS

Four of six arteriovenous malformations showed increased activity on perfusion images and slightly increased activity on blood pool images; the remaining two arteriovenous malformations showed increased activity on perfusion and normal activity on blood pool studies.

CONCLUSIONS

This expansion of the authors' previous studies of hemangiomas shows that perfusion and blood pool scintigraphy are useful methods to differentiate arteriovenous malformations from various types of hemangiomas.

General pharmacological properties of the new proton pump inhibitor (+/-)-5-methoxy-2-[[(4-methoxy-3,5-dimethylpyrid-2-yl)methyl]sulf inyl]- 1H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine

The general pharmacological profiles of a novel proton pump inhibitor, (+/-)-5-methoxy-2-[[(4-methoxy-3,5-dimethylpyrid-2-yl)methyl]sulfi nyl]- 1H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine, TU-199) on the central nervous system, cardiorespiratory system, autonomic nervous system, gastrointestinal system and renal functions were investigated. TU-199 had no effects on general signs and behavior in mice. TU-199 (300 mg/kg p.o.) decreased locomotor activity 3 h after administration in mice. TU-199 had no effect on pentobarbital-induced hypnosis, analgesic activity and electroshock-induced convulsion in mice, and on rectal temperature in rats. However, TU-199 (300 mg/kg p.o.) showed slight anticonvulsant activity on pentylenetetrazole-induced convulsion in mice. TU-199 had no effect on respiratory rate, blood pressure, heart rate, femoral blood flow and electrocardiogram in anesthetized dogs. TU-199 (10(4) M) caused the cumulative concentration-response curve obtained with acetylcholine in isolated guinea pig ileum to shift to the right. However, TU-199 showed no effect on contraction of isolated guinea pig ileum and had no effect on intestinal motility in mice, gastric emptying in rats, bile secretion in rats and carbachol-induced salivary secretion in mice. TU-199 had no effect on urinary volume and excretion of electrolytes in rats. These results suggest that TU-199 does not induce serious adverse effects on the central nervous system, cardiorespiratory system, autonomic nervous system, gastrointestinal system and renal functions with the exception of a decrease in spontaneous motor activity with high doses.

Reproductive toxicity, mutagenicity and antigenicity of pamiteplase (genetical recombination)

Pamiteplase (genetical recombination), YM866, is a novel recombinant modified human tissue-type plasminogen activator developed by Yamanouchi Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan. An intended route of administration in the clinical use of this drug is intravenous administration. We conducted an intravenous fertility and general reproduction studies of this drug in male and female rats and teratology study of this drug in rabbits at the dose levels of 0 (vehicle control), 0.1, 0.3 or 1 mg/kg/day. In the rat, no treatment-related abnormalities were observed up to the maximum dose in parental animals and their offspring. In the teratology study in rabbits, prolonged coagulation time at the injection site was observed at 0.3 mg/kg or more. One death and one abortion occurred at 1 mg/kg on days 22 and 23 of pregnancy, respectively. No toxic effects on the litters were observed up to the maximum dose. Results of evaluation of the mutagenicity of YM866 and its ability to induce chromosome aberrations using the L5178Y TK+/- mouse lymphoma assay, human lymphocyte chromosome aberration assay and the micronucleus assay in mice were negative. Evaluation of the immunogenicity of YM866 by repeated intravenous injection in chimpanzees elicited no confirmed antibody titers.

Effects of muscle relaxation therapy using specially designed plates in patients with pulmonary emphysema

It has been suggested that respiratory muscle dysfunction plays a major role in the development of acute ventilatory failure in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In this study, we devised a respiratory muscle relaxation maneuver using wedge-shaped wooden plates, with which pressure was exerted on the intercostal and accessory respiratory muscles by hand, or by tapping with a wooden hammer, for 15-20 minutes twice a day. The muscle relaxation maneuver was performed in 5 moderate to severe pulmonary emphysema patients for 4 weeks and in 7 emphysema patients for 6 weeks, and the effects on pulmonary function were examined. After the therapy, inspiratory capacity (IC) and vital capacity (VC) in both the 4 weeks-and 6 weeks-treated groups, and the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV 1.0) in the 6 weeks-treated group were significantly increased, and CO2 retention had also improved. Daily peak expiratory flow (PEF) showed significant increases from 2 weeks after the initiation of the therapy. These results suggest that the respiratory muscle relaxation maneuver is effective for improving the pulmonary function of pulmonary emphysema patients.

Free radical production by the red tide alga, Chattonella antiqua

The red tide alga, Chattonella antiqua, was found to show a strong chemiluminescence, using luminol as the reagent, when exposed to ultraviolet irradiation. This luminescence was completely inhibited by ascorbate or catalase, suggesting that hydrogen peroxide was generated by the plankton. Red tide cells exposed to fish gill mucus from young yellowtail resulted in the release of a large number of mucocysts and a weak luminosity, and showed a strong reduction of cytochrome c in the medium. Therefore, the discharge of mucocysts from the red tide, induced by the presence of gill mucus, may be accompanied by the release of active oxygen species. The active oxygen may be involved in depolymerization of mucus glycoproteins from the gill lamellae.

A case of familial adenomatous polyposis complicated by thyroid carcinoma, carcinoma of the ampulla of vater and adrenocortical adenoma

A 63 year old female with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) complicated by carcinoma of the thyroid and ampulla of Vater and a nonfunctioning adrenocortical adenoma is reported herein. We reviewed 23 cases of duodenal or periampullary carcinoma, 10 cases of thyroid carcinoma and 4 cases of adrenal neoplasm presented in the Japanese literature. From studying these cases, we identified that FAP patients had a high risk of developing periampullary carcinoma and consequently, it is very important to periodically examine the ampulla of Vater. Thyroid carcinomas in patients with FAP were well differentiated carcinomas and occurred earlier than in the general population. The use of medical imaging equipment with mean that insidious abdominal tumors in cases of FAP will be detected more frequently in the future and as patients with FAP have a high risk of developing malignancies, surgery should be indicated for incidentally found adrenal tumors.

Purification and mode of action of a microsomal endoribonuclease from rat liver

An endoribonuclease has been purified nearly to homogeneity from rat liver microsomes, and its mode of action and general properties were studied. The enzyme had an apparent molecular weight of 58 000, as estimated by both gel filtration and SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and produced oligonucleotides from poly(A), poly(U) and poly(C). No mononucleotide was obtained by the enzymatic hydrolysis of the above substrates. The enzyme made endonucleolytic cleavages which generated 5'-phosphate-terminated oligonucleotides. It was suggested that the existence of at least (Ado5'P)2 residues at both sides of the cleavage bond was necessary for the action of the endoribonuclease. Divalent cations (Mg2+ or Mn2+) were required for the enzymatic activity, while K+ inhibited the enzyme. Spermine stimulated the enzymatic activity in the presence of 1 mM Mg2+.