Highlighting the 'blood-nerve barrier' in virology research

The blood-nerve barrier (BNB) shields peripheral nerves from the blood in order to maintain the homeostasis of the nervous system. In the field of infectious diseases, little information is currently available concerning the BNB. Recently documented evidence in virology suggests that elevated permeability of the BNB by immune cells and the natural absence of the BNB in the olfactory mucosa play significant roles in neuroprotection as well as neuropathogenesis. Importantly, the BNB can behave more flexibly than previously thought. In the near future, drug delivery via manipulation of the BNB will shed light on new therapeutic and prophylactic strategies for serious and intractable nervous system infections.

A glial K(+) /Cl(-) cotransporter modifies temperature-evoked dynamics in Caenorhabditis elegans sensory neurons

K(+) /Cl(-) cotransporters (KCCs) are known to be crucial in the control of neuronal electrochemical Cl(-) gradient. However, the role of these proteins in glial cells remains largely unexplored despite a number of studies showing expression of KCC proteins in glial cells of many species. Here, we show that the Caenorhabditis elegans K(+) /Cl(-) cotransporter KCC-3 is expressed in glial-like cells and regulates the thermosensory behavior through modifying temperature-evoked activity of a thermosensory neuron. Mutations in the kcc-3 gene were isolated from a genetic screen for mutants defective in thermotaxis. KCC-3 is expressed and functions in the amphid sheath glia that ensheathes the AFD neuron, a major thermosensory neuron known to be required for thermotaxis. A genetic analysis indicated that the regulation of the thermosensory behavior by KCC-3 is mediated through AFD, and we further show that KCC-3 in the amphid sheath glia regulates the dynamics of the AFD activity. Our results show a novel mechanism by which the glial KCC-3 protein non-cell autonomously modifies the stimulus-evoked activity of a sensory neuron and highlights the functional importance of glial KCC proteins in modulating the dynamics of a neural circuitry to control an animal behavior.

Transolfactory neuroinvasion by viruses threatens the human brain

Viral neuroinvasion via the olfactory system has been investigated in a variety of virus-animal models by scientists in many fields including virologists, pathologists, and neurologists. In humans, herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6), Borna disease virus, rabies virus, and influenza A virus have been shown to take the olfactory route for neuroinvasion based on forensic and post-mortem specimens. This article briefly summarizes the anatomy, physiology, and immunology of the olfactory system and presents a battery of neurovirulent viruses that may threaten the human brain by invading through this peripheral pathway, especially focusing on two of the most intensively studied viruses--HSV-1 and influenza A virus. Viruses may insidiously invade the olfactory neural network not only to precipitate encephalitis/encephalopathy but also to promote the development of neurodegenerative and demyelinating disorders. Substantial information obtained by analyzing human specimens is required to argue for or against this hypothesis.

TAK-875, a GPR40/FFAR1 agonist, in combination with metformin prevents progression of diabetes and β-cell dysfunction in Zucker diabetic fatty rats

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

TAK-875, a selective GPCR40/free fatty acid receptor 1 agonist, improves glycaemic control by increasing glucose-dependent insulin secretion. Metformin is a first-line drug for treatment of type 2 diabetes that improves peripheral insulin resistance. Based on complementary mechanism of action, combining these agents is expected to enhance glycaemic control. Here, we evaluated the chronic effects of TAK-875 monotherapy and combination therapy with metformin in diabetic rats.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Long-term effects on glycaemic control and β-cell function were evaluated using Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats, which develop diabetes with hyperlipidaemia and progressive β-cell dysfunction.

KEY RESULTS

Single doses of TAK-875 (3-10 mg·kg(-1) ) and metformin (50-150 mg·kg(-1) ) significantly improved both postprandial and fasting hyperglycaemia, and additive improvements were observed in their combination. Six-week treatment with TAK-875 (10 mg·kg(-1) , b.i.d.) significantly decreased glycosylated Hb (GHb) by 1.7%, and the effect was additively enhanced by combination with metformin (50 mg·kg(-1) , q.d.; GHb: -2.4%). This improvement in glycaemic control in the combination group was accompanied by significant 3.2-fold increase in fasting plasma insulin levels. Pancreatic insulin content was maintained at a level comparable to that in normal rats by combination treatment (vehicle: 26, combination: 67.1; normal lean: 69.1 ng·mg(-1) pancreas) without affecting pancreatic glucagon content. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed normal morphology, enhanced pancreas duodenum homeobox-1 expression and increased PCNA-positive cells in islets of the combination group.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

Our results indicate that combination therapy with TAK-875 and metformin could be a valuable strategy for glycaemic control and β-cell preservation in type 2 diabetes.

Fluorimetric determination of hydrogen peroxide by use of the fluorescence reaction between N-(4'-hydroxyphenyl)-N-(4-methylquinolinyl)amine and cobalt(II) in the presence of trimethylstearylammonium chloride

The fluorimetric determination of hydrogen peroxide by using the fluorescence reaction between N-(4'-hydroxyphenyl)-N-(4-methylquinolinyl)amine (HPMQ), cobalt(II) and hydrogen peroxide in the presence of trimethylstearylammonium chloride (STAC) as a cationic surfactant was proposed. The calibration graph was linear in the range 0-2500 ng of hydrogen peroxide per 10 ml of solution at an emission wavelength of 522 nm with excitation at 410 nm. The recovery tests in foods were good.

Selective and sensitive fluorometric determinations of cobalt(II) and hydrogen peroxide with fluorescein-hydrazide

Fluorophotometric determinations of cobalt(II) and hydrogen peroxide were investigated by using the fluorescence reaction between fluorescein-hydrazide (fl-NHNH(2)), and/or hydrogen peroxide, cobalt(II), respectively. The calibration graphs were liner in the range of 0-6.0 ng cobalt(II) and 0-1000 ng hydrogen peroxide per 10 ml at an emission wavelength (E(m)) of 530 nm with an exicitation wavelength (E(x)) of 508 nm, respectively. These proposed methods were selective and simple, and the effect of foreign ions was negligible in comparison with conventional reported methods such as nitroso R,4-(2-pyridylazo)resorcinol(PAR), alizarin, pyridine-2-aldehyde-2-pyridinehydrazone, stilbazo-cobalt(II), etc.

Meckel's diverticulum preoperatively diagnosed by double-balloon endoscopy

Symptomatic Meckel's diverticulum is an uncommon diagnosis in adults, and bleeding Meckel's diverticulum after childhood is even more infrequent. We present herein the case of a 22-year-old man with gastrointestinal hemorrhage secondary to Meckel's diverticulum containing ectopic gastric mucosa. As the source of bleeding could not be identified by upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy and visceral selective angiography, the new methods of capsule endoscopy and double-balloon endoscopy were used. Capsule endoscopy showed oozing hemorrhage in the ileum, and double-balloon endoscopy demonstrated a large diverticulum in the distal part of the ileum. Tc-99m pertechnetate Meckel's scan revealed an abnormal focus of uptake in the right lower abdomen. The diverticulum was resected laparoscopically. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient remains in complete remission as of this writing. Detecting Meckel's diverticulum endoscopically is difficult prior to surgery, but a combination of capsule endoscopy and double-balloon endoscopy facilitates examination of the entire small intestine, making precise diagnosis of Meckel's diverticulum possible.

Distinct thermal migration behaviors in response to different thermal gradients in Caenorhabditis elegans

The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans exhibits a complex behavior called thermotaxis in response to temperature. This behavior is defined as a form of associative learning, in which temperature pairs with the presence or absence of food. Different interpretations have been drawn from the diverse results obtained by several groups, mainly because of the application of different methodologies for the analysis of thermotaxis. To clarify the discrepancies in behavioral observations and subsequent interpretations by different laboratories, we attempted to systematize several parameters to observe thermotaxis behavior as originally defined by Hedgecock and Russell in 1975. In this study, we show clearly how C. elegans can show a conditioned migration toward colder or warmer areas on a thermal gradient, given certain criteria necessary for the observation of thermotaxis. We thus propose to distinguish thermotaxis from other temperature-related behaviors, such as the warm avoidance response displayed at temperature gradients of 1 degrees C/cm and steeper.

Effect of radiation monitoring method and formula differences on estimated physician dose during percutaneous coronary intervention

BACKGROUND

Currently, one or two dosimeters are used to monitor radiation exposure in most cardiac laboratories. In addition, several different formulas are used to convert exposure data into an effective dose (ED).

PURPOSE

To clarify the effect of monitoring methods and formula selection on the estimated ED for physicians during percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The ED of physicians during cardiac catheterization was determined using an optically stimulated luminescence dosimeter (Luxel badge). Two Luxel badges were worn: one beneath a personal lead apron (0.35-mm lead equivalent) at the chest and one outside of the apron at the neck.

RESULTS

The difference in the average ED of seven physicians was approximately fivefold (range 1.13-5.43 mSv/year) using the six different formulas in the clinical evaluation. The estimated physician ED differed markedly according to both the monitoring method and formula selected.

CONCLUSION

ED estimation is dependent on both the monitoring method and the formula used. Therefore, it is important that comparisons among laboratories are based on the same monitoring method and same formula for calculating the ED.

The effects of microbial materials adhered to Asian sand dust on allergic lung inflammation

Asian sand dust (ASD) containing microbiological materials, sulfate (SO(4)(2)), and nitrate (NO(3)(-) ) derived from air pollutants in East China, reportedly cause adverse respiratory health effects. ASD aggravates ovalbumin (OVA)-associated experimental lung eosinophilia. In this study, the toxic materials adsorbed onto ASD were excluded by heat treatment at 360 degrees C for 30 min. The effects of nonheated ASD or heated ASD (H-ASD) toward the allergic lung inflammation were compared in murine lungs. ICR mice were administered intratracheally with normal saline (control), H-ASD, ASD, OVA, OVA + H-ASD, and OVA + ASD, four times at 2-week intervals. ASD only increased neutrophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALFs) along with pro-inflammatory mediators, such as keratinocyte chemoattractant (KC). H-ASD and ASD enhanced eosinophil recruitment induced by OVA in the alveoli and in the submucosa of the airway, which has a goblet cell proliferation in the bronchial epithelium. The two ASDs synergistically increased interleukin-5 (IL-5), monocyte chemotactic protein-3 (MCP-3), and eotaxin, which were associated with OVA, in BALF. The enhancing effects were much greater in ASD than in H-ASD. The two ASDs induced the adjuvant effects to specific IgE and IgG1 production by OVA. In the in vitro study using RAW264.7 cells, ASD increased the expression of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR 2) mRNA but not TLR4 mRNA. H-ASD caused no expression of either TLR mRNA. These results suggest that the aggravated lung eosinophilia by ASD may be due to activation of Th2-associated immune response via the activation of TLR2 by microbial components adhered to ASD.

The mechanism of development of acute lung injury in lethal endotoxic shock using alpha-galactosylceramide sensitization

The mechanism underlying acute lung injury in lethal endotoxic shock induced by administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into alpha-galactosylceramide (alpha-GalCer)-sensitized mice was studied. Sensitization with alpha-GalCer resulted in the increase of natural killer T (NK T) cells and the production of interferon (IFN)-gamma in the lung. The IFN-gamma that was produced induced expression of adhesion molecules, especially vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), on vascular endothelial cells in the lung. Anti-IFN-gamma antibody inhibited significantly the VCAM-1 expression in alpha-GalCer-sensitized mice. Very late activating antigen-4-positive cells, as the counterpart of VCAM-1, accumulated in the lung. Anti-VCAM-1 antibody prevented LPS-mediated lethal shock in alpha-GalCer-sensitized mice. The administration of LPS into alpha-GalCer-sensitized mice caused local production of excessive proinflammatory mediators, such as tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6 and nitric oxide. LPS caused microvascular leakage of proteins and cells into bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Taken together, sensitization with alpha-GalCer was suggested to induce the expression of VCAM-1 via IFN-gamma produced by NK T cells and recruit a number of inflammatory cells into the lung. Further, LPS was suggested to lead to the production of excessive proinflammatory mediators, the elevation of pulmonary permeability and cell death. The putative mechanism of acute lung injury in LPS-mediated lethal shock using alpha-GalCer sensitization is discussed.

Lipopolysaccharide augments the in vivo lethal action of doxorubicin against mice via hepatic damage

The effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the in vivo lethal action of doxorubicin (DOX) against mice was studied. DOX killed LPS-pretreated mice much earlier than untreated mice, and exhibited a stronger toxic action against LPS-pretreated mice. DOX-induced lethality in LPS-pretreated mice was due to severe hepatic damage, but there were no significant lesions in the heart, kidney and lung. Hepatic lesions were accompanied by caspase 3-positive cells and fragmented DNA-positive cells, suggesting the involvement of apoptosis. DOX induced the production of a high level of interferon (IFN)-gamma and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha in LPS-pretreated mice, but not in non-treated mice. The DOX-induced lethality was prevented significantly by anti-IFN-gamma antibody, but not anti-TNF-alpha antibody. Administration of recombinant IFN-gamma in place of LPS augmented definitively the DOX-induced lethality. LPS augmented the DOX-induced lethality in TNF-alpha-deficient mice. Taken together, LPS was suggested to enhance DOX-induced IFN-gamma production and augment the in vivo lethal action via hepatic damage.

Lipopolysaccharide and interferon-gamma enhance Fas-mediated cell death in mouse vascular endothelial cells via augmentation of Fas expression

The effect of interferon (IFN)-gamma and/or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on Fas-mediated cell death with anti-Fas agonistic antibody in vascular endothelial cells was examined using a mouse END-D cell line. Anti-Fas agonistic antibody exhibited cytotoxic actions on END-D cells. Fas-mediated cell death was enhanced by LPS or IFN-gamma. The combination of IFN-gamma and LPS significantly enhanced cell death compared to IFN-gamma or LPS alone. IFN-gamma and LPS augmented cell surface expression of Fas, but not tumour necrosis factor (TNF) receptor 1. Inhibitors of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) prevented augmentation of Fas expression in IFN-gamma and LPS-treated END-D cells. IFN-gamma and LPS-treated END-D cells did not become susceptible to TNF-alpha or nitric oxide-mediated cytotoxicity. IFN-gamma and LPS thus appear to augment selectively Fas expression via activation of p38 MAPK and enhance Fas-mediated cell death in END-D cells. Furthermore, administration of IFN-gamma and LPS into mice induced in vivo expression of Fas on vascular endothelial cells and Fas ligand (FasL) on peripheral blood leucocytes. The relationship between enhancement of Fas-mediated cell death by IFN-gamma and LPS and the development of vascular endothelial injury is discussed.

The preventive effect of Daikenchuto on postoperative adhesion-induced intestinal obstruction in rats

The present study investigated the effect of Daikenchuto (DKT) on postoperative intestinal adhesion in rats. We evaluated the effects of DKT, constituent medical herbs and active compounds on talc-induced intestinal adhesion in rats and DKT-induced contractions using isolated guinea pig ileum. DKT significantly prevented adhesion formation, and this action was inhibited by pretreatment with atropine or ruthenium red. The constituent medical herbs, Zanthoxylum Fruit and Maltose Syrup Powder significantly prevented adhesion formation. Moreover, hydroxy sanshool (HS) prevented adhesion formation, and this action was inhibited by pretreatment with ruthenium red. In contrast, DKT-induced contractions were inhibited by tetrodotoxin, atropine, and capsazepine. These results suggested that DKT had a preventive action on postoperative adhesive intestinal obstruction, and that this action was mediated by sensory and cholinergic nerves. Furthermore, HS was found to be one of the active compound of DKT, and its action was mediated by sensory nerves.

Quality of life and psychological well-being in GH-treated, adult PWS patients: a longitudinal study

BACKGROUND

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a congenital alteration of chromosome pair 15. It is characterized by short stature, muscular hypotonia, hyperphagia, obesity, behavioural and emotional disturbances, hypogonadism and partial Growth Hormone (GH) deficiency. The aim of this study was to assess the long-term effect of GH treatment on the psychological well-being and Quality of Life (QoL) in an adult PWS group.

METHODS

A total of 13 PWS patients, their diagnosis confirmed by genetic tests, and their parents were recruited for this study. The participants were administered the 36-Items Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI), for the assessment of QoL and psychological well-being, at the beginning of GH treatment, and at following intervals of 6, 12 and 24 months. Modified versions of the same questionnaires were given to the parents.

RESULTS

Significant improvement with respect to the baseline was found, on both scales, in the evaluation of both physical and psychological well-being, although the parents' evaluation was less optimistic than that of the patients.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that the amelioration of QoL and psychological status is sustained in patients who continue GH treatment.

Mastopathic fibroadenoma of the breast: a pitfall of aspiration cytology

OBJECTIVE

To assess the correlation between cytological diagnoses and histological subtypes of fibroadenoma (FA) and to clarify the cytological features of a specific group of FA displaying variable features similar to fibrocystic disease (mastopathic type, MFA), and to evaluate the significance of this subtype in cytological diagnosis.

METHODS

A review of 141 cases of histologically proven FA was performed. We re-classified them into four subtypes according to Kinoshita's criteria [Jpn J Breast Cancer6 (1991) 377] and further selected 92 cases for which both fine needle aspiration (FNA) smears and histological specimens were available. Among them, 18 cases of MFA and their cytological smears were selected for the present study.

RESULTS

There was significant correlation between MFA and cytological diagnosis of 'indeterminate' or 'suspicious for malignancy' (P < 0.01). Although no false-positive diagnosis was experienced in our series, 56% of the MFAs (10/18) had cytological diagnoses of indeterminate or were included in the category 'suspicious for malignancy'. Smears from MFA revealed high cellularity (9/18 smears had more than 10 epithelial clusters each composed of more than 50 cells), presence of cellular discohesiveness (13/18, 72.2%), but only mild nuclear atypia (5/18, 27.8%). Anisonucleosis was present in fewer than half the cases and no apparent condensed chromatin was identified.

CONCLUSION

We highlight the significance of subclassification of MFA in aspiration cytology of breast. MFA had a significantly higher chance of falling into the 'suspicious for malignancy' or 'indeterminate' diagnostic category in aspiration cytology. It might be a diagnostic challenge for cytopathologist to identify this subtype of FA in FNA smears.

Expression and cellular localization of calcitonin receptor: RT-PCR and in situ hybridization studies

Calcitonin receptor (CTR) has been identified in bone, kidney and brain, but precise tissue distribution and cellular localization remain to be established. In this study, we carried out in situ hybridization (ISH) analysis of CTR in rats and found intensive signals in exocrine glands, including salivary gland, exocrine pancreas and fundic glands of the glandular stomach, and epithelia of the seminal vesicle and prostatic glands. On the other hand, no signals were seen in the mesenchymal tissue including muscle, and connective and hematopoietic tissues. RT-PCR analysis showed that both CTR isoforms, C1a and C1b, were expressed in the central nervous system, only C1a isoform in the digestive, respiratory, urinary, reproductive and endocrine systems, and neither isoform in the mesenchymal tissue and hematopoietic tissues. These results showed that expression of CTR isoforms varies among various tissues, suggesting that CT functions through different mechanisms.

Osteoclast-like cells express receptor activity modifying protein 2: application of laser capture microdissection

Receptor activity modifying proteins (RAMPs) act as receptor modulators that determine the ligand specificity of receptors for the calcitonin (CT) family. The purpose of this study was to analyze the expression of RAMPs in osteoclast-like cells using the laser capture microdissection (LCM) technique. Mouse bone marrow and spleen cells were co-cultured on a film designed for LCM. After 10 days, 250 osteoclast-like cells were captured using the LCM system. Total RNA from these cells was used to synthesize cDNA and RT-PCR analysis was performed. Osteoclast-like cells expressed CT receptor (CTR), CT receptor-like receptor (CRLR) and RAMP2, but did not express RAMP1 or RAMP3. These results indicated (1) that a pure population of osteoclast-like cells can be prepared by LCM and gene expression of this population can be analyzed by RT-PCR and (2) that RT-PCR shows that osteoclast-like cells express RAMP2, CTR and CRLR, suggesting the potential for adrenomedullin binding to osteoclast-like cells. This is the first report that osteoclast-like cells express RAMP2.

Papillary carcinoma of the thyroid in Japan: subclassification of common type and identification of low risk group

AIMS

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is classified into two subgroups-common type and other histological variants. Correlations between further subgrouping of the common type and patient prognosis are not well documented.

AIMS

To introduce two novel histological parameters to characterise PTC-loss of cellular polarity and loss of cellular cohesiveness. To investigate a new subgroup of common type PTC with possible prognostic value.

METHODS

In total, 213 patients with PTCs larger than 1 cm were studied. Histological characteristics of these PTCs, including tumour growth pattern, encapsulation, extrathyroidal invasion, loss of cellular polarity, and loss of cellular cohesiveness were examined and correlated with disease free survival (DFS).

RESULTS

Multivariate analysis revealed that invasive growth of unencapsulated PTC, in addition to sex (male) and tumour size (>4 cm) were significant and independent parameters for poor DFS, whereas loss of cellular polarity and cohesiveness, old age (>60 years), extrathyroid invasion, and completeness of surgery were significant only in univariate analysis. PTCs that showed expansive growth and retained cellular polarity had a favourable course, with no recurrence and no cancer related deaths. In contrast, PTCs exhibiting loss of cellular polarity and/or invasive growth with no tumour capsule had a higher risk of recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Cytological features alone cannot predict patient outcome in PTC. This study indicates for the first time that loss of cellular polarity and the tumour growth pattern are useful parameters for identifying the so called low risk group in common type PTC and in predicting patient outcome in terms of tumour recurrence and cancer related death.

Automated quantification of aortic regurgitant volume and regurgitant fraction using the digital colour Doppler velocity profile integration method in patients with aortic regurgitation

BACKGROUND

The recently introduced automated cardiac flow measurement (ACM) technique provides a quick and an accurate automated calculation of stroke volume and cardiac output. This is obtained by spatio-temporal integration of digital Doppler velocity profile data.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the use of the ACM method in the non-invasive assessment of aortic regurgitant volume and per cent regurgitant fraction (%RF) in patients with aortic regurgitation.

METHODS

Aortic outflow volume and mitral inflow volume were calculated by the ACM method in 22 patients with isolated aortic regurgitation. Aortic regurgitant volume and %RF were calculated using the following equations: aortic regurgitant volume = [aortic outflow volume] - [mitral inflow volume]; %RF = [aortic regurgitant volume]/[aortic outflow volume] x 100. The results were compared with those obtained using pulsed Doppler cross sectional echocardiography (PD-2D).

RESULTS

Aortic regurgitant volumes measured by the ACM method showed a good correlation with the PD-2D measurements (r = 0.95, y = 0.9x + 3.9, SEE = 8.6 ml); the mean (SD) difference between the two methods was -1.5 (8.5) ml. %RF estimated by the ACM method also correlated well with the values obtained by the PD-2D method (r = 0.91, y = 0.9x + 4.9, SEE = 6.0%); the mean difference between the two methods was -1.5 (6.0)%. Total time required for aortic regurgitant volume (for one cardiac cycle) by the ACM method was significantly shorter than by the PD-2D method (130 (16) v 230 (32) s, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The newly developed the ACM method is quick and accurate in the automated assessment of aortic regurgitant volume and per cent regurgitant fraction in patients with isolated aortic regurgitation.

Protective effect of wogonin on endotoxin-induced lethal shock in D-galactosamine-sensitized mice

The effects of wogonin, a major flavonoid from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lethal shock in mice was investigated. Wogonin pretreatment prevented the lethal shock in mice injected with D-galactosamine (D-GalN) and LPS, but not in mice injected with a high dose of LPS. Wogonin definitely inhibited the hepatic injury in mice injected with D-GalN, and LPS and reduced the level of circulating tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha. The reduction was more marked in mice injected with D-GalN and LPS compared with that in mice injected with a high dose of LPS. Wogonin pretreatment did not inhibit the lipid peroxidation in mice receiving either D-GalN and LPS or a high dose of LPS. Wogonin inhibited the in vitro production of TNF-alpha and nitric oxide in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. The mechanism of the protective effect of wogonin on the lethal shock in mice injected with D-GalN and LPS is discussed.

Cancer mortality among man-made graphite electrode manufacturing workers: results of a 38 year follow up

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

To examine the risk for cancer mortality among workers exposed to coal tar and coal tar pitch volatiles in a man-made graphite electrode factory. The risk for cancer mortality in this type of factory is still inconclusive, although coal tar and coal tar pitch are recognised as human carcinogens.

METHODS

The study cohort consisted of 332 male employees who served more than five years in the period 1951-74. The cohort was traced until 1988. Analyses used standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) to compare cause specific mortality with that in the general and local population. Effect of smoking was estimated based on the information collected from the subgroup of the cohort. SMRs for leading causes of death were compared among different job titles, duration of employment, time since first employment, and observation subperiods. Exposure level for tar and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) in the factory was also discussed, based on measurements done by other researchers in the past.

RESULTS

During the study period, 52 deaths were identified (SMR 0.68), including 22 cancer deaths (SMR 1.01). The SMR for lung cancer was significantly increased in comparison with the general population (SMR 2.62). It was slightly decreased in comparison with the local population, but remained significant (SMR 2.35). Excess deaths were also observed for lymphatic and haematopoietic cancers (SMR 3.46). Smoking habits in the subgroup were similar to those in the general population; thus the increased SMR for lung cancer was unlikely to be explained by smoking.

CONCLUSION

Previous environmental measurements suggested that considerable exposure to tar and BaP had existed in the factory. The results suggest a possible risk for lung cancer among the cohort, but the limitations of the study, such as the small study population and insufficient information on exposure, indicate that further study is required.

The inhibitory action of quercetin on lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells

The effect of quercetin on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production was studied. Quercetin pretreatment significantly inhibited NO production in an LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cell line. Post-treatment with quercetin partially inhibited NO production. The inhibitory action of quercetin was due to neither the cytotoxic action nor altered LPS binding. The expression of inducible-type NO synthase (iNOS) was markedly down-regulated by quercetin. Quercetin suppressed the release of free nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB by preventing degradation of IkappaB-alpha and IkappaB-beta. Moreover, quercetin blocked the phosphorylation of extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 (Erk 1/2), p38, and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase/stress-activated protein kinase (JNK/SAPK) and, further, the activity of tyrosine kinases in LPS-stimulated RAW cells. Quercetin also inhibited interferon (IFN)-gamma-induced NO production. Taken together, these results indicate that the inhibitory action of quercetin on NO production in LPS- and/or IFN-gamma-stimulated macrophages might be due to abrogation of iNOS protein induction by impairment of a series of intracellular signal pathways.

Clinicopathological significance of fragile histidine triad transcription protein expression in breast carcinoma

The fragile histidine triad (Fhit) gene, which is frequently lost in many cancers, was identified as a candidate tumor suppressor gene at chromosome 3p locus 14.2. Loss of Fhit expression is an important step in tumor progression from premalignancy, to in situ, to invasive breast carcinoma. To determine whether the absence of Fhit protein correlates with other established pathological-clinical parameters or prognosis, we assessed Fhit expression using immunohistochemistry in 166 invasive breast carcinomas. Lost or significantly decreased Fhit protein expression was identified in 70 cases (42.2%). Fhit expression was inversely correlated with histological grade (P < 0.0001), negative estrogen receptor status (P = 0.0016), p53 overexpression (P = 0.0040), and tumor proliferation activity (P = 0.0006). Survival curves determined by the Kaplan-Meier method and univariate analysis demonstrated that reduced expression of Fhit was associated with a poor outcome (P = 0.0086, by log-rank test). Multivariate analysis using the stepwise Cox proportional hazard model showed that lymph node metastasis was related to poor survival rates; in addition, patients with loss of Fhit expression still tended to have poor survival (P = 0.0563). Therefore, loss of Fhit expression is associated with higher malignant phenotypes and appears to be a prognostic factor in breast carcinoma.

The CdTe detector module and its imaging performance

In recent years investigations into the application of semiconductor detector technology in gamma cameras have become active world-wide. The reason for this burst of activity is the expectation that the semiconductor-based gamma camera would outperform the conventional Anger-type gamma camera with a large scintillator and photomultipliers. Nevertheless, to date, it cannot be said that this expectation has been met.

METHODS

While most of the studies have used CZT (Cadmium Zinc Telluride) as the semiconductor material, we designed and fabricated an experimental detector module of CdTe (Cadmium Telluride). The module consists of 512 elements and its pixel pitch is 1.6 mm. We have evaluated its energy resolution, planar image performance, single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) image performance and time resolution for coincidence detection.

RESULTS

The average energy resolution was 5.5% FWHM at 140 keV. The intrinsic spatial resolution was 1.6 mm. The quality of the phantom images, both planar and SPECT, was visually superior to that of the Anger-type gamma camera. The quantitative assessment of SPECT images showed accuracy far better than that of the Anger-type camera. The coincidence time resolution was 8.6 ns. All measurements were done at room temperature, and the polarization effect that had been the biggest concern for CdTe was not significant.

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that the semiconductor-based gamma camera is superior in performance to the Anger-type and has the possibility of being used as a positron emission computed tomography (PET) scanner.

Metaplastic carcinoma of the breast: p53 analysis identified the same point mutation in the three histologic components

A rare case of metaplastic carcinoma of the breast with both squamous metaplasia and cartilaginous metaplasia was reported. Histologically, the neoplasm revealed complex features, which were consisting of invasive ductal carcinoma, squamous carcinomatous component and chondrosarcomatoid component. Gradual transition of each component was recognized microscopically. p53 mutation analysis disclosed the same point mutation in three histologically different components, but not in the normal epithelium. Based on the morphologic findings, immunohistochemical findings and the p53 mutation analysis, we concluded that these three components in the tumor originated from the same duct progenitor cells.

Allelic loss of chromosome 3p24 correlates with tumor progression rather than with retinoic acid receptor beta2 expression in breast carcinoma

A tumor suppressor gene. retinoic acid receptor (RAR) beta2, has been mapped to chromosome 3p24, a region where loss of heterozygosity (LOH) has been observed commonly in carcinomas of various tumor tissues. RAR beta2 expression is reduced or lost in many malignant tumors including breast cancer, however, whether LOH accounts for the loss of expression of RAR beta2 in breast cancer is unknown. We, therefore, assessed LOH on chromosome band 3p24 to correlate it with RAR beta2 expression and other established prognostic parameters in 52 breast carcinomas. Based on three microsatellites, D3S 1283, D3S 1293 and D3S 1286. all of the tumors were informative, of these, 12 (23%) exhibited LOH. RAR beta2 expression was lost in 42% (19/45) of these samples. We found that LOH on chromosome band 3p24 was not correlated with loss of RAR beta2, but correlated with higher histological grade, p53-positivity, and loss of estrogen and progesterone receptors. Our findings suggest that LOH of the RAR beta2 gene does not account for the frequent loss of RAR beta2 expression in breast cancer but the genomic structural alteration at or close to the RAR beta2 gene locus are likely to be associated with tumor progression and/or loss of hormonal dependency.

Essential similarities between spontaneous and MeIQx-promoted aberrant crypt foci in the F344 rat colon

Aberrant crypt foci (ACFs) in the Fischer 344 (F344) rat colon, of control or 2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (MeIQx)-treated groups, were compared morphologically, immunohistochemically, and at the molecular biological level in order to elucidate their biological characteristics. Male 3-week-old rats were fed a diet supplemented with or without MeIQx at doses of 100 ppm or less for 16 weeks. The incidence of ACFs was the highest (90%) in animals given 100 ppm MeIQx but that in untreated rats was also surprisingly high (57%). Nine ACFs from nine MeIQx-treated rats and ten ACFs from ten untreated control rats were selected for detailed examination for their large size. There were no morphological differences in macroscopic and microscopic features between MeIQx-promoted and spontaneous ACFs. There were also no differences in immunohistochemical labeling for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and p53 protein between these ACFs although in both cases labeling was higher than in normal crypts. Dot blot hybridization revealed no c-K-ras mutations in codon 12 except in one ACF (11.1%) developing in a rat treated with 100 ppm MeIQx, in which a GGT-->GAT single base substitution was detected. Our results thus suggest that in terms of morphology, cell proliferation, P53 expression and c-K-ras mutation, most ACFs found in rats given 100 ppm MeIQx are essentially identical to their spontaneous counterparts.

[Photometric analysis with reaction between metal ion (M) and organic reagent (R)]

Firstly, the syntheses of various organic reagents (R) containing such xanthene derivatives as O-hydroxyhydro-quinonephthalein (QnPh), and 3,4,5,6-tetrahydroxyfluoran (gallein, Gall) were studied. Secondarily, the coexisting effects of surfactant (cationic-, anionic-, amphoteric- and nonionic-surfactants alone or combination) on the coloring or fluorescence reactions between various (R) such as xanthene derivatives, aromatic amines and various metal ions (M) such as bismuth(III), tin(IV), iron(III), molybdenum(VI), uranium(VI), cobalt(II), aluminum(III), etc. were systematically investigated. Thirdly, numerous simple and sensitive photometric analyses (spectrophotometry and fluorophotometry) for various (M) and organic compounds(Org) such as biological samples, and pharmaceutical preparations by formation reactions of (R-M) binary or ((R-M)-Org) ternary complexes were established in the coexistence of surfactant alone or combination.

Specification of thermosensory neuron fate in C. elegans requires ttx-1, a homolog of otd/Otx

Temperature is a critical modulator of animal metabolism and behavior, yet the mechanisms underlying the development and function of thermosensory neurons are poorly understood. C. elegans senses temperature using the AFD thermosensory neurons. Mutations in the gene ttx-1 affect AFD neuron function. Here, we show that ttx-1 regulates all differentiated characteristics of the AFD neurons. ttx-1 mutants are defective in a thermotactic behavior and exhibit deregulated thermosensory inputs into a neuroendocrine signaling pathway. ttx-1 encodes a member of the conserved OTD/OTX homeodomain protein family and is expressed in the AFD neurons. Misexpression of ttx-1 converts other sensory neurons to an AFD-like fate. Our results extend a previously noted conservation of developmental mechanisms between the thermosensory circuit in C. elegans and the vertebrate photosensory circuit, suggesting an evolutionary link between thermosensation and phototransduction.

Correlation between nuclear grade and biological prognostic variables in invasive breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Grading of carcinomas is an estimation of differentiation. Nuclear grading is the cytological evaluation of tumor nuclei in comparison with the nuclei of normal mammary epithelial cells. Because nuclear grading does not involve an assessment of the growth pattern of the tumor, it applies not only to invasive ductal carcinoma but also to other subtypes of breast carcinoma.

METHODS

A total of 215 primary breast carcinomas obtained from the Affiliated Kihoku Hospital of Wakayama Medical College were enrolled in our present study. Nuclear grade was evaluated according to the criteria of the National Surgical Adjuvant Study of Breast Cancer (NSAS-B) protocol. Immunohistochemistry was also performed to determine Bcl-2, p53, c-erbB-2, estrogen receptor (ER) and MIB-1 expression in paraffin-embedded tissues for all cases.

RESULTS

Thirty-two (14.9%) of the patients were graded as 1,124 (57.7%) as 2, and 59 (27.4%) as 3. Nuclear grade displayed a negative correlation with Bcl-2 expression (r=-0.308, p<0.0001), and a positive correlation with c-erbB-2 overexpression (r= 0.172, p=0.0117) and tumor proliferative index labeling by MIB-1 (r=0.485, p<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

These results imply that nuclear grade is related to the characteristics of tumor biology, indicating that the morphology and biology of breast cancer are tightly linked. Our present results also suggest that adding the nuclear grade to the pathological diagnosis of invasive breast carcinoma may be clinically useful for predicting tumor behavior, for example aggressiveness, and for prognostication.

Synthesis, characterization, and photochemical properties of azobenzene-conjugated Ru(II) and Rh(III) bis(terpyridine) complexes

We synthesized azobenzene-conjugated bis(terpyridine) Ru(II) and Rh(III) mononuclear and dinuclear complexes and investigated their photochemical properties on excitation of the azo pi-pi band upon 366 nm light irradiation. The Ru mononuclear complex underwent trans-to-cis photoisomerization to reach the photostationary state with only 20% of the cis form, while the Ru dinuclear complex did not isomerize at all photochemically. On the other hand, the mononuclear and dinuclear Rh complexes showed almost complete trans-to-cis photoisomerization behavior. Cis forms of the Rh complexes thermally returned to the trans form at a much slower rate than those of organic azobenzenes, but they did not isomerize photochemically. The reduction potential of the cis forms was 80 mV more negative than that of the trans forms. The photoisomerization quantum yields of the Rh complexes were strongly dependent on the polarity, viscosity, and donor site of the solvents as well as the size of the counterions. We investigated the photoisomerization process of these complexes using femtosecond absorption spectroscopy. For the Rh complexes, we observed S(n) <-- S(2) and S(n) <-- S(1) absorption bands similar to those of organic azobenzenes. For the Ru complexes, we observed very fast bleaching of the MLCT band of the Ru complex, which indicated that the energy transfer pathway to the MLCT was the primary cause of the depressed photoisomerization. The electronic structures, which were estimated from ZINDO molecular orbital calculation, supported the different photochemical reaction behavior between the Ru and Rh complexes.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors: clinicopathological study of Chinese cases

In the present study, we reviewed 73 Chinese cases of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), and analyzed factors in evaluating malignant potential, in particular focusing on Ki-67 index and p53 expression to determine whether these can be used as prognostic indicators in GIST. The p53 positive rate was 50.7% and it was significantly higher in malignant (25/35; 71.43%) than in benign cases (13/38; 34.21%). A Ki-67 labeling index of >10% was also significantly different between malignant (23/35; 65.71%) and benign cases (14/38; 36.84%). In the cases in which the patient died, 15/21 and 14/21 cases showed expression of p53 and Ki-67, respectively; both had a higher expression than in surviving cases. Comparing the cases positive for both Ki-67 and p53 with those positive for Ki-67 or p53 alone, and those negative for both Ki-67 and p53, the latter demonstrated the best prognosis. The study also indicated that the malignant potential of GIST is correlated with the mitotic index (> or =1/10 high-power fields; HPF), tumor size (> or =5 cm), high cellularity, tumor invasive growth, tumor location, tumor hemorrhage and tumor necrosis.

Phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase is inhibited by calcitonin in DU145 prostate cancer cells

One of the causes of insensitivity to androgen ablation therapy in prostate cancer is thought to be attributable to elevated neuropeptides secreted by neuroendocrine cells in the tumor mass. Calcitonin (CT), one of these neuropeptides, is reported to be associated with the growth of prostate cancer. There is an increase in mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase activation as prostate cancer progresses to a more advanced and androgen-independent disease. We examined the effect of CT on signal transduction and the relation between CT and early-response genes in the human androgen-insensitive prostate cancer cell line, DU145. The basal phosphorylation level of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, which is a key kinase in the mediation of growth factor-induced mitogenesis in prostate cancer cells, was constitutively up-regulated. N-[2-(4-bromocinnamyl) aminoethyl]-5-isoquinoline-sulfonamide (H89), a specific inhibitor of protein kinase A, potentiated the effects of more increased phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2. CT induced the inhibition of this MAP kinase phosphorylation, and this effect was completely abolished by pretreatment with H89. Our findings demonstrate that CT caused the inhibition of constitutive MAP kinase phosphorylation in a protein kinase A-dependent manner in DU145. The transient increase of c-fos expression was detected after CT treatment, whereas expression of c-jun RNA was down-regulated after CT treatment. These results suggest that CT may regulate early-response genes, c-fos and c-jun, via a MAP kinase cascade. In conclusion, these findings suggest that DU145 might be a useful model as a therapeutic approach of neuropeptides in androgen-independent prostatic carcinoma.

Impaired microglial activation in the brain of IL-18-gene-disrupted mice after neurovirulent influenza A virus infection

Knockout of the interleukin-18 (IL-18) gene predisposed mice to impaired clearance of neurovirulent influenza A virus-infected neurons from the brain. In wild-type mice, IL-18 molecule-producing microglia/macrophages emerged in virally attacked regions as early as day 3 after infection. Microglial transformation into macrophages culminated at day 7 to 9, with upregulated expression of Iba1, a novel calcium-binding protein that controls phagocytic functions of microglia/macrophages. In IL-18-/- mice, microglial transformation was interrupted with reduced Iba1 expression. Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)-immunopositive neurons appeared in and around virally invaded regions in wild-type mice, peaking in number at day 7, whereas such cells were barely detected in IL-18-/- mice. Stereotaxic microinjection of recombinant IFN-gamma triggered microglial transformation in IL-18-/- mice and upregulated Iba1 expression, leading to effective eradication of virally infected neurons. Collectively, these results suggest that IL-18 plays a key role in activating microglial functions directed against the influenza virus infection by inducing neuronal IFN-gamma in the brain parenchyma.

Neuropathogenesis of influenza virus infection in mice

The neurovirulent WSN strain of influenza A virus, introduced into the olfactory bulb of C57BL/6 mice, selectively attacks several brain nuclei which are highly implicated in the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disturbances. The virus-infected neurons are eradicated through apoptotic neurodegeneration. On the other hand, activated microglia serve the neuroprotection against virus infection.

Prognostic significance of BRCA1 expression in Japanese sporadic breast carcinomas

BACKGROUND

BRCA1 is a tumor suppressor gene that is responsible for hereditary breast and ovarian carcinoma syndrome. The primary objective of the current study was to investigate the influence of BRCA1 expression on the prognoses of sporadic breast carcinomas.

METHODS

A cohort of 175 Japanese women with invasive breast carcinoma who had no family history in first-degree relatives was studied. Expression of BRCA1 was determined by an immunohistochemical procedure in which the MS110 monoclonal antibody was used. Kaplan--Meier and Cox proportional regression survival analyses were used to compare negative and positive BRCA1 patients.

RESULTS

One hundred fifteen (65.7%) of the 175 specimens showed positive BRCA1 staining (> 10% cells were immunoreactive). During a median follow-up of 4.4 years, negative BRCA1 patients had worse disease free survival than positive BRCA1 patients (35 % vs. 7%, respectively; P < 0.0001). BRCA1 expression was significantly inversely correlated with histologic grade (P < 0.0001) but not with lymph node status or other conventional prognostic markers. In multivariate analysis using the Cox regression model, positive BRCA1 emerged as an independent prognostic indicator for disease free survival.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest that BRCA1 may be a valuable marker for identifying women with sporadic breast carcinoma at high risk of developing recurrence, and who may be candidates for trials investigating new therapies in combination with standard adjuvant therapy.

Spectrophotometric determination of ascorbic acid with iron(III) and p-carboxyphenylfluorone in a cationic surfactant micellar medium

A simple and highly sensitive spectrophotometric method for the determination of ascorbic acid (AA) was established by using iron(III) and p-carboxyphenylfluorone (PCPF) in a cationic surfactant micellar medium. The apparent molar absorptivity of the proposed method, which does not require an extraction procedure, was 2.05 x 10(6) dm3 mol-1 cm-1 at 655 nm. Beer's law was obeyed in the concentration range of 0.02-0.12 microgram/cm3 for AA. The procedure was successfully applied to assays of AA in pharmaceutical preparations. It is suggested that the method is based on a coupled redox-complexation reaction in which the first step is the oxidation of AA by iron(III), and the second step includes the formations of the iron(II)-PCPF (1:2) complex and the dehydroascorbic acid-iron(III)-PCPF (1:1:2) complex.

Collaborative work to evaluate toxicity on male reproductive organs by repeated dose studies in rats 24). Testicular toxicity of boric acid after 2- and 4-week administration periods

To assess whether or not male reproductive toxicity can be evaluated in a 2-week administration study, boric acid was administered daily by oral gavage to male Jcl:Wistar rats at dosage levels of 0, 300 and 500 mg/kg for 2 and 4 weeks, and the results obtained with the two different treatment schedules were compared. After a 2-week administration, decreased testis weights were observed in the 500 mg/kg group. Histopathologically, exfoliation of round spermatids, retention of step 19 spermatids and increased numbers of residual body-like structures in the seminiferous tubules and cell debris in the cranial epididymal ducts were observed in the 300 and 500 mg/kg groups. Distorted cytoplasmic lobes of step 19 spermatids, debris in the seminiferous tubules and focal atrophy of the seminiferous tubules with multinucleated giant cells formation and necrosis of spermatocytes were also observed in the 500 mg/kg group. After a 4-week administration, testis and epididymis weights were decreased in the 300 and 500 mg/kg groups. Histopathological changes in the 300 mg/kg group were similar to those found in the 300 and 500 mg/kg groups after a 2-week administration. Diffuse atrophy of the seminiferous tubules was additionally observed in the 500 mg/kg group. These results suggest that 2 weeks is a sufficient treatment period for the detection of the testicular toxicity caused by boric acid.

Morphometric characterization of endometrial glands using quantitative cytology

OBJECTIVE

To determine the usefulness of the combination of confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), image cytometry and three-dimensional (3D) imaging for analyzing architectural changes indicative of endometrial hyperplasia and grade 1 adenocarcinoma.

STUDY DESIGN

Papanicolaou-stained endometrial samples (n = 180) were analyzed for specific cellular characteristics and analyzed by CLSM. Confocal images were obtained and then analyzed cytometrically and used for 3D reconstruction.

RESULTS

Values obtained after image cytometry and 3D imaging increased significantly (P < .01) with the degree of cellular atypia.

CONCLUSION

The combination of CLSM, image cytometry and 3D imaging is a valuable method for differential diagnosis of endometrial hyperplasia and grade 1 adenocarcinoma.