Ultrafast time-resolved 2D imaging of laser-driven fast electron transport in solid density matter using an x-ray free electron laser

High-power, short-pulse laser-driven fast electrons can rapidly heat and ionize a high-density target before it hydrodynamically expands. The transport of such electrons within a solid target has been studied using two-dimensional (2D) imaging of electron-induced Kα radiation. However, it is currently limited to no or picosecond scale temporal resolutions. Here, we demonstrate femtosecond time-resolved 2D imaging of fast electron transport in a solid copper foil using the SACLA x-ray free electron laser (XFEL). An unfocused collimated x-ray beam produced transmission images with sub-micron and ∼10 fs resolutions. The XFEL beam, tuned to its photon energy slightly above the Cu K-edge, enabled 2D imaging of transmission changes induced by electron isochoric heating. Time-resolved measurements obtained by varying the time delay between the x-ray probe and the optical laser show that the signature of the electron-heated region expands at ∼25% of the speed of light in a picosecond duration. Time-integrated Cu Kα images support the electron energy and propagation distance observed with the transmission imaging. The x-ray near-edge transmission imaging with a tunable XFEL beam could be broadly applicable for imaging isochorically heated targets by laser-driven relativistic electrons, energetic protons, or an intense x-ray beam.

Construction and commissioning of mid-infrared self-amplified spontaneous emission free-electron laser at compact energy recovery linac

The mid-infrared range is an important spectrum range where materials exhibit a characteristic response corresponding to their molecular structure. A free-electron laser (FEL) is a promising candidate for a high-power light source with wavelength tunability to investigate the nonlinear response of materials. Although the self-amplification spontaneous emission (SASE) scheme is not usually adopted in the mid-infrared wavelength range, it may have advantages such as layout simplicity, the possibility of producing a single pulse, and scalability to a short-wavelength facility. To demonstrate the operation of a mid-infrared SASE FEL system in an energy recovery linac (ERL) layout, we constructed an SASE FEL setup in cERL, a test facility of the superconducting linac with the ERL configuration. Despite the adverse circumstance of space charge effects due to the given boundary condition of the facility, we successfully established the beam condition at the undulators and observed FEL emission at a wavelength of 20 μm. The results show that the layout of cERL has the potential for serving as a mid-infrared light source.

Short-term risk of hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatitis C virus eradication following direct-acting anti-viral treatment

BACKGROUND

With the development of direct-acting anti-virals (DAAs), almost all patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection can achieve sustained viral response (SVR).

AIM

To evaluate the short-term risk of HCC among patients with SVR by DAAs, including those with cirrhosis or previous HCC.

METHODS

This large-scale, multicentre cohort study included 1,675 consecutive patients who achieved SVR by treatment with interferon-free sofosbuvir-based regimens, divided into groups with (n = 152) or without previous HCC (n = 1,523). The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazard analysis were used to calculate the cumulative HCC incidence and related factors of HCC.

RESULTS

During the follow-up period (median: 17 months), 46 (2.7%) patients developed HCC. The 1-year cumulative rates of de novo HCC were 0.4% and 4.9% for the noncirrhosis and cirrhosis groups respectively (log-rank test: P < 0.001). For cirrhotic patients, serum α-fetoprotein level at the end of treatment (EOT-AFP) was the strongest predictor of de novo HCC. The 1-year cumulative de novo HCC rates were 1.4% and 13.1% in the EOT-AFP < 9.0 ng/mL and ≥ 9.0 ng/mL groups (cut-off value) respectively (log-rank test: P < 0.001). The 1-year cumulative rates of HCC recurrence were 6.5% and 23.1% for the noncirrhosis and cirrhosis groups respectively (log-rank test: P = 0.023). For cirrhotic patients, previous HCC characteristics were significantly associated with HCC recurrence. In contrast, sex, age and metabolic features did not influence de novo HCC or recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

For cirrhotic patients after elimination of HCV, serum EOT-AFP level and previous HCC characteristics would be useful markers for predicting de novo HCC or recurrence.

Obesity and aspirin intolerance are risk factors for difficult-to-treat asthma in Japanese non-atopic women

BACKGROUND

Asthma is a clinical syndrome characterized by variabilities in disease expression and severity. The pathophysiological mechanism underlying anti-asthma treatment resistance is also assumed to be different between disease phenotypes.

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate the effect of gender and atopic phenotype on the relationship between clinical factors and the risk of treatment resistance.

METHODS

We compared outpatients with difficult-to-treat asthma (DTA; n = 486) in a tertiary hospital for allergic diseases in central Japan with those with controlled severe asthma (n = 621) with respect to clinical factors including body mass index (BMI) and aspirin intolerance using multivariate logistic regression analysis stratified by gender and atopic phenotype.

RESULTS

When analysis was performed on the entire study populations, obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m(2); adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.92; 95% confidence interval (95% CI: 1.07-3.43) and aspirin intolerance (OR: 2.56, 95% CI: 1.44-4.57) were found to be the significant risk factors for DTA. However, after the stratification by gender and atopic phenotype, the association between obesity and DTA was significant only in women (OR: 2.76, 95% CI: 1.31-5.78), but not in men (OR: 1.03, 95% CI: 0.38-2.81), and only in non-atopics (OR: 4.03, 95% CI: 1.15-14.08), but not in atopics (OR: 1.54, 95% CI: 0.79-3.02). The similar gender and phenotypic differences were also observed in the association between aspirin intolerance and DTA: namely, the association was significant only in women (OR: 3.96, 95% CI: 1.84-8.50), but not in men (OR: 1.19, 95% CI: 0.46-3.05); and only in non-atopics (OR: 5.49, 95% CI: 1.98-15.19), but not in atopics (OR: 1.39, 95% CI: 0.65-2.98).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Significant associations of obesity and aspirin intolerance with DTA were observed only in women and in non-atopics. These findings suggest that a phenotype-specific approach is needed to treat patients with DTA.

Urinary concentrations of 15-epimer of lipoxin A(4) are lower in patients with aspirin-intolerant compared with aspirin-tolerant asthma

BACKGROUND

Although an abnormality in arachidonic acid metabolism may be responsible for aspirin-intolerant asthma (AIA), there is little knowledge about the concentrations of urinary lipoxin A(4) (LXA(4)) and the 15-epimer of LXA(4) (15-epi-LXA(4)) in relation to asthma severity in AIA subjects.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to estimate urinary LXA(4) and the 15-epimer concentrations to investigate lipoxins in AIA.

METHODS

In this study, we examined AIA, aspirin-tolerant asthma (ATA) and healthy control groups. The AIA and ATA groups were subdivided into the severe asthma and non-severe asthma subgroups. Urinary LXA(4), 15-epi-LXA(4) and leukotriene E(4) (LTE(4) ) were quantified using enzyme immunoassay after separating these compounds using high-performance liquid chromatography.

RESULTS

The urinary LXA(4) concentration was significantly lower than the 15-epi-LXA(4) concentration in the asthmatic subjects. The AIA group showed significantly lower urinary 15-epi-LXA(4) (P < 0.01) and higher urinary LTE(4) concentrations (P < 0.05) than the ATA group. Comparison of 15-epi-LXA(4) concentrations between the severe asthmatic and non-severe asthmatic subjects in the AIA and ATA groups revealed that the decreased 15-epi-LXA(4) concentration may be related to aspirin intolerance, but not asthma severity. Receiver operator characteristic curves demonstrated that the concentration ratio of LTE(4) to 15-epi-LXA(4) was superior to 15-epi-LXA(4) concentration and LTE(4) concentration as a predictive factor for aspirin intolerance.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

We have demonstrated for the first time that urinary 15-epi-LXA(4) concentration is significantly higher than LXA(4) concentration in both the AIA and ATA groups. 15-Epi-LXA(4) concentration was significantly lower in the AIA group with an increased urinary LTE(4) concentration than in the ATA group. An imbalance between proinflammatory cysteinyl-leukotrienes and anti-inflammatory 15-epi-LXA(4) may be involved in AIA pathogenesis.

Indication of electron neutrino appearance from an accelerator-produced off-axis muon neutrino beam

The T2K experiment observes indications of ν(μ) → ν(e) appearance in data accumulated with 1.43×10(20) protons on target. Six events pass all selection criteria at the far detector. In a three-flavor neutrino oscillation scenario with |Δm(23)(2)| = 2.4×10(-3)  eV(2), sin(2)2θ(23) = 1 and sin(2)2θ(13) = 0, the expected number of such events is 1.5±0.3(syst). Under this hypothesis, the probability to observe six or more candidate events is 7×10(-3), equivalent to 2.5σ significance. At 90% C.L., the data are consistent with 0.03(0.04) < sin(2)2θ(13) < 0.28(0.34) for δ(CP) = 0 and a normal (inverted) hierarchy.

Concentration of 14,15-leukotriene C4 (eoxin C4) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid

BACKGROUND

There has been no information about the concentration of 14,15-leukotriene C4, which is generated by 15- and 12-lipoxygenase and has been recently named eoxin C4, in biological fluids.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the clinical concentrations of eoxin C4 in various respiratory inflammatory diseases, we quantified eoxin C4 in relation to the concentrations of cysteinyl-leukotrienes (CysLTs) and 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF).

METHODS

BALF fluid was obtained from patients with a number of inflammatory lung diseases. Eoxin C4 and CysLTs were quantified by enzyme immunoassay in combination with high-performance liquid chromatography. Eoxin C4 immunoassay does not detect eoxin D4 or eoxin E4. 15-HETE was quantified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry using (18)O-labeled compounds as an internal standard.

RESULTS

The concentration of eoxin C4 (median 1.4, range <1.12-6.7 pg/mL) was significantly lower than that of eoxin C4 or CysLTs (P<0.0001). The concentration of 15-HETE significantly correlated with those of LTC4 and CysLTs or the number and the percentage of eosinophils in BALF. On the other hand, eoxin C4 concentration did not correlate with eosinophil number or CysLTs concentration in BALF.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study demonstrating the presence of eoxin C4 in human biological fluids. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the pathophysiological role of eoxin C4 in some respiratory inflammatory diseases.

Increased production of cysteinyl leukotrienes and prostaglandin D2 during human anaphylaxis

BACKGROUND

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening syndrome resulting from the sudden release of mast cell- and basophil-derived mediators into the circulation. However, pathological evidence of the association between inflammatory mediators and human anaphylaxis is insufficient.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to better understand the relationship between in vivo production of inflammatory mediators and the pathogenesis of anaphylaxis. We also sought to evaluate mast cell activation in anaphylaxis.

METHODS

We measured the concentrations of various inflammatory mediators in urine samples, which were collected from 32 anaphylactic patients during the onset of anaphylaxis and during clinical remission, 21 patients with asthma on acute exacerbation and 15 healthy control subjects. Blood and urine specimens were collected from the patients after provocation test. Urinary leukotriene E4 (LTE4), 9alpha, 11beta-prostaglandin F2 (9alpha, 11beta-PGF2), eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN) and leukotriene B4 glucuronide (LTBG) concentrations were determined by enzyme immunoassay, and the activity of plasma platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase and serum tryptase concentration were measured using commercially available kits.

RESULTS

Significantly higher concentrations of urinary LTE4 and 9alpha, 11beta-PGF2, which immediately decreased during clinical remission, were observed in the anaphylactic patients than in asthmatic patients on acute exacerbation and healthy control subjects. Concentrations of EDN and LTBG were not significantly different among the anaphylactic patients, asthmatic patients on acute exacerbation and healthy subjects. There was a significant correlation between urinary LTE4 and 9alpha, 11beta-PGF2 concentrations in the anaphylactic patients (r=0.672, P=0.005, n=32). In addition, LTE4 concentration in patients with anaphylactic shock is significantly elevated compared with that in patients without anaphylactic shock.

CONCLUSIONS

This is a report on the significant increase in urinary LTE4 and 9alpha, 11beta-PGF2 concentrations during anaphylaxis. Urinary LTE4 and 9alpha, 11beta-PGF2 concentrations may be a reliable marker of endogenous production of inflammatory mediators associated with anaphylaxis.

Increased levels of cysteinyl-leukotrienes in saliva, induced sputum, urine and blood from patients with aspirin-intolerant asthma

BACKGROUND

A diagnosis of aspirin-intolerant asthma requires aspirin provocation in specialist clinics. Urinary leukotriene E(4) (LTE(4)) is increased in aspirin-intolerant asthma. A study was undertaken to investigate new biomarkers of aspirin intolerance by comparing basal levels of cysteinyl-leukotrienes (CysLTs) and leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)) in saliva, sputum and ex vivo stimulated blood in subjects with aspirin-intolerant and aspirin-tolerant asthma. The effects of aspirin- and allergen-induced bronchoconstriction on leukotriene levels in saliva and ex vivo stimulated blood were also compared with the effects of the provocations on urinary mediators.

METHODS

Induced sputum, saliva, urine and blood were obtained at baseline from 21 subjects with asthma. At a separate visit, 11 subjects showed a positive response to lysine-aspirin inhalation and 10 were aspirin tolerant. Saliva, blood and urine were also collected on the provocation day. Analyses of CysLTs and LTB(4) and the prostaglandin D(2) metabolite 9alpha,11beta-prostaglandin F(2) were performed and the fraction of exhaled nitric oxide was measured.

RESULTS

Subjects with aspirin-intolerant asthma had higher exhaled nitric oxide levels and higher baseline levels of CysLTs in saliva, sputum, blood ex vivo and urine than subjects with aspirin-tolerant asthma. There were no differences in LTB(4) levels between the groups. Levels of urinary LTE(4) and 9alpha,11beta-prostaglandin F(2) increased after aspirin provocation whereas leukotriene levels in saliva and ex vivo stimulated blood did not increase.

CONCLUSION

These findings support a global and specific increase in CysLT production in aspirin-intolerant asthma. Measurement of CysLTs in saliva has the potential to be a new and convenient non-invasive biomarker of aspirin-intolerant asthma.

Increased urinary leukotriene E4 concentration in patients with eosinophilic pneumonia

Although eosinophils produce cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs) in large quantities, information on the relationship between CysLTs and eosinophilic pneumonia (EP) is lacking. Inflammatory mediator concentrations in urine were quantified to clarify the relationship between CysLT concentrations and EP severity. Leukotriene (LT)E(4), eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN), 9alpha,11beta-prostaglandin F2 and LTB(4) glucuronide concentrations were quantified in the urine of: EP patients during acute exacerbation and clinical remission; asthmatic patients during acute exacerbation and under stable conditions; and healthy control subjects. The urinary LTE(4) and EDN concentrations of EP patients during acute exacerbation were significantly higher than those of asthmatic patients and healthy subjects, and decreased immediately during clinical remission. The urinary LTE(4) concentration was associated with the urinary EDN concentration of EP patients during acute exacerbation. The urinary LTE(4) concentration significantly correlated with the diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide in EP patients during acute exacerbation. The increased urinary concentrations of leukotriene and eosinophil-derived neurotoxin were associated with acute exacerbation in eosinophilic pneumonia patients. The increased leukotriene concentration significantly correlated with diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide, suggesting that the monitoring of leukotriene concentration may aid in the management of eosinophilic pneumonia patients.

Involvement of eicosanoids and surfactant protein D in extrinsic allergic alveolitis

The pathophysiology of extrinsic allergic alveolitis (EAA) involves oxidative lung damage as well as interstitial and alveolar inflammation. Macrophages and mast cells are inflammatory components of EAA that produce both leukotrienes (LTs) and prostaglandin D2 (PGD2). In addition, PGD2 is also produced by the free-radical-catalysed peroxidation of arachidonic acid during oxidative stress. Urinary 8-iso prostaglandin F2alpha (8-isoPGF2alpha) and serum surfactant protein D (SP-D) are considered appropriate biomarkers of oxidative stress and interstitial lung disease activity, respectively. The present study aimed to assess the association of these biomarkers with the pathophysiology of EAA. Two cases of acute EAA caused by the inhalation of fungi spores were reported. Eight asthmatic patients and six healthy control subjects were also enrolled in the current study. The serum SP-D and urinary eicosanoid (LTE4, PGD2 metabolite (9alpha,11betaPGF2), 8-isoPGF2alpha) concentrations markedly increased during the acute exacerbation phase. These concentrations decreased following corticosteroid therapy in the EAA patients. There was a significant correlation between serum SP-D and urinary 9alpha,11betaPGF2 concentrations in the EAA patients. In conclusion, although the present study proposes that serum surfactant protein-D and urinary eicosanoids are new biomarkers involved in the various immunological responses in extrinsic allergic alveolitis, further large-scale studies are needed to investigate the role of these compounds, not just as biomarkers, but also as biological potentiators of extrinsic allergic alveolitis.

Increase in urinary leukotriene B4 glucuronide concentration in patients with aspirin-intolerant asthma after intravenous aspirin challenge

BACKGROUND

Aspirin challenge of aspirin-intolerant asthma (AIA) patients causes a significant increase in leukotriene E4 (LTE4) concentration in urine. However, knowledge on leukotriene B4 (LTB4) generation in patients with AIA is insufficient. Recent research has demonstrated that exogenously administered LTB4 is excreted as glucuronide into the urine in human healthy subjects.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to estimate urinary LTB4 glucuronide (LTBG) concentration in the clinically stable condition in healthy subjects and asthmatic patients and to investigate changes in urinary LTBG concentration in patients with AIA after aspirin challenge.

METHODS

A provocation test was performed by intravenous aspirin challenge. After urine was hydrolysed by beta-glucuronidase, the fraction containing LTB4 was purified by high-performance liquid chromatography and LTB4 concentration was quantified by enzyme immunoassay. Urinary LTBG concentration was calculated as the difference between the concentration obtained with hydrolysis and that without hydrolysis.

RESULTS

(1) After hydrolysis, the presence of urinary LTB4 was verified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-selected ion monitoring. (2) The urinary LTBG concentration was significantly higher in the asthmatic patients than in the healthy subjects (median, 5.37 pg/mg creatinine [range 1.2-13] vs. 3.32 pg/mg creatinine [range, 0.14-10.5], P = 0.0159). (3) The patients with AIA (n = 7), but not those with aspirin-tolerant asthma (n = 6), showed significant increases in LTBG and LTE4 excretions after aspirin challenge. (4) When the concentrations after aspirin challenge were analysed simultaneously, a significant linear correlation was observed between urinary LTBG concentration and urinary LTE4 concentration in patients with AIA (Spearman's rank correlation test, r = 0.817, P = 0.0003).

CONCLUSION

LTBG is present in human urine, albeit at a concentration lower than urinary LTE4. In addition to a marked increase in cysteinyl-leukotriene production, aspirin challenge induced LTB4 production in AIA patients.

Urinary 3-bromotyrosine and 3-chlorotyrosine concentrations in asthmatic patients: lack of increase in 3-bromotyrosine concentration in urine and plasma proteins in aspirin-induced asthma after intravenous aspirin challenge

BACKGROUND

Eosinophil peroxidase and myeloperoxidase halogenate tyrosine residues in plasma proteins and generate 3-bromotyrosine (BY) and 3-chlorotyrosine (CY), respectively.

OBJECTIVES

(1) To estimate urinary concentrations of BY and CY in asthmatic patients. (2) To investigate BY concentration in relation to urinary leukotriene E4 (LTE4) concentration in order to evaluate the activation of eosinophils in patients with aspirin-induced asthma (AIA).

METHODS

BY and CY were quantified with a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer using (13)C-labelled compounds as internal standards.

RESULTS

(1) Activation of eosinophils and neutrophils by immobilized IgG1 induced preferential formation of BY and CY, respectively. (2) A significantly higher concentration of BY was observed in the urine from asthmatic patients than in that from healthy control subjects (45+/-21.7 vs. 22.6+/-10.8 ng/mg-creatinine, P<0.01). CY concentration was also elevated in the urine from asthmatic patients (4.4+/-3.2 vs. 1.5+/-1.0 ng/mg-creatinine, P<0.01). (3) After intravenous aspirin challenge of aspirin-induced asthmatic patients, the concentration of BY in urine did not significantly change. No significant change was also observed in the ratio of BY concentration to total tyrosine concentration in plasma proteins. In contrast, the concentration of urinary LTE4 significantly increased after the intravenous aspirin challenge.

CONCLUSION

Determination of BY and CY concentrations may be useful for monitoring the activation of eosinophils and neutrophils in asthmatic patients, respectively. After aspirin challenge of AIA patients, the increased concentration of urinary LTE4 did not accompany changes in BY concentration in both urine and plasma proteins. These results may preclude the activation of eosinophils after aspirin challenge in patients with AIA.

Nasal blockage and urinary leukotriene E4 concentration in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis

BACKGROUND

Cysteinyl-leukotrienes have been reported to have a primary role in the induction of nasal blockage of allergic rhinitis. However, there has been little experimental evidence that substantiates the relationship between nasal blockage severity and urinary leukotriene E4 (U-LTE4) concentration in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR).

METHODS

The concentrations of urinary mediators in 20 SAR patients were measured using an enzyme immunoassay to determine the relationship between nasal blockage severity and U-LTE4 concentration in patients with SAR.

RESULTS

The basal U-LTE4 concentration was significantly higher in SAR patients with severe nasal blockage than in those with mild nasal blockage and in healthy control subjects. Although U-LTE4 concentrationwas significantly higher in patients with both asthma and SAR than in SAR patients with mild nasal blockage, no significant difference in the U-LTE4 concentration between patients with both asthma and SAR and SAR patients with severe nasal blockage was found. There was a significant correlation between U-LTE4 and urinary 9alpha11beta-prostoglandin F2 (9alpha11betaPGF2) concentrations (rs = 0.51, P = 0.02) in SAR patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Although specific sites and cells of cysteinyl-leukotriene biosynthesis could not be determined in this study, severe nasal blockage is associated with the increased excretion level of U-LTE4.

A comparative study of eicosanoid concentrations in sputum and urine in patients with aspirin-intolerant asthma

BACKGROUND

Although many studies have assumed that the overproduction of cysteinyl- leukotrienes (cys-LTs) and an imbalance of arachidonic acid metabolism may be plausible causes for the pathogenesis of aspirin-intolerant asthma (AIA), there has been little experimental evidence to substantiate this notion in lower airways of patients with AIA.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to compare the eicosanoid concentrations in sputum and urine from patients with AIA.

METHODS

The concentrations of sputum cys-LTs, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), PGF2alpha, PGD2 and thromboxane B2 were measured to assess local concentrations of eicosanoids in patients with AIA and in those with aspirin-tolerant asthma (ATA). The concentrations of two urinary metabolites, leukotriene E4 (LTE4) and 9alpha11betaPGF2, were also measured to corroborate the relationship between the eicosanoid biosynthesis in the whole body and that in lower airways.

RESULTS

The concentration of PGD2 in sputum was significantly higher in patients with AIA than in those with ATA (median, 5.3 pg/mL vs. 3.1 pg/mL, P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in the concentration of the corresponding metabolite, 9alpha11betaPGF2, between the two groups. No differences were noted in the concentrations of other prostanoids in sputum between the two groups. The sputum cys-LT concentrations showed no differences between the two groups, in spite of the observation that the concentration of urinary LTE4 was significantly higher in patients with AIA than in those with ATA (median, 195.2 pg/mg-cre vs. 122.1 pg/mg-cre, P < 0.05). There was a significant correlation among the concentration of cys-LTs, the number of eosinophils and the concentration of eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN) in sputum.

CONCLUSION

The urinary concentration of LTE4 does not necessary reflect cys-LT biosynthesis in lower airways. A significantly higher concentration of PGD2 in sputum from patients with AIA suggests the possible ongoing mast cell activation in lower airways.

[Treatment of tinea unguium with terbinafine: an open study comparing twelve weeks and twenty-four weeks of continuous terbinafine therapy, and determination of terbinafine level in the target nails]

The study protocol was approved by the Ethical Committee of Sakai Municipal Hospital. A total of 40 outpatients with tinea unguium of the toenails, fingernails or both took part after giving voluntary written informed consent. Inclusion criteria were suggestive clinical appearance, a positive KOH preparation and an opaqueness of more than 50% of the nail length. The patients received 125 mg terbinafine once a day. The medication was taken after the evening meal and treatment was continued for 12 weeks. Medication stopped in twenty patients who responded well and a follow-up study was continued for 64 weeks. In the other 20 patients, medication was continued for 24 weeks and the follow-up study continued for 64 weeks. At 4-week intervals, the patients were evaluated for their clinical and mycological statuses and adverse reactions. Clipping of distal nail samples, including any attached subungual tissue, was done using nail clippers at 4-week intervals after cessation of therapy and the level of terbinafine was measured in the laboratory. No adverse reactions were detected. Tinea unguium of fingernails (1) and the third toes (2) were cured easily in the short term in the 12 week therapy group. One case in the 24 week therapy group was excluded because systemic steroid therapy was started for bullous pemphigoid at 32 weeks. The results of treatment of big toe onychomycosis were compared between the 12 week (17) and the 24 week (19). In the former group, 9 (52.9%) showed complete cure and 8 (47.1%) showed relapse or worse after cessation of therapy was. In 24 week therapy group, complete cure was achieved in 14 (73.7%) and relapse or worse in 5 (26.3%). The cure rate between the 2 groups was statistically not significant. Terbinafine was detected in the target nails up to 24 weeks after cessation of medication in both groups. Onychomycosis or tinea pedis reappeared in a few cases 12 to 16 weeks after medication ceased in the 12 week group. Topical antimycological therapy is necessary after cessation of oral terbinafine.

Expression of IL-18 mRNA and secretion of IL-18 are reduced in monocytes from patients with atopic dermatitis

BACKGROUND

IL-18 has been found to be an IFN-gamma-inducing factor that plays an important role in T(H)1 cell activation. Recently, IL-18 has also been found to enhance a T(H)2 cellular response in a specific setting.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of monocytes and soluble factors, with special focus on IL-18, in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD).

METHODS

The release of cytokines from PBMCs and purified monocytes was measured through use of ELISA; mRNA expression was evaluated by RT-PCR. The results from patients with AD were compared with those from healthy controls.

RESULTS

IL-18 secretion was reduced in both unstimulated and lipopolysaccharide-stimulated monocytes from patients with AD. The mRNA expression of IL-18 and IL-1 beta-converting enzyme was significantly reduced in unstimulated monocytes from patients with AD (P <.03 and P <.01, respectively). Patients with AD had an elevated secretion of prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) from unstimulated PBMCs (P <.001). The anti-PGE(2) antibody reversed the suppressive effect of PGE(2) on IL-18 secretion in unstimulated PBMCs from patients with AD.

CONCLUSIONS

Decreased IL-18 production, together with a significantly reduced IL-18 and ICE mRNA expression in unstimulated monocytes and elevated PGE(2) secretion from PBMCs, was associated with the pathogenesis of AD.

Nanofabrication of helical peptide-shelled dendrimers

This study describes nanofabrication of helical peptide-shelled dendrimers using a Langmuir monolayer technique. Poly(amido amine) dendrimers (G3) modified with poly(gamma-benzyl-L-glutamate) [number averaged degree of polymerization, n = 12, 17, and 34 (G3-PBLGs hereafter)] were newly prepared by graft polymerization of gamma-benzyl-L-glutamate-N-carboxy anhydride initiated with amino groups of the dendrimer surface. The hydrodynamic diameters of G3-PBLGs were determined to be 6.9 +/- 0.7, 8.2 +/- 1.0, and 11.9 +/- 1.7 nm for n = 12, 17, and 34, respectively, by means of dynamic light scattering. These values were consistent with the theoretical diameters of G3-PBLGs, which were calculated by considering the alpha-helical PBLG segment length. G3-PBLGs were found to form stable monomolecular films with high collapse pressures above 40 mN m-1 at the air-water interface. In addition, these monolayers could be successfully transferred onto various solid substrates. Circular dichroism and Fourier transfer infrared spectroscopies of the deposited G3-PBLGs monolayers showed that PBLG segments took an alpha-helical conformation over a wide range of surface pressure even on solid substrates as well as in bulk solutions. Monolayer thicknesses of these Langmuir-Blodgett films, estimated by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy, were compatible with the hydrodynamic diameters of G3-PBLGs.

Expression and function of CD43 and CDw60 on T cells from patients with atopic dermatitis

Signalling via the CD43 and CDw60 epitopes has been reported as providing two novel pathways of T-lymphocyte activation. In Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, which has atopic eczema-like skin symptoms, there is a defective expression of CD43, while CDw60 is strongly expressed on T cells from rheumatoid arthritis synovial fluid and from psoriatic skin lesions, and on blood mononuclear cells from patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. We therefore studied the expression and function of these phenotypes on peripheral blood mononuclear cells and on CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell subsets from patients with atopic dermatitis. We observed a significant increase in the percentage of CD43+ cells among the blood mononuclear cells in patients with atopic dermatitis and an enhanced proliferation of CD4+ T cells following stimulation with anti-CD43 antibody. There were no changes in the CDw60 expression or function after stimulation with anti-CDw60 antibody. Thus, CD43 expression was not decreased but rather increased in blood mononuclear cells from patients with atopic dermatitis, whereas CDw60 expression did not differ from healthy controls.

The YXXQ motif in gp 130 is crucial for STAT3 phosphorylation at Ser727 through an H7-sensitive kinase pathway

The signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3 is essential for mediating signals from the receptors for a variety of cytokines and growth factors, including IL-6 and EGF, and from cytoplasmic tyrosine kinases. Upon stimulation, STAT3 is phosphorylated at Ser727 and Tyr705. However, the role of phosphorylation at Ser727, and the kinase pathways responsible for this phosphorylation in IL-6 signaling remain obscure. Here we show that IL-6 activates at least two distinct STAT3 serine kinase pathways and that an H7-sensitive pathway is dominant over a PD98059-sensitive one in HepG2 cells stimulated with a low concentration of IL-6. The analysis, using a series of chimeric receptors containing the extracellular domain of the G-CSF receptor, the truncated form of gp 130, and additional short peptides at the gp 130 carboxy-terminus, showed that the YXXQ motif of gp 130 was sufficient for the H7-sensitive STAT3 Ser727 phosphorylation. This YXXQ-mediated pathway does not involve Erk, p38, JNK, or PKCdelta, and requires a site in the region from 533 to 711 of STAT3 for phosphorylation in vivo. Moreover, we show that Ser727 is required for full transcriptional activity of STAT3 for two different response elements. Thus, the YXXQ motif regulates STAT3 activities in two ways in response to even a low concentration of IL-6: it recruits STAT3 to the receptor for tyrosine phosphorylation, and activates an unidentified H7-sensitive pathway leading to the serine phosphorylation of STAT3.

Asymmetric hydrogenation of enamides with Rh-BisP and Rh-miniPHOS catalysts. scope, limitations, and mechanism

The asymmetric hydrogenation of aryl- and alkyl-substituted enamides catalyzed by Rh-BisP complex affords optically active amides with very high ee values. The Rh-MiniPHOS catalyst gives somewhat less satisfactory results. Hydrogenation of the aryl-substituted enamides with (S,S)-BisP-Rh catalyst gives R-amides, whereas the t-Bu- and 1-adamantyl-substituted enamides give S-products with 99% ee. Reaction of [Rh(BisP)(CD(3)OD)(2)]BF(4) (11) with CH(2)=C(C(6)H(5))NHCOCH(3) (5) gives two diastereomers of the catalyst-substrate complex (12a,b), which interconvert reversibly by both intra- and intermolecular pathways as shown by EXSY data. Only one isomer in equilibrium with solvate complex 11 was detected for each of the catalyst-substrate complexes 17 and 18 obtained from CH(2)=C(t-Bu)NHCOCH(3) (6) or CH(2)=C(1-adamantyl)NHCOCH(3) (7). Hydrogenation of these equilibrium mixtures at -100 degrees C gave monohydride intermediates 19 and 20, respectively. In these monohydrides the Rh atom is bound to the beta-carbon. A new effect of the significant decrease of ee was found for the asymmetric hydrogenation of CH(2)=C(C(6)H(4)OCH(3)-o)NHCOCH(3) (21), when H(2) was substituted for HD or D(2).

Highly enantioselective hydrogenation of (E)-beta-(acylamino)acrylates catalyzed by Rh(i)-complexes of electron-rich P-chirogenic diphosphines

Excellent enantioselectivities up to 99.7% were achieved in the hydrogenation of (E)-beta-(acylamino)acrylates by the use of Rh(I)-complexes of electron-rich diphosphines, t-Bu-BisP and t-Bu-MiniPHOS. Low-temperature NMR experiments testify that monohydrides with beta-carbon atom of the substrate bound to rhodium are involved in the catalytic cycle.

Nuclear deviation in hepatic parenchymal cells on sinusoidal surfaces in Arctic animals

In normal rat and human, most of the nuclei of hepatic parenchymal cells are centrally located in the cytoplasm. However, it is reported that the nuclei of hepatic parenchymal cells are situated at a deviated position on sinusoidal surfaces under pathological situations such as chronic hepatitis, hepatocellular carcinoma, adenomatous hyperplasia, or regeneration. During a study on the mechanism of extreme vitamin A-accumulation in hepatic stellate cells of arctic animals including polar bears, arctic foxes, bearded seals, and glaucous gulls, we noticed that these arctic animals displayed the nuclear deviation in hepatic parenchymal cells on sinusoidal surfaces. In this study, we assessed the frequency of hepatic parenchymal cells showing the nuclear deviation on the sinusoidal surfaces in arctic animals. A significantly higher frequency of the nuclear deviation in hepatic parenchymal cells was seen in polar bears (89.8+/-3.4%), arctic foxes (68.6+/-10.5%), bearded seals (63.6+/-8.4%), and glaucous gulls (24.2+/-5.8%), as compared to that of control rat liver (9.8+/-3.5%). However, no pathological abnormality such as fibrosis or necrosis was observed in hepatic parenchymal and nonparenchymal cells of arctic animals, and there were no differences in the intralobular distribution of parenchymal cells displaying the nuclear deviation in the livers from either arctic animals and control rats. The hepatic sinusoidal littoral cells such as stellate cells or extracellular matrix components in the perisinusoidal spaces may influence the nuclear positioning and hence the polarity and intrinsic physiological function of parenchymal cells.

Cytokine expression of skin T-lymphocytes from patients with atopic dermatitis

We analysed the cytokine profile of skin T cells by establishing 11 T-cell lines from adult patients with moderate-to-severe atopic eczema using T-cell growth factors interleukin-2 and interleukin-4. We compared T-cell lines from lesional skin of atopic dermatitis patients with those from non-atopic skin of patients with other skin diseases, observing that T-cell lines of patients with atopic dermatitis unstimulated cultures expressed a Th1 profile. After stimulation with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 monoclonal antibodies, the cytokine expression showed rapid initial upregulation of Th2 followed by a Th1 profile. Furthermore, strong upregulation of interleukin-10 was observed after 24 h stimulation. Our findings suggest that skin T-lymphocytes from atopic dermatitis patients seem to consist of a heterogenous population of Th1 and Th2 or Th0 cells and the results for secreted cytokines indicate that T-cell lines from each inflammatory skin disease showed the corresponding disease-specific original cytokine profile.

Involvement of cytokines in the skin-to-lymph node trafficking of cells of the monocyte-macrophage lineage expressing a C-type lectin

The mechanism by which dermal cells expressing a macrophage calcium-type lectin (MGL) trafficked to regional lymph nodes was investigated. Conditioned medium prepared from organ cultures of mouse skin sensitized with a mixture of acetone and dibutylphthalate was shown to decrease the number of MGL(+) cells in the dermis in ex vivo organ culture assays. In in vitro culture of sensitized skin, the loss of MGL(+) cells was abrogated by the addition to the culture medium of mAb against IL-1ss, while addition of recombinant IL-1ss to the medium in which untreated skin was cultured induced loss of MGL(+) cells. Intradermal injection of recombinant IL-1ss also resulted in a transient increase of MGL(+) cells in the T cell area of draining lymph nodes in vivo, indicating that IL-1ss is central in the entire process of MGL(+) cell trafficking to the lymph nodes. Supporting this is that cells producing IL-1ss were detected in the epidermis of cultured skin even early after sensitization. The possibility that IL-1ss simply down-regulates MGL expression was eliminated by Western blotting experiments with isolated MGL(+) cells treated with or without IL-1ss. IL-1alpha and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha were also able to induce migration of MGL(+) cells in the ex vivo assay in a manner akin to IL-1ss, and antibodies against them abrogated this. Isolated MGL(+) cells from skin cultured in type I collagen matrix in vitro displayed morphological changes upon exposure to IL-1ss, IL-1alpha or TNF-alpha, indicating that these cytokines exert a direct effect on these cells. Thus, pro-inflammatory cytokines, particularly IL-1ss, are produced at the site of skin sensitization and are involved in at least initiating the trafficking of cells expressing MGL to the lymph nodes.

Telomerase activity is increased and telomere length shortened in T cells from blood of patients with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis

We studied telomerase activity and telomere length in PBMC and purified CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells from blood obtained from a total of 32 patients with atopic dermatitis, 16 patients with psoriasis, and 30 normal controls. The telomerase activity was significantly increased in PBMC from the patients compared with PBMC from normal donors. This increase was most pronounced in the subpopulation of CD4(+) T cells, which were significantly above the activity of the CD8(+) T cells in atopic dermatitis, psoriasis patients, and control persons. The telomere length was significantly reduced in all T cell subsets from both atopic dermatitis and psoriasis patients compared with normal individuals. Furthermore, the telomere length was found to be significantly shorter in CD4(+) memory T cells compared with the CD4(+) naive T cells, and both of the cell subsets from diseases were shown to be of significantly shorter telomere length than the same cell subsets from normal controls. No significant difference was observed between CD8(+)CD28(-) and CD8(+)CD28(+) T cell populations in both diseases. However, the telomere length of CD8(+)CD28(+) T cells from both diseases was significantly shorter than CD8(+)CD28(+) T cell subsets from normal donors. In conclusion, the increased telomerase activity and shortened telomere length indicates that T lymphocytes in atopic dermatitis and psoriasis are chronically stimulated and have an increased cellular turnover in vivo.

Viability of liver slices exhibiting absorption, metabolism, and elimination of substrates in culture medium

In an attempt to improve liver slice culture for in vitro tests of newly developed drugs, we found that a relatively thick 2-mm slice was much more viable, long-lived, and metabolically functional than the conventionally used 300-microm-thick slices. Results revealed that some ionic and nonionic compounds (Na(125)I, [(14)C]Ala, and [(14)C]Xyl) dissolved in culture medium were absorbed into the slices, reaching from the cut edges deep into the inner part, in only a short period. Moreover, the slices could be observed for 24 h after incubation so that a normal histological image could be obtained. Each semi-microautoradiographic image was also clearly positive not only at the margin but also in the inner part of each slice. Furthermore, we determined the specific functioning of each donated liver for each substrate added, in uptake, metabolism, and excretion.

Migration of dermal cells expressing a macrophage C-type lectin during the sensitization phase of delayed-type hypersensitivity

Dermal cells expressing a macrophage C-type lectin (mMGL) were previously suggested to migrate to regional lymph nodes during the sensitization phase of delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH). The migration seemed to be induced by the solvent used to dissolve the antigen, and the DTH response was significantly enhanced by the migration. In this study, immunohistochemical analysis of skin after epicutaneous application of one of such solvents, a mixture of acetone and dibutylphthalate (AD), revealed a transient decrease in the number of mMGL-positive cells in the dermis. A similar decrease in this cell population was also observed in an ex vivo assay with skin explants excised from AD-treated sites. Conditioned medium from organ culture of AD-treated skin induced a similar decrease of mMGL-positive cells in untreated dermis, indicating the involvement of soluble factors. mMGL-positive cells seemed to represent a unique subpopulation of F4/80-positive dermal cells.

Primary carcinoid tumor in a horseshoe kidney

A case of primary carcinoid tumor arising within a horseshoe kidney in a 51-year-old woman is reported. The tumor was found incidentally by computed tomography (CT) during a check-up for a suspected gall bladder polyp. Histologic, immunohistochemical and electron microscopic analyses of this tumor revealed features typical of carcinoid tumor. Primary carcinoid tumor of the kidney is extremely rare and only 32 cases were previously reported, including five cases in horseshoe kidneys. None of these five cases in horseshoe kidneys demonstrated any evidence of local or distant metastases and all were alive at the time of reporting without evidence of disease after up to 3 years of follow up. The present case, even with accompanying lymph nodal metastasis, also has had no evidence of local recurrence or distant metastasis for 3 years post operation. Primary carcinoid tumor arising within horseshoe kidneys appear to be more benign than those within non-horseshoe kidneys.

Pathogenic mechanism of mouse brain damage caused by oral infection with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7

In a previous study, we showed that infection with Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 (strain Sm(r)N-9) caused neurologic symptoms in malnourished mice with positive immunoreactions of Stx2 in brain tissues. The present study explores the mechanism of how Stx injures the vascular endothelium to enter the central nervous system in mice. Oral infection with strain Sm(r)N-9 elicited a tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) response in the blood as early as 2 days after infection, while Stx was first detected at 3 days postinfection. In the brain, TNF-alpha was detected at day 3, and its quantity was increased over the next 3 days. Frozen sections of the brains from moribound mice contained high numbers of apoptotic cells. Glycolipids recognized by an anti-Gb3 monoclonal antibody were extracted from the brain, and purified Stx2 was able to bind to the glycolipids. In human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVEC) cultured with fluorescein-labeled Stx2 (100 ng/ml), TNF-alpha (20 U/ml) significantly facilitated the intracellular compartmentalization of fluorescence during 24 h of incubation, suggesting the enhanced intracellular processing of Stx2. Consequently, higher levels of apoptosis in HUVEC were found at 48 h. Short-term exposure of HUVEC to Stx2 abrogated their apoptotic response to subsequent incubation with TNF-alpha alone or TNF-alpha and Stx2. In contrast, primary exposure of HUVEC to TNF-alpha followed by exposure to Stx2 alone or TNF-alpha and Stx2 induced apoptosis at the same level as obtained after 48-h incubation with these two agents. These results suggest that the rapid production of circulating TNF-alpha after infection induces a state of competence in vascular endothelial cells to undergo apoptosis, which would be finally achieved by subsequent elevation of Stx in the blood. In this synergistic action, target cells must be first exposed to TNF-alpha. Such cell injury may be a prerequisite to brain damage after infection with Stx-producing E. coli O157:H7.

Effects of Helical Sense and Macrodipole on Helix Interaction in Poly(glutamic acid) Monolayers at the Air-Water Interface

The effect of the helical sense and the helical macrodipole moment of poly(glutamic acid) (PGA) amphiphiles on miscibility in their binary surface monolayers was examined by means of the surface pressure-area isotherm and spectroscopic measurements. Four types of PGA amphiphiles, having different chirality (l or d) and two long alkyl chains at the C- or N-terminus (1 or 2), were successfully prepared by polymerization of the corresponding NCAs. In acidic solutions, these amphiphiles were found to take right-handed or left-handed helical conformation, depending upon the chirality of the glutamic acid unit, and are dispersed in water molecularly without aggregation. On the other hand, the binary mixed monolayer of 1L and 1D provided a marked positive deviation from an ideal mixing curve, while that of the combination of 1L and 2L gave a much smaller negative deviation, suggesting that helical sense would play a more important role in monolayer miscibility. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

Role of Rho small GTP binding protein in the regulation of actin cytoskeleton in hepatic stellate cells

BACKGROUND/AIMS

In the fibrotic response to liver injury, hepatic stellate cells are activated, leading to the myofibroblastic cell shape, with actin cytoskeletal reorganization and increased extracellular matrix production. The reorganization of actin cytoskeleton suggests that the small GTP binding protein Rho might modulate the process of this myofibroblastic change. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of Rho in the phenotypic changes of hepatic stellate cells.

METHODS

The phenotypic changes were investigated by the overexpression of Rho regulator, Rho GDI or dominant negative mutant of Rho in mouse hepatic stellate cell line, GRX cells. In activated rat hepatic stellate cells, the effects of microinjection of Botulinus toxin C3, which is the specific inhibitor for Rho, were analyzed. Furthermore, the effect of C3 on the type I collagen accumulation in hepatic stellate cells was investigated.

RESULTS

Overexpression of Rho GDI or the dominant negative mutant of Rho caused the shrinkage cell shape and suppressed stress fiber formation. Microinjection of toxin C3 caused a markedly distorted cell shape and the disappearance of stress fibers in rat stellate cells. In addition, C3 strongly suppressed collagen accumulation in activated stellate cells.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that Rho regulates the actin cytoskeletal reorganization, and may be implicated in the collagen accumulation in activated stellate cells. These findings provide evidence for the role of Rho in the myofibroblastic phenotype in hepatic stellate cells.

Effects of the Chinese traditional medicine mao-bushi-saishin-to on therapeutic efficacy of a new benzoxazinorifamycin, KRM-1648, against Mycobacterium avium infection in mice

The Chinese traditional medicine mao-bushi-saishin-to (MBST), which has anti-inflammatory effects and has been used to treat the common cold and nasal allergy in Japan, was examined for its effects on the therapeutic activity of a new benzoxazinorifamycin, KRM-1648 (KRM), against Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection in mice. In addition, we examined the effects of MBST on the anti-MAC activity of murine peritoneal macrophages (M phi s). First, MBST significantly increased the anti-MAC therapeutic activity of KRM when given to mice in combination with KRM, although MBST alone did not exhibit such effects. Second, MBST treatment of M phi s significantly enhanced the KRM-mediated killing of MAC bacteria residing in M phi s, although MBST alone did not potentiate the M phi anti-MAC activity. MBST-treated M phi s showed decreased levels of reactive nitrogen intermediate (RNI) release, suggesting that RNIs are not decisive in the expression of the anti-MAC activity of such M phi populations. MBST partially blocked the interleukin-10 (IL-10) production of MAC-infected M phi s without affecting their transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta)-producing activity. Reverse transcription-PCR analysis of the lung tissues of MAC-infected mice at weeks 4 and 8 after infection revealed a marked increase in the levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha, gamma interferon (IFN-gamma), IL-10, and TGF-beta mRNAs. KRM treatment of infected mice tended to decrease the levels of the test cytokine mRNAs, except that it increased TGF-beta mRNA expression at week 4. MBST treatment did not affect the levels of any cytokine mRNAs at week 8, while it down-regulated cytokine mRNA expression at week 4. At week 8, treatment of mice with a combination of KRM and MBST caused a marked decrease in the levels of the test cytokines mRNAs, especially IL-10 and IFN-gamma mRNAs, although such effects were obscure at week 4. These findings suggest that down-regulation of the expression of IL-10 and TGF-beta is related to the combined therapeutic effects of KRM and MBST against MAC infection.

Effects of Yokuinin on the therapeutic efficacy of a new benzoxazinorifamycin KRM-1648 against Mycobacterium avium infection

The Chinese traditional medicine, Yokuinin, which has anti-inflammatory effects and anti-human papilloma virus activity, was examined for its effects on the therapeutic efficacy of a benzoxazinorifamycin KRM-1648 (KRM) against Myobacterium avium infection in mice. Reverse transcription-PCR analysis revealed that Yokuinin increased the mRNA expression of all test cytokines in lung tissues of infected ice at week 8, in the order transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) > IFN-gamma > TNF-alpha > IL-10. Mice given Yokuinin in combination with KRM had higher levels of TFG-beta mRNA expression than did mice given KRM alone, indicating that TGF-beta plays an important role in the expression of the anti-inflammatory effect of Yokuinin in vivo. Yokuinin reduced IL-10 production by M. avium-infected macrophages ph. (M phis) but did not affect M phi TFG-beta production. Although Yokuinin significantly modified cytokine expression in M. avium-infected mice, this drug did not influence the therapeutic efficacy of KRM against M. avium infection, suggesting that administration of Yokuinin in combination with KRM to the patients with M. avium infection does not cause severe disadvantages.

A novel monoclonal antibody that recognizes apical membrane of frog taste cells

We established a hybridoma clone 1N1 that produced a monoclonal antibody to stain the apical portion of frog taste cells, by directly immunizing taste discs of the bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) without any dispersion procedure of the taste organ. The antibody stained discrete regions on the surface of the taste discs, but did not stain the epithelium sheet of the tongue devoid of taste discs. The antibody stained approximately 93% of the taste discs tested (172/184) derived from nine frogs, showing that distribution of the antigen was common to most of the taste discs. The following observations strongly suggested that the antibody recognized a certain antigen on the apical membrane of the taste cells. (i) The antibody selectively stained cross points of intermucus areas on the surface of the taste disc. Neither the mucus cells nor the wing cells that mainly cover the surface were stained with the antibody. (ii) Dispersed taste cells were prepared by calcium ion chelating and subsequently by collagenase treatment to avoid digestion of the antigen. The antibody stained the apical end of the taste cells.

Biodistribution and kinetics of holmium-166-chitosan complex (DW-166HC) in rats and mice

The fate of 166Ho-chitosan complex, a radiopharmaceutical drug for cancer therapy, was determined by studying its absorption, distribution and excretion in rats and mice.

METHODS

Holmium-166-chitosan complex [0.75 mg of Ho(NO3)3 x 5H2O and 1 mg chitosan/ head] was administered intrahepatically to male rats. Radioactive concentrations in blood, urinary and fecal excretion and radioactive distribution in tissues were examined. To determine the effects of chitosan in 166Ho-chitosan complex, 166Ho alone [0.75 mg of Ho(NO3)3 x 5H2O/head] was intrahepatically administered to male rats, and radioactive concentrations in blood, urinary and fecal excretion and radioactive distribution were examined. In B16 melanoma-transplanted nude mice, radioactive distribution after intratumoral administration of 166Ho-chitosan complex [0.075 mg of Ho(NO3)3 x 5H2O and 0.10 mg chitosan/head] was investigated also.

RESULTS

After administration of 166Ho-chitosan complex, the radioactive concentrations in blood were low, and cumulative urinary and fecal excretions over a period of 0-72 hr were 0.53% and 0.54%, respectively. The radioactive concentrations in tissues and the whole-body autoradiography images showed that most of the administered radioactivity was localized at the administration site, and only slight radioactivity was detected from the liver, spleen, lungs and bones. On the other hand, results of intrahepatic administration of 166Ho alone showed high radioactive concentrations in the blood, and the whole-body autoradiographs showed that the administered radioactivity was distributed in many organs and tissues. These results strongly suggest that 166Ho is retained at the administration site only when it forms a chelate complex with chitosan. Autoradiographs after intratumoral administration of 166Ho-chitosan complex showed that radioactivity was localized at the site of administration without distribution to the other organs and tissues.

CONCLUSION

Administered 166Ho-chitosan complex is retained at the administration site after either intrahepatic or intratumoral administration to rats or tumor-transplanted nude mice.

[Nonrotation of the midgut with abnormality of the superior mesenteric artery]

This report describes an anomalous case of nonrotation of the midgut with two superior mesenteric arteries in a 74 year-old Japanese female cadaver at the anatomical laboratory of Kanazawa Medical University. The characteristics of this nonrotation case were as follows: all the small bowel shifted to the right side and all the large bowel to the left side of the abdomen; cecum and appendix vermiform were situated to the left lower abdomen; and ligament of Treiz was absent. There were three arteries originating from the abdominal aorta for blood supply of abdominal organs: 1) the celiacomesenteric trunk with the first superior mesenteric artery, 2) the second superior mesenteric artery, 3) the inferior mesenteric artery. This case had two superior mesenteric arteries. The first one arose from the celiacomesenteric trunk. The second one arose from the left wall of the abdominal aorta about 95.0 mm below the origin of the celiacomesenteric trunk and 23.0 mm above the origin of the inferior mesenteric artery. The first superior mesenteric artery with five branches supplied the inferior portion of the duodenum and the superior portion of the small bowel. The second superior mesenteric artery had five small intestinal arteries supplying the inferior portion of the small bowel, and five large intestinal arteries supplying the cecum, the ascending colon, the transverse colon and the superior portion of the descending colon. The authors believe that the existence of the two superior mesenteric arteries caused the malformation in the nonrotation of the intestinal tracts in this cadaver.

Hyperglycaemia due to insulin resistance caused by interferon-gamma

Marked hyperglycaemia (30.9 mmol l(-1)) during interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) therapy for asymptomatic recurrent renal cancer as multiple lung metastases in a 52-year-old man is described. Although the involvement of IFN-gamma has been reported in the development of autoimmune diabetes, in this case, antibodies against pancreatic beta-cells including anti-islet cell antibody (ICA) and anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) antibody were negative. Moreover, serum level of immunoreactive insulin (IRI) (11 microU ml(-1) at fasting) and urinary excretion of C-peptide (108 microg day(-1), reference range: 20-130) suggested insulin resistance, supported by results of insulin tolerance tests. With insulin therapy and cessation of IFN-gamma, fasting blood glucose concentration returned to 6.2 mmol l(-1), and insulin therapy was discontinued. The injection of IFN-gamma may cause hyperglycaemia because of insulin resistance, rather than beta-cell injury.

[Topical treatment of onychomycosis by occlusive dressing using bifonazole cream containing 40% urea]

Topical treatment with an antifungal agent was performed in 70 cases of onychomycosis (69 cases of tinea unguium and 1 case of Candida onychomycosis). The patients were treated every night by occlusive dressing using bifonazole cream containing 40% urea, and then by simple application of 1% bifonazole solution in the morning. During the treatment period, the softened affected nails were removed as completely as possible with nail clippers and files. The nails were observed every two weeks, and the efficacy was evaluated after 12 weeks. Two cases were excluded and 28 cases dropped out leaving 40 cases for efficacy evaluation. Among the 40 patients, 20 appeared to be mycologically negative (mycological cure rate: 50.0%). Clinical response was judged by the changes in opacity and thickness of the nails. Nine patients were evaluated as showing "marked improvement" and 16 as showing "improvement" (improvement rate: 62.5%). Erosion was noted as an adverse reaction in 2 patients. In one patient, treatment was stopped and the lesion was improved by antibiotic ointment, and in another, treatment was resumed when erosion was cured by discontinuation of the treatment. These results suggest that the topical treatment of onychomycosis by occlusive dressing is a useful method for those patients who have difficulties in or do not wish to be treated with oral antifungal agents.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of FK143, a nonsteroidal inhibitor of steroid 5 alpha-reductase, in healthy volunteers

The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of FK143, a new nonsteroidal inhibitor of steroid 5 alpha-reductase, were investigated in healthy volunteers, with use of plasma FK143 concentrations and serum dihydrotestosterone levels as an index for pharmacologic effects. The area under the plasma concentration-time curve from zero to infinity [AUC(0-infinity)] and maximum plasma concentration [Cmax] were increased dose proportionally after oral administration (100 to 500 mg) while subjects were in the fed state. The AUC(0-infinity) and Cmax after 500 mg oral administration during fed conditions were significantly larger than those during the fasted state, suggesting an increase of the absorption of FK143. Dihydrotestosterone concentrations after a single administration of FK143 (100 to 500 mg) during fed conditions decreased to about 65% of predose values and thereafter slowly recovered to the same levels as predose values at 168 hours. A combined pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic model was constructed with use of changes in dihydrotestosterone concentrations. The pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic profiles of FK143 after repeated administration were predictable with use of the pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic parameters obtained after a single administration of FK143.

Surface Monolayers of Poly(l-glutamic Acid)-Functionalized Amphiphiles: Effect of Attachment of Spiropyran to the Polymer Segment

A novel poly(l-glutamic acid)-functionalized amphiphile (2) containing spiropyran groups in the side chain was successfully prepared. Surface monolayers of 2 were affected by isomerization of the spiropyran group; i.e., 2sp, which is in the spiro form, gave an expanded monolayer comparable with that of the spiropyran-free 1, while 2mc in the cyanine form gave a well-condensed monolayer similar to the 1 monolayer. CD measurements for these deposited monolayers onto quartz plates showed that the helix content was higher for the 2sp monolayer than for the 2mc monolayer. Upon isomerization from the cyanine to the spiro form, the 2mc monolayer had a tendency to expand gradually. When d-tryptophan was added into the subphase, such a monolayer expansion was completely suppressed due to electrostatic interactions between zwitterions, whereas no effect of the addition of l-tryptophan on the monolayer was observed. This result suggests that the assembled structure of alpha-helical poly(l-glutamic acid) would provide a suitable site for capturing alpha-amino acid enantioselectively.