A bifurcation concept for B-lymphoid/plasmacytoid dendritic cells with largely fluctuating transcriptome dynamics

Hematopoiesis was considered a hierarchical stepwise process but was revised to a continuous process following single-cell RNA sequencing. However, the uncertainty or fluctuation of single-cell transcriptome dynamics during differentiation was not considered, and the dendritic cell (DC) pathway in the lymphoid context remains unclear. Here, we identify human B-plasmacytoid DC (pDC) bifurcation as large fluctuating transcriptome dynamics in the putative B/NK progenitor region by dry and wet methods. By converting splicing kinetics into diffusion dynamics in a deep generative model, our original computational methodology reveals strong fluctuation at B/pDC bifurcation in IL-7Rα⁺ regions, and LFA-1 fluctuates positively in the pDC direction at the bifurcation. These expectancies are validated by the presence of B/pDC progenitors in the IL-7Rα⁺ fraction and preferential expression of LFA-1 in pDC-biased progenitors with a niche-like culture system. We provide a model of fluctuation-based differentiation, which reconciles continuous and discrete models and is applicable to other developmental systems.

Feasibility of a mobile cardiotocogram device for fetal heart rate self-monitoring in low-risk singleton pregnant women

AIM

This study aimed to clarify the feasibility of a mobile cardiotocogram (CTG) device for self-monitoring fetal heart rate (FHR) in low-risk singleton pregnant women.

METHODS

This study was conducted at six university hospitals and seven maternity clinics in Japan. Using a mobile cardiotocogram device (iCTG, Melody International Ltd., Kagawa, Japan), participants of more than 34 gestational weeks measured the FHR by themselves at least once a week until hospitalization for delivery. We evaluated the acquisition rate of evaluable FHR recordings and the frequency of abnormal FHR patterns according to the CTG classification system of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (JSOG). The participants also underwent a questionnaire survey after delivery to evaluate their satisfaction level of self-monitoring FHR using the mobile CTG device.

RESULTS

A total of 1278 FHR recordings from 101 women were analyzed. Among them, 1276 (99.8%) were readable for more than 10 min continuously, and the median percentage of the total readable period in each recording was 98.9% (range, 51.4-100). According to the JSOG classification system, 1245 (97.6%), 9 (0.7%), 18 (1.4%), and four (0.3%) FHR patterns were classified as levels 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. The questionnaire survey revealed high participant satisfaction with FHR self-monitoring using the iCTG.

CONCLUSION

The mobile CTG device is a feasible tool for self-monitoring FHR, with a high participant satisfaction level.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices associated with pertussis vaccination during pregnancy: Japan, 2016-2017

Neonatal pertussis has the potential for severe complications, even death. Mothers have been identified as the most frequent source of neonatal pertussis. Almost a dozen countries have implemented pertussis vaccination programs for pregnant women to protect neonates, but Japan has not yet done so. The aim of this questionnaire-based study was to ascertain the willingness of women to be vaccinated during pregnancy and the factors associated with willingness. Subjects were 977 pregnant women who visited either of two selected hospitals for maternity health checks. Most of the women were in their first pregnancy (96%) and about half considered a physician to be the most reliable source of information about vaccination (481/977, 49%). "Willingness to receive pertussis vaccination" was significantly associated with the factors "no fear of receiving vaccination" (odds ratio [OR]=3.10, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.21-4.34), "necessary to prevent pertussis" (OR=8.70, 95% CI: 6.17-12.28), "effective in pregnancy"(OR=5.46, 95% CI: 3.94-7.56), and "no concern about side effects after vaccination"(OR=3.03, 95% CI: 1.66-5.55). Pregnant women are likely to consider vaccination if they have a good understanding of the disease and its outcomes. Physicians are well positioned to improve knowledge and attitudes toward pertussis vaccination during pregnancy.

Fugu (Takifugu rubripes) sexual differentiation: CYP19 regulation and aromatase inhibitor induced testicular development

In order to assess the involvement of aromatase CYP19 isoforms and endogenous sex steroids in gonadal sex differentiation and development of the Japanese fugu (Takifugu rubripes), an aromatase inhibitor (AI, fadrozole) was administered to developing fishes from the 'first feeding' till the 100th day after hatching. It was observed that ovarian cavity formation was inhibited by fadrozole at doses of 500 and 1000 microg/g diet, which was followed by testicular differentiation in all treated fugu. In the non-treated fugu, CYP19A was predominantly expressed in the ovary and CYP19B in the brain (in both sexes), although both were expressed interchangeably at low levels. An exceptionally high expression of CYP19B was also evident in testis throughout the study period. Both forms of CYP19 mRNA showed low levels of expression in brain and gonad with no significant differences between the two AI treatments. AI treatment inhibited CYP19A mRNA in trunk during the crucial period of ovarian cavity formation and CYP19B in gonad and brain by the end of gonadal sex differentiation. An elevation of testosterone and 11-ketotestosterone was observed which can be associated with the down-regulation of the circulating 17beta-estradiol production during the AI treatment period. After stopping AI treatment, both circulating estrogen and androgen were normalized. The current results suggest that suppression of CYP19A before and during morphological sex differentiation inhibits ovarian cavity formation in fugu. Furthermore, non-detectable limits of 17beta-estradiol and high testosterone levels by the end of the gonadal differentiation period can be ascribed to inhibition of CYP19B, suggesting that conversion of 17beta-estradiol from testosterone is plausibly regulated by CYP19B, and that this factor (CYP19B) may play an important role in AI-induced testicular development after gonadal sex differentiation through regulation of the testosterone-17beta-estradiol balance in fugu.

Hydrometallurgical recovery of zinc from ashes of automobile tire wastes

Study has been performed on the investigation of metal leaching behavior for fly and bottom ashes from automobile tire wastes using acid and alkaline solutions from both viewpoints of environmental protection and resource utilization. The two ashes were found to contain substantial amounts of zinc and iron along with small quantities of cobalt, manganese, magnesium, copper, titanium and aluminum. The fly ash contained a much larger amount of zinc than the bottom ash, and seems to be a promising secondary source for the metal. Effects of such experimental parameters as temperature, time and solid-liquid ratio on the leaching behavior were investigated. Using three mineral acids and citric acid, selective leaching of zinc was successfully attained; the concentration of zinc in the leach liquors from the fly ash reached as high as 20 g l(-1) while the iron leaching was much suppressed. Selective separation of zinc was also attained in the leaching with alkaline solutions, though the percent leaching was lower than that in the acid leaching. Moreover, solvent extraction and precipitation were applied to the metal-loaded leach liquors as downstream processing to evaluate the feasibility of zinc recovery.

Enhancement of phase separation using a drop coalescer in an aqueous two-phase system

The effect of a drop coalescer on phase separation in a PEG/salt aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) in the absence and presence of protein has been investigated. Raschig rings of ceramic, PTFE and glass were used as a drop coalescer in order to separate the mixture into two phases. Among the three materials PTFE is the most effective in coalescing the dispersed drops, with the throughput with PTFE being twice that without the coalescer. Random packing gives good results for phase separation. Two types of fiber mesh coated with PTFE were also used as drop coalescers, one in a spirally folded form and the other in a three-dimensional lattice-form. Throughput in the PEG/salt system with the three-dimensional lattice-form is 1.2 times as high as that with the spirally folded form. Throughput with the coalescer formed by compiling PTFE Raschig rings and fiber mesh in lattice form is 1.6 and 1.2 times as high as the case of separate use of the fiber mesh and the PTFE Raschig rings, respectively. The hydrophobic surface of PTFE in the compiled coalescer has no significant effect on the recovery fraction of the protein in ATPS.

Budding of fowlpox and pigeonpox viruses at the surface of infected cells

Chick embryo fibroblasts and chorioallantoic membranes infected with fowlpox virus (FWPV) or pigeonpox virus (PPV) were examined by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Immature virus particles were observed in finely granular areas, i.e. virus factories, of the cytoplasm. These particles had various forms depending on their stages of development. Many tubular structures were also seen in these regions. Mature virus particles with ellipsoidal or brick-shaped forms enclosing electron-dense cores were detected throughout the cytoplasm. Notably, there was a high frequency of virus budding at the cell surface, but only occasional virus wrapping in the cytoplasm. Another remarkable feature of the infected cells was accumulation of many virions just beneath the plasma membrane, indicating that this phenomenon is closely related to virus budding. Based on the observed frequency of budding, this mechanism seems to be the predominant way for FWPV and PPV to exit the cell.

Monitoring of human herpesvirus-6 and -7 genomes in saliva samples of healthy adults by competitive quantitative PCR

Human herpesviruses-6 and -7 (HHV-6 and HHV-7) are thought to be transmitted during early infancy through saliva. However, the kinetics of the virus shedding in saliva of healthy adults, from whom children are assumed to acquire the viruses, is mostly unknown. This study was conducted to determine how many copies of the genome are secreted in saliva of healthy adults and to clarify the relationship between viral DNA load and virus isolation of HHV-6 and HHV-7. Competitive PCR was performed using primer sets in the U42 gene of each viral genome. In saliva samples from 29 healthy adults, HHV-6 and HHV-7 DNA was detected in 41.4% and 89.7%, respectively. The average copy number of the HHV-7 genome in the positive samples was higher than that of the HHV-6 genome. Follow-up studies of six seropositive individuals for 3 months showed that the amount of HHV-7 DNA was constant in each individual and that "high producers" and "low producers" could be distinguished. By contrast, the amount of HHV-6 DNA varied drastically over time in each individual. Although HHV-6 was never isolated from the saliva of any of the six individuals during the follow-up period, HHV-7 was isolated from each individual several times. The amount of HHV-7 DNA tended to be higher at the times when the virus was isolated than at the times when the virus was not isolated. These data demonstrate a striking contrast between HHV-6 and HHV-7 in the kinetics of genome and virus shedding.

[Inhibition of corneal neovascularization--the possibility of inhibition by drug administration]

PURPOSE

The anti-angiogenic activity of FR 118487, a new synthetic analog of Scolecobasidium arenarium products, was examined in Japanese white rabbit cornea.

METHODS

We studied both systemic and locally administered FR 118487 (ointment) in a keratoplasty model consisting of corneal neovascularization after implantation of a Wister rat cornea into a rabbit cornea.

RESULTS

Two weeks after the implantation, the maximum length of neovascularization was 3.4 +/- 0.3 mm in control corneas, 0.1 +/- 0.0 mm with systemic FR 118487 administration (10 mg/day) (p < 0.01), 0.1 +/- 0.1 mm with 10% FR118487 ointment (p < 0.001), 1.0 +/- 0.2 mm with 3% FR 118487 ointment (p < 0.001), and 0.9 +/- 0.9 mm with 1% FR 118487 ointment (p < 0.02).

CONCLUSION

FR 118487 had a significant effect on inhibition of corneal neovascularization.

Poxvirus virions: their surface ultrastructure and interaction with the surface membrane of host cells

Virions of vaccinia and orf viruses were examined by ultrahigh-resolution scanning electron microscopy using a non-coating method. Intracellular mature particles of vaccinia virus appeared to be covered with a net and ultrastructurally their surface consists of many fine ridges and globules, while the surfaces of orf virus mature particles recovered from infected cells consist of spirally running protrusions. The ridge-like structures of vaccinia virus were presumed to correspond to surface tubules shown by negative staining of this virus, while the spiral protrusions of orf virus were presumed to correspond to spiral threads having a criss-cross appearance by the same staining. Using scanning electron microscopy in which the samples were prepared by the conventional method, we observed: (i) many virions, i.e. one or two hundreds, or occasionally more reaching about one thousand particles, of the IHD strain of vaccinia virus, (ii) many or a moderate number of virions, i.e. about one hundred or fewer particles, of the 58 strain of cowpox virus and (iii) rather few virions, i.e. several tens or fewer particles, of the Iwate strain of orf virus on the free surface of each cell infected with these viruses. It must be noted that the number of virions detected considerably differed in respective cells examined. Virus budding was frequently observed at the cell surface of monolayer cells infected with vaccinia virus but it was never detected with cowpox or orf virus, indicating a difference in the mechanism of virus release between vaccinia and the other two viruses. When whole cells infected with vaccinia virus were examined by a combination of high-voltage and scanning electron microscopies, virions on the cell surface and those inside the cells were clearly differentiated. All virions on the cell surface had an envelope, and some of the envelopes had a slack and/or one or more bulges.

Comparison of antiviral compounds against human herpesvirus 6 and 7

Four classes of antiviral compounds were evaluated for inhibitory activity against two variants of human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6A and -6B) and human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7). These included: (1) a pyrophosphate analog, phosphonoformic acid (PFA); (2) beta-guanine analogs, 9-(2-hydroxyethoxymethyl)guanine (acyclovir or ACV), 9-[(1,3-dihydroxy-2-propoxy)methyl]guanine (ganciclovir or GCV) and 9-(4-hydroxy-3-hydroxy-3-hydroxymethylbutylyl)guanine (penciclovir or PCV); (3) acyclic nucleoside phosphonates, (S)-1-[(3-hydroxy-2-phosphonylmethoxy)propyl]cytosine [cidofovir or (S)-HPMPC] and its cyclic derivative (S)-cyclic-HPMPC (cHPMPC), 9-[[2-hydroxy-1-phosphonomethoxy)ethoxy]methyl]guanine (HPMEMG) and 9-[(2-phosphonylmethoxy)ethyl]-2,6-diaminopurine (PMEDAP), and the seven other related compounds; and (4) a series of benzimidazole ribonucleosides, including 2-bromo-5,6-dichloro-1-(beta-D-ribofuranosyl)benzimidazole (BDCRB). End-point inhibitory concentration (EPC) and 50% effective inhibitory concentration (EC50) values were determined by a dot-blot antigen detection method in cord blood mononuclear cells infected with HHV-6A, HHV-6B or HHV-7 at a multiplicity of infection of 0.004 CCID50/cell. (S)-HPMPC and cHPMPC had an EC50 value of approximately 0.3 microg/ml for HHV-6A, 1.2 microg/ml for HHV-6B and 3.0 microg/ml for HHV-7. These compounds were the most active of those tested against each virus. The EC50 value of GCV for HHV-6A was 0.65 microg/ml, 1.33 microg/ml for HHV-6B, and >7 microg/ml for HHV-7. The EC50 values of ACV and PCV were approximately 6-8 microg/ml for HHV-6A, 16-24 microg/ml for HHV-6B and 121-128 microg/ml for HHV-7. These drugs were the least active. The sensitivity of HHV-7 to the guanine analogs was different from HHV-6, suggesting a difference in selectivity of specific viral enzymes.

Development of a dot blot neutralizing assay for HHV-6 and HHV-7 using specific monoclonal antibodies

To elucidate further immune responses to human herpesviruses 6 and 7 (HHV-6 and -7), a neutralizing antibody assay was established for these viruses using a dot blot method. Three monoclonal antibodies against HHV-6 and 12 monoclonal antibodies against HHV-7 were developed and characterized by radio-immunoprecipitation. One monoclonal antibody which recognizes the 135 kDa late polypeptide of HHV-6 and several which recognize the 125 kDa late polypeptide of HHV-7 were selected to monitor virus growth by a dot blot antigen-detection method. The dot blot method was then used for the assay of HHV-6 and -7 neutralizing antibodies in human serum samples. The neutralization endpoints determined by the dot blot were comparable to those determined by immunofluorescence (IF). The neutralizing antibody titers appeared to correlate with the antibody titers determined by the indirect IF antibody test. The dot blot neutralization assay is easy to perform, is highly reproducible and objective when compared with the conventional methods based on cytopathology or IF for determining neutralization endpoints.

Multiple endocrine neoplasia 2B with glaucoma associated with codon 918 mutation of the RET proto-oncogene

PURPOSE

We report the first case of a 35-year-old Japanese man with multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) 2B de novo to be associated with primary open angle glaucoma.

METHODS

DNA was extracted from the patient's circulating leukocytes, specimens of the resected cervical lymph nodes, the neuroma of the eyelid, and of the conjunctival epithelium. Mutation was assayed by PCR/restriction enzyme and direct sequencing.

RESULTS

The glaucoma and MEN 2B were diagnosed at the same time, when the patient was 16 years old. The glaucoma was controlled by medical treatment. The codon 918 mutation (met918thr) in exon 16 of the RET proto-oncogene associated with MEN 2B was identified in all these tissues.

CONCLUSION

This patient was found to have the germline mutation at codon 918 (met918thr) in the RET proto-oncogene. The association between the RET proto-oncogene and glaucoma remains unclear, since glaucoma is a rare manifestation of MEN 2B.

[Structure and assembly of human beta herpesviruses]

This review is concerned with the structure and assembly of HCMV, HHV6 and HHV7. A characteristic ultrastructural feature common to all these viruses is a distinct tegumentary coating of intracytoplasmic capsids. The tegument structure is also distinctly seen in the virions of HHV6 and HHV7. Morphologically, acquisition of the tegument was observed to have taken place in the cytoplasm. Immunoelectron microscopic studies of HCMV infected cells, however, have demonstrated the existence of a tegument protein, pp150, on the surface of intranuclear capsids as well as on capsids in the cytoplasm and in extracellular virions. In addition, another tegument protein, pp65 has been detected within the matrix of cytoplasmic and extracellular dense bodies but not in virions. The molecular mechanism of the assembly of beta herpesviruses was also discussed.

Infection of a human retinal pigment epithelial cell line with human herpesvirus 6 variant A

A retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell line (K-1034) was examined for its susceptibility to human herpesvirus 6 variant A (HHV-6A). Exposure of K-1034 cells to HHV-6A induced the formation of multinucleated giant cells, which was suppressed by an inhibitor of viral DNA synthesis. In the giant cells, herpesvirus nucleocapsids were demonstrated by electron microscopy and the viral glycoprotein B was detected by immunofluorescence assay. These results indicate that K-1034 cells are susceptible to HHV-6A and suggest that HHV-6A has an ability to directly destroy epithelial cells.

Transmission of human herpesvirus 7 through multigenerational families in the same household

BACKGROUND

Human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7) closely resembles HHV-6 and to a lesser degree cytomegalovirus. HHV-7 infection is usually acquired during early childhood. Primary infection can cause a roseola-like illness but in most cases it is only mildly symptomatic. The majority of adults are seropositive and in contrast to HHV-6 and cytomegalovirus infection, they continue to secrete the virus in their saliva for many years. The mode of intrafamilial transmission of this virus is not well-understood.

METHODS

Saliva samples for virus isolation and DNA restriction analysis were obtained from all 47 members of 6 Japanese families, including 4 families with 3 generations living in the same household.

RESULTS

HHV-7 was isolated from 43 of 47 saliva samples collected from children and adult members of the 6 families (91.5%). In one family the restriction patterns of the maternal grandmother, the mother and the children were similar, and the patterns of the paternal grandmother and the father were similar. In another family the patterns of the father and 5 of 6 children were similar, and those of the mother and the other child were similar. Altogether similar HHV-7 restriction profiles with his or her mother were found in 48% of offspring, and similar profiles with his or her father were found in 28% of offspring.

CONCLUSIONS

The results strongly suggested horizontal transmission of HHV-7 from grandparents to parents to children through close contact within a household. Either parent could transmit HHV-7 to the children.

Suppressive effects of human herpesvirus 6 on in vitro colony formation of hematopoietic progenitor cells

Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) has been reported to be involved in bone marrow failure after bone marrow transplantation (BMT). To elucidate the role of HHV-6 in the marrow failure, we examined the comparative effect of two variants of HHV-6 (HHV-6A and HHV-6B) and human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7) on in vitro colony formation of hematopoietic progenitor cells in methylcellulose semi-solid media. Progenitor cells prepared from cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMNCs) were infected with one of these viruses at various multiplicity of infection (MOI), and were subjected to methylcellulose colony assay. Formation of both granulocyte/macrophage (CFU-GM) and erythroid (BFU-E) colonies was MOI-dependently suppressed after infection with the Z29 strain of HHV-6B. Although HHV-6A suppressed the formation of BFU-E colonies as efficiently as HHV-6B, the former did not exhibit significant suppressive effect on the formation of CFU-GM colonies at an MOI 1. HHV-7 had no effect on hematopoietic colony formation at all. Based on frequent positivity of viral DNA in single colonies obtained from HHV-6-infected progenitor cells by polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridization, direct effects of HHV-6 on the hematopoietic progenitor cells are suggested as the cause of the suppression rather than indirect effects via accessory cells of the bone marrow.

[Inhibition of corneal neovascularization by a new analog of fungal product]

The anti-angiogenic activity if FR 118487, a new synthetic analogue of Scolecobasidium arenarium products, was examined in corneas of Japanese white rabbits. We studied locally administered FR 118487 with hydron pellets in two models; corneal neovascularization after implantation of a CuCl2 pellet (CuCl2-induced model) and a Wistar rat's cornea (keratoplasty model) into a rabbit cornea. In the CuCl2-induced model, maximum length of neovascularization was 0.08 +/- 0.10 (mean +/- standard deviation) mm with FR 118487 (control 2.84 +/- 0.13 mm) at 1 week after the implantation. In the keratoplasty model, maximum length of neovascularization was 0.05 +/- 0.05 mm with FR 118487 (control 3.33 +/- 0.18 mm) at 2 weeks after the implantation. In both models, FR 118487 had a significant (p < 0.01) effect on inhibition of corneal neovascularization.

In vitro selection of variants of herpes simplex virus type 1 which differ in cytopathic changes

To analyze the mechanisms for in vitro emergence of the syncytial variants of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), several cell lines were infected with a mixture of equal amounts of two HSV-1 variants, one syncytial and the other non-syncytial, and changes in their relative abundance were monitored during passage. With a combination of two variants of the Miyama strain of HSV-1, the syncytial variant became dominant during passage in Vero, RK-13 and FL cells. On the other hand, the ratios of the two variants remained around 1:1 during the passage in HEp-2, MGC and HEL cells. In another set of variants of the SKO strain of HSV-1, the outcomes were different from those of the Miyama strain in the FL, MGC and HEp-2 cells. The ratios of the two variants remained around 1:1 during passage in FL cells, while the non-syncytial variant became dominant during passage in MGC and HEp-2 cells. In addition, we examined the effects of a complement and interferon-beta (IFN-beta) on the outcome of the selection. As a result, the complement slowed the selection of a syncytial variant, whereas IFN-beta facilitated it.

High-resolution immuno-scanning electron microscopy using a non-coating method: study of herpes simplex virus glycoproteins on the surface of virus particles and infected cells

The expression of two glycoproteins, i.e. glycoprotein C (gC) and glycoprotein D (gD), of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) on the surface of extracellular particles of this virus was examined by immuno-scanning electron microscopy. Scanning electron microscopy specimens of infected cells immuno-labelled against the glycoproteins with colloidal gold particles were prepared by a conventional coating and a non-coating method. Surface ultrastructure of infected cells and gold particles were observed more clearly with specimens prepared by the non-coating method. The appearance of virus particles in association with glycoprotein expression on these particles and on the surface of infected cells was then studied. Progeny virus particles began to appear 6 h after infection, increased in number as the infection proceeded, and covered most of the cell surface by 16 h. Six to 24 h after the infection, the labelling density for each glycoprotein on virus particles remained constant. The labelling density for gD was always higher than that for gC. The patch-like distribution of gold-labelling against gD was often detected on infected cell monolayers at the exponential and late stage of one cycle of virus growth. The labelling density for gD on virus particles was the highest on these produced in Vero and L-929 cells, moderate in MRC-5, BHK-21 and FL cells, and the lowest in HEp-2 cells.

Molecular analysis of outer capsid glycoprotein (VP7) genes from two isolates of human group C rotavirus with different genome electropherotypes

Nucleotide sequences for the VP7 gene of human group C rotavirus were determined for two strains isolated in Okayama, Japan, during a 1988-1990 epidemic. These isolates, OK118 and OK450, were selected as prototypes of two different electropherotypes, patterns I and II, respectively. The genes were identical in size (1,063 bp), and both contained singled open reading frames encoding 332 amino acids. The alignment of two sequences revealed 46 nucleotide substitutions, 11 of which were predicted to give amino acid changes. The deduced amino acid sequence of VP7 from OK118 was similar to published sequences of a Japanese isolate and three foreign isolates (more than 98.4% identity), whereas the VP7 sequence of OK450 revealed around 96% identity with these isolates and had nine unique amino acid substitutions. The VP7 genes of nine Okayama isolated were than analyzed by dot blot hybridization with the VP7 probes of OK118 and OK450. Under highly stringent conditions, the OK118 probe produced strong hybridization signals with the genes of five pattern I strains and one pattern II strain, while the OK450 probe strongly reacted only with those of three pattern II strains. Our results concluded that relative sequence diversity in the VP7 gene was observed between two different electropherotypes prevalent in a limited area.

Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction amplification of respiratory syncytial virus genome from neonatal nasal swab samples

In order to make a rapid and accurate diagnosis of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, nasal swabs obtained from 14 neonates suspected of having this disease were examined for the presence of RSV genome by reverse transcription (RT) and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification, along with enzyme immunoassay (EIA), serum neutralization testing and virus isolation. The RT-PCR method was sensitive enough to detect a 0.1 50% tissue culture infectious dose (TCID50) per milliliter by nested PCR. The RSV antigen was detected from the samples at more than 100 TCID50 per milliliter by EIA. Nine patients were positive for the presence of RSV genome by first PCR on the day of admission, and eight were also positive by nested PCR even on the fifth hospital day. Among nine PCR positives, four patients were positive for EIA and five for virus isolation. No cases were serologically diagnosed. The cases that were negative for RT-PCR were also negative according to the other methods. In the clinical setting, the RT-PCR assay is more useful for diagnosis of RSV infection than other methods when the suspected cases are negative by EIA assay.

Electron microscopic observations of aberrant capsids of pseudorabies virus

Interactions between four strains of pseudorabies virus (PrV) and seven kinds of cell lines were examined. Three kinds of cells (SKL, CPK and PK-15) were especially infected with PrV at an MOI of about 10 PFC/cell. At sequential intervals after infection, cells of these types were collected for electron microscopic observations and the infectious doses of culture fluids were assayed. Developmental features of PrV were found to be very similar to those of herpes simplex virus (HSV), with the slight difference that PrV developed a little earlier and more vigorously than did HSV. At the late stage of infection, aberrant capsids of PrV were observed frequently in the nucleus of SKL but rarely in the nuclei of CPK and PK-15. The titer of infectious virus produced by SKL was much larger than that produced by CPK and PK-15. Immuno-electron microscopic examination using a monoclonal antibody against the major capsid protein of PrV clearly demonstrated that the complete and aberrant capsids have a common epitope. The mechanism of the formation of aberrant capsids is discussed.

[The presence of IgE on limbal Langerhans cells in patients with atopicdermatitis]

Limbal conjunctival biopsies from 8 patients with atopic dermatitis and from 5 age-matched healthy individuals undergoing cataract or retinal detachment surgery were analyzed by light microscopy and immunological techniques. They were immuno-double labelled with anti-CD1a and anti-IgE or anti-CD23 (IgE receptor). In the specimens from atopic dermatitis 24 approximately 75% of positive anti-CD1a staining cells were double-stained by anti-IgE. Weak positive immuno-double stained cells with anti-CD23 were also observed, but less than with anti-IgE. The ratio of positive anti-IgE double-stained cells to positive anti-CD1a stained cells seemed to be parallel to serum IgE level, but not significant. The presence of IgE and CD23 (IgE receptor) on conjunctival Langerhans cells seems to have a positive effect on IgE-dependent antigen presentation.

A method for detection of HHV-6 antigens and its use for evaluating antiviral drugs

A simple and reproducible method for detection of human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) antigens was developed using a dot blot assay in order to assess virus titer and to evaluate the effect of antiviral drugs against HHV-6. The titer of virus stocks obtained by the dot blot assay was the same as that determined by an immunofluorescence assay (IFA). This method was then applied to evaluate the effect of several antiviral drugs against HHV-6, including phosphonoformic acid (PFA), 9-(2-hydroxyethoxymethyl)guanine (ACV), 9-[(1,3-dihydroxy-2-propoxy)methyl]guanine (DHPG) and (S)-1-[(3-hydroxy-2-phosphonylmethoxy)propyl]cytosine [(S)-HPMPC]. The end-point concentrations (EPC, which was determined visually) of DHPG and (S)-HPMPC were approximately 1 microgram/ml. These drugs were more effective than the others which had EPCs of approximately 16 micrograms/ml each. The EPC values of four drugs were almost similar to EC90 values determined by measuring density of each dot blot. Thus, the EPC values can be utilized to determine the efficacy of these drugs in the inhibition of HHV-6 replication. The block in virus replication was not due to toxic effect of these drugs on cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMCs). These results suggest that a dot blot method which detects HHV-6 antigens can be useful for titrating virus yield and evaluating antiviral drugs against HHV-6 replication.

Malignant lymphoma induction in rabbits by intravenous inoculation of Epstein-Barr-virus-related herpesvirus from HTLV-II-transformed cynomolgus leukocyte cell line (Si-IIA)

Malignant lymphomas, which were usually of T-cell type, were induced in 10 of 13 (77%) male rabbits (Japanese white, 8/10; New Zealand white, 2/3) inoculated i.v. with HTLV-II-transformed simian (Cynomolgus) leukocyte cell line (Si-IIA) cells. Of 7 rabbits injected with cell-free pellets from Si-IIA cultures, 5 also developed malignant lymphoma (15-28 days). Lymphoma development was completely inhibited by inactivation of cell-free pellets from Si-IIA culture with ethyl ether and was almost suppressed by neutralization of the cell-free pellets with anti-Si-IIA sera. Herpesvirus particles were discovered very rarely in Si-IIA cells, in addition to C-type virus particles, by electron microscopy. Si-IIA cells were positive for Epstein-Barr-virus (EBV)-associated nuclear antigen (EBNA) by immunofluorescence (IF) test. Antibody response to viral capsid antigen of EBV was also detected in sera from rabbits inoculated with Si-IIA. EBV-encoded RNA-1 (EBER-1) was demonstrated in Si-IIA, the tumor tissues and all rabbit tumor cell lines by in situ hybridization. EBV DNA was also detected in Si-IIA and rabbit lymphoma cell lines by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Southern blotting. However, EBV DNA was amplified only by some primers complementary to human EBV sequence (B95-8), but not by other primers. Integration of HTLV-II provirus genome could not be detected in Si-IIA-induced rabbit tumor cells. Moreover, no lymphoma was induced by inoculation of HTLV-IIC and MOT (other HTLV-II-producing human cell lines), B95-8(EBV-producing cell line) or TALL-1 and peripheral leukocytes from normal Cynomolgus (controls). Neither Herpesvirus saimiri nor H. ateles (simian oncogenic viruses) were detected in Si-IIA cells by IF test. These data suggest that the high rate of lymphoma induction in rabbits may not be caused by HTLV-II, human EBV (B95-8) or well-known simian oncogenic viruses, but by EBV-related herpesvirus derived from Si-IIA cells or HTLV-IIA cells, with which Si-IIA was established. The availability of this animal model promises to clarify the role of EBV in human lymphoma and provides a means of studying prophylactic and therapeutic regimens.

Ultrahigh-resolution scanning electron microscopy of MDCK cells infected with influenza viruses

Ultrahigh-resolution scanning electron microscopy of MDCK cells infected with influenza viruses was carried out by the uncoated uranyl acetate staining preparation method. Ridge-like protrusions were detected on virus particles and were considered to be an indication of aggregated glycoprotein spikes. Bundles of filamentous virus particles along with bacillary virus particles were encountered on MDCK cells infected with freshly isolated strains of type A virus. Filamentous virus particles that were twisted like ropes were observed on MDCK cells infected with strains of type B virus.

Analysis of molluscum contagiosum virus genomes isolated in Japan

The genomes of 477 Japanese strains of molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) were analyzed using an in-gel digestion method with the restriction enzyme BamHI, and classified into four types, including a newly detected type (MCV type 4). All type 1 (MCV-1) genomes examined so far in Japan showed a common difference from the genome of the MCV-1 prototype (MCV-1p), the type reported to be most prevalent in Europe. The common markers of the variants of MCV-1 were 24-kbp fusion fragments generated by the loss of a BamHI site between the D2 and F fragments of MCV-1p. These variants of MCV-1 were classified into three groups (MCV-1va, MCV-1vb, MCV-1vc), with the variability among them being due to additions and losses of BamHI sites located in the right terminus and around the E and I fragments of MCV-1va. The restriction map of MCV-4 was generated and lined up with those of the other types. Cross-hybridization analysis revealed that the organization of all types of MCV genomes were essentially colinear. Considerable numbers of BamHI restriction sites were conserved between MCV-2 and 4, indicating a close analogy between them. The overall prevalence of MCV, as shown by the ratios of MCV-1 (MCV-1p):MCV-2:MCV-3:MCV-4, was 436(0):13:24:4. Thus, the molecular epidemiology of MCV in Japan is characterized by the absence of the European prototype of MCV-1, the exclusive occurrence and abundance of variants of MCV-1, a greater prevalence of MCV-3 over MCV-2, and the presence of MCV-4.

Rapid detection of human group C rotaviruses by reverse passive hemagglutination and latex agglutination tests using monoclonal antibodies

Reverse passive hemagglutination (RPHA) tests and a latex agglutination test with monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were developed for the rapid detection of noncultivatable human group C rotaviruses. For RPHA tests, two MAbs, MAb 5A12 recognizing the outer capsid and MAb 13A3 recognizing the inner capsid, were separately used for the coating of sheep erythrocytes (SRBCs). Forty-six fecal samples were examined to confirm the practicality of the tests. As a result, there was concordance between the RPHA test with SRBCs coated with MAb 5A12 and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of viral RNA (RNA-PAGE) in 44 (95.6%) of 46 samples, while the diagnoses by the RPHA test with SRBCs coated with MAb 13A3 were in complete agreement with those by RNA-PAGE. Furthermore, a latex agglutination test with MAb 13A3 was also developed, and this test was fast enough and sensitive enough to successfully detect the viruses from most fecal samples within 2 min. The present procedures would be useful for the diagnosis of human group C rotavirus infections in clinical laboratories which are not well equipped.

Interleukin-4 and -5 as modulators of nerve growth factor synthesis/secretion in astrocytes

To examine the regulation of nerve growth factor (NGF) gene expression with respect to neural trauma, we examined the effects of T cell-derived lymphokines on NGF synthesis/secretion in cultured mouse astrocytes. Interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-5 significantly increased the amount of NGF secreted by astrocytes, whereas IL-2, IL-3, and IL-6 had no significant effect. IL-4 and IL-5 produced marked increases in NGF mRNA levels in astrocytes as demonstrated by the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. The effect of IL-4 and IL-5 was greater in quiescent astrocytes than in growing cells. Neither increase in thymidine incorporation nor any morphological change was observed during the treatment with IL-4 and IL-5. The stimulatory effect of IL-4 and IL-5 on NGF synthesis was completely inhibited by the addition of anti-IL-4 monoclonal antibody and anti-IL-5 monoclonal antibody, respectively. The results indicate that IL-4 and IL-5 specifically trigger a cascade of events to regulate NGF synthesis in astrocytes, independent of cell growth.

Characterization of 17 human immunodeficiency virus-1 carrier cell lines with T cell, myelomonocyte, or megakaryocyte lineages

Of 29 hematopoietic cell lines tested for susceptibility to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1HTLV-IIIB infection, all CD4+ cell lines became infected. Continuous culturing of infected cell lines resulted in nine HIV-1 carrier cell lines, including, for the first time, an HIV-1 carrier megakaryoblastic cell line, MEG-01/HIV. The immunophenotypic profiles of a total of 17 HIV-1 carrier cell lines (nine newly and eight previously established cell lines) were compared with their respective parental noninfected cell lines. Except for total absence of CD4 expression, the expression of other antigens was variable among the 17 HIV-1 carrier cell lines. Persistent and consistent replication of infectious HIV-1 was detected in all of them in varying quantities. The great variability observed in both the altered marker expression, with respect to that of the noninfected parental cell lines, and in the quantities of persistently produced infectious HIV-1 was, nevertheless, specific to the individual cell lines. Furthermore, the present study demonstrates that there is no apparent correlation in the quantity of HIV-1 produced to either T cell, myelomonocytic cell, or megakaryocytic cell types. Instead, the results suggest that a particular interaction between HIV-1 and individual clonal cell lines may provide insight into the extremely complex immune dysregulation associated with the pathogenesis of acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Thus, the 17 HIV-1 carrier cell lines of diverse origin presented here provide valuable and unique models for further understanding acquired immune deficiency syndrome pathogenesis at the cellular and molecular levels.

Detection of herpes simplex and varicella-zoster virus DNA by field-inversion gel electrophoresis from clinical materials

A simple method using field-inversion gel electrophoresis (FIGE) was applied to detect herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) genomes in clinical specimens. The whole genomes of these viruses could be detected in small vesicle tissues by the FIGE method regardless of their clinical stages of skin lesions. And the sensitivity of the FIGE method was equivalent to that of an immunofluorescent (IF) method. These data indicated usefulness of the FIGE method to detect the whole genomes of HSV and VZV in clinical specimens.

Analysis of swinepox virus antigens using monoclonal antibodies

Seventeen monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against swinepox virus (SPV) were produced and characterized. These MAbs were classified into eight groups (A through H) on the basis of the molecular weight of the polypeptides which they recognized and the staining patterns of antigens in SPV-infected cells by the indirect immunofluorescent (IF) technique. The MAbs belonging to groups A, B, C and G recognized late antigens in cytoplasmic inclusion bodies with molecular weights of 97 kD, 65 kD, 48 kD and 15 kD, respectively. The MAbs belonging to groups D and H respectively recognized 35 kD and 12 kD late antigens, which first appeared in cytoplasmic inclusion bodies and spread to the cytoplasms and surface membranes of the infected cells. The MAb of group F recognized an 18 kD late antigen with granular distribution in the cytoplasm. The MAbs of group E recognized a 32 kD early antigen. Although all the MAbs belonging to the six groups (A, D through H) were specific for SPV, some of those belonging to groups B and C showed cross-reactivity with members of the other genera of poxviridae. An MAb in group B, SP14, cross-reacted with orf and rabbit fibroma viruses. Two MAbs in group C, SP24 and SP32, cross-reacted with vaccinia, cowpox, ectromelia, and rabbit fibroma viruses. These findings indicate that at least two SPV antigens contain cross-reactive epitopes with different genera of poxviridae.

Detection of cytomegalovirus in urine samples by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using a monoclonal antibody against the viral 150-kilodalton protein

McKeating et al. (J.A. McKeating, P.D. Griffiths, and J.E. Grundy, J. Gen. Virol. 68:785-792, 1987; J. A. McKeating, J. E. Grundy, Z. Varghese, and P. D. Griffiths, J. Med. Virol. 18:341-348, 1986; J. A. McKeating, S. Stagno, P. R. Stirk, and P. D. Griffiths, J. Med. Virol. 16:367-373, 1985) reported previously that beta 2 microglobulin inhibits the detection of human cytomegalovirus (CMV) in urine specimens by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with a monoclonal antibody against the glycoprotein of CMV. They postulated that beta 2 microglobulin binds to the viral glycoproteins and masks the antigenic determinants. We developed here an ELISA method for the detection of CMV in urine by using a monoclonal antibody against the viral 150-kDa protein to capture the viral antigen. This assay detected CMV both in culture medium and in urine specifically at concentrations higher than 10(3) PFU/ml and quantitatively at concentrations higher than 10(4) PFU/ml. The sensitivity of the ELISA increased about 10-fold when peroxidase-labeled F(ab')2 from goat anti-human immunoglobulin G was used as a secondary detecting antibody in combination with concentration of the virus in urine samples by ultracentrifugation. The inhibition of ELISA by beta 2 microglobulin was not observed in this ELISA system. When 56 urine specimens from renal transplant recipients were examined for CMV antigens, the ELISA system had a sensitivity of 78% and a specificity of 97%. The positive and negative predictive values of the assay were 95 and 86%, respectively. Furthermore, CMV antigens in urine were quantitated by the assay during the course of typical CMV disease of renal transplant recipient. These results suggest strongly that the measurement of CMV antigens in urine by our rapid and quantitative ELISA system provides very useful data for the monitoring of CMV infections in renal transplant recipients and making decisions about therapy.

Molecular epidemiological study of molluscum contagiosum virus in two urban areas of western Japan by the in-gel endonuclease digestion method

The in-gel endonuclease digestion method was introduced for the molecular epidemiology of molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV). We obtained clear electrophoretic patterns from 90.3% of single lesions. The distribution of MCV types in Western Japan was revealed to be different from that in other countries.

Neurovirulent strains of herpes simplex virus type 1 are not necessarily competent for reactivatable latency

Ability of two neurovirulent strains (F and +GC (LPV) Miyama) of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) to establish and maintain reactivatable latency in trigeminal ganglia (TG) was compared after intranasal inoculation of mice. The +GC (LPV) Miyama strain showed a very low rate of virus reactivation in explant cultures of TG, while the F strain showed a high rate of reactivation. These data indicate that neurovirulent strains of HSV-1 are not always competent for reactivatable latency, although most virulent strains of HSV-1 thus far reported were competent for reactivatable latency.

Reactivatable latency of three avirulent strains of herpes simplex virus type 1 after intranasal inoculation in mice

In order to elucidate the mechanism of latent infection of herpes simplex virus (HSV), reactivatable latency of three avirulent strains (SKO-1B, -GCr Miyama, SKa) of HSV type 1 was comparatively examined in a mouse latency model. The SKO-1B strain showed high rate of virus reactivation from explanted trigeminal ganglia without n-butyrate enhancement, while the other two strains showed a very low rate of virus reactivation in the absence of n-butyrate. In the presence of n-butyrate, however, the rate of the -GCr Miyama strain jumped to a comparable level with that of SKO-1B, although the rate of SKa remained at a low level. A more precise follow-up experiment changing the virus dose highlighted the difference of the ability to reactivate from the latent state between SKO-1B and -GCr Miyama. Virus titer in trigeminal ganglia during acute phase, infectivity to cell lines of neural origin, and susceptibility to acyclovir and phosphonoacetate were assayed to know the reasons for the variation in the ability of reactivatable latency among these strains. It was concluded that the reduced infectivity to neural cells, and limited ability of reactivatable latency shown by the SKa strain could mainly be attributed to the deficiency of thymidine kinase activity.

Replicating Marek's disease virus (MDV) serotype 2 DNA with inserted MDV serotype 1 DNA sequences in a Marek's disease lymphoblastoid cell line MSB1-41C

We characterized the properties of herpes-type viruses which grew well in a Marek's disease lymphoblastoid cell line, MSB1-41C, inducing cytopathic effect characterized by the formation of syncytial giant cells. Examination of the infectious virus by field inversion gel electrophoresis revealed the presence of DNA of about 180 kbp in both the culture fluid and cell fractions of the infected MSB-41C cells. The DNA was found to consist of Marek's disease virus (MDV) serotype 2 (MDV2) and MDV serotype 1 (MDV1) DNA by Southern blot hybridization. The MDV1 DNA consisted of sequences mainly from the long inverted repeats including multiple copies of 132 bp direct tandem repeats. Molecular cloning of BamHI digests of the MDV2 DNA revealed a fragment of MDV1 DNA and MDV2 DNA fused together, indicating that the recombinant MDV2 DNA had been generated by genetic recombination with the latent MDV1 DNA.

The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of a new thromboxane synthetase inhibitor, 6-(1-imidazolylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalene-2-carboxylic acid (DP-1904) in man after repeated oral doses

The pharmacokinetics of DP-1904, a new potent and selective thromboxane synthetase inhibitor, and its effects on ex-vivo prostanoid formation have been studied in groups of Japanese normal male volunteers, who received repeated oral doses of 200 mg every 12 h for 4 doses, or 400 mg every 24 h for 2 doses, or 200 mg every 12 h for 14 doses. The drug was well tolerated by all subjects without evidence of adverse reactions. Repeated administration showed no significant changes in half-lives, tmax values, cmax values and AUC values. DP-1904 did not exhibit time-dependent kinetics. Its plasma levels were lower than the quantifiable level (50 ng mL-1) at 12 h after each dose. These data suggest no significant accumulation of DP-1904 in normal volunteers. DP-1904 reduced the serum thromboxane B2 by about 80% during the medication, the serum concentrations returning to about 44, 75 and 20% of the predrug control values at 36 h after the last 200 mg doses and 48 h after the last 400 mg dose.

Disposition and effect of the new thromboxane synthetase inhibitor 6-(1-imidazolylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalene-2-carboxylic acid in man

The disposition of a new thromboxane synthetase inhibitor, 6-(1-imidazolylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalene-2-carboxylic acid (DP-1904) upon administration of a single 200-mg oral dose to normal Japanese volunteers was studied. DP-1904 proved to be rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and converted to its ester glucuronide, which appeared in plasma within 30 min after dosing. The AUCs of DP-1904 and its ester glucuronide were 7.23 +/- 0.54 and 7.93 +/- 0.86 micrograms.h/ml (mean +/- S.E., n = 5), respectively. Both compounds were also eliminated very rapidly from the body (half-lives greater than 60 min). The primary route of elimination was renal, with 52.1 +/- 2.2 and 37.6 +/- 1.6% of the dose being excreted in the urine as the unchanged form and the glucuronide conjugate within 48 h, respectively. The cumulative fecal excretion rates of DP-1904 up to 48 h after dosing were approximately 0.5%. The main metabolite of DP-1904 in humans was DP-1904 glucuronide. Serum thromboxane (TX) B2 levels were reduced more than 98% within 1 h after dosing. There was still more than 75% suppression of serum TXB2 levels at 12 h after dosing. At 72 h TXB2 concentrations returned to control levels. These data indicate that DP-1904 is a potent and long-acting thromboxane synthetase inhibitor.

The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of a new thromboxane synthetase inhibitor, 6-(1-imidazolylmethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalene-2-carboxylic acid (DP-1904), in man after single oral administration

The pharmacokinetics of DP-1904, a new potent and selective thromboxane synthetase inhibitor and its effects on ex-vivo prostanoid formation were studied in Japanese normal male volunteers, who received orally a single 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 400 or 800 mg dose. The drug was well tolerated by all subjects without evidence of any adverse reactions. The absorption of DP-1904 from gastro-intestinal tract was rapid. After oral doses of 10-800 mg of the drug given to volunteers in the fasted state, the mean maximum drug concentrations in plasma (Cmax) (mean +/- s.e., n = 5) of 0.215 (+/- 0.041), 0.399 (+/- 0.037), 1.47 (+/- 0.22), 2.86 (+/- 0.22), 4.66 (+/- 0.58), 7.28 (+/- 0.72) and 16.9 (+/- 2.6) micrograms mL-1 were reached within 1 h. DP-1904 concentrations declined monophasically after Cmax with half lives of 30-40 min. These half lives were independent of the administered doses. The mean area under the concentration-time curves (AUCs) increased from 0.398 (+/- 0.038) to 30.0 (+/- 2.7) micrograms h mL-1 as the dose increased from 10 to 800 mg. Linear relations between the doses and Cmax and AUCs were observed. The correlation coefficients for Cmax and AUC were 0.930 and 0.960, respectively. The apparent oral clearance (CL/F) and renal clearance (CLR) did not change significantly as dose increased from 10 to 800 mg. The kinetics of DP-1904 proved to be linear in the dose range studied.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)