Rock music improvisation shows increased activity in Broca's area and its right hemisphere homologue related to spontaneous creativity

OBJECTIVE

The neural correlates of creativity are not well understood. Using an improvised guitar task, we investigated the role of Broca's area during spontaneous creativity, regardless of individual skills, experience, or subjective feelings.

RESULTS

Twenty guitarists performed improvised and formulaic blues rock sequences while hemodynamic responses were recorded using functional near-infrared spectroscopy. We identified a new significant response in Broca's area (Brodmann area [BA] 45L) and its right hemisphere homologue during improvised playing but not during formulaic playing. Our results indicate that bilateral BA45 activity is common during creative processes that involve improvisation across all participants, regardless of subjective feelings, skill, age, difficulty, history, or amount of practice. While our previous results demonstrated that the modulation of the neural network according to the subjectively experienced level of creativity relied on the degree of deactivation in BA46L, our current results independently show a common concurrent activity in BA45 in all participants. We suggest that this is related to the sustained execution of improvisation in "motor control," analogous to motor planning in speech control.

Association between Reaction Times in the Joint Simon Task and Personality Traits

Joint go and no-go effects (joint Simon effects; JSEs) are considered to have a stimulus-response compatibility effect on joint reaction time tasks (joint Simon task) caused by the presence of other people. Additionally, JSEs are known to be associated with various social factors and are therefore a potential clinical marker for communicative function; however, the relationship with the personality that is associated with communication skills remains unclear. In this study, we focused on the association between JSE and personality traits. Thirty Japanese participants (fifteen women) were recruited. First, personality trait scores were obtained using the Japanese version of the ten-item personality inventory before the experiment. Second, we measured reaction times in the joint Simon task and single go and no-go tasks with the go signal presented on the congruent and incongruent sides. At last, we analyzed the association between reaction times and personality traits by using Spearman's correlation analysis. As a result, we observed two pairs with significant correlations: JSE and neuroticism and short reaction times in the joint condition and agreeableness. In conclusion, we identified potential psychological markers associated with the joint Simon task. These findings may lead to an additional hypothesis regarding the neurobiological mechanisms of JSEs.

The relationship between spatiotemporal gait parameters and cognitive function in healthy adults: protocol for a cross-sectional study

Background

Motor dysfunctions, such as slower walking speed, precede the occurrence of dementia and mild cognitive impairment, suggesting that walking parameters are effective biomarkers for detecting early sub-clinical cognitive risk. It is often also concurrent with self-complained cognitive dysfunction, called motoric cognitive risk (MCR) syndrome. Our preliminary study found several walking parameters, obtained by a three-dimensional motion capture system, to be correlated with computer-based assessments of various cognitive function modalities, although the sample size was small. The Cognitive-Gait (CoGait) Database Project, described in the current protocol, aims to establish a database of multi-dimensional walking and cognitive performance data, collected from a large sample of healthy participants, crucial for detecting early sub-clinical cognitive risk.

Methods

We will recruit healthy volunteers, 20 years or older, without any neurological musculoskeletal or psychiatric disorders. The estimated sample size is 450 participants, including a 10% attrition rate. Using computer-based cognitive assessments, participants will perform six tasks: (i) the simple reaction time task, (ii) Go/No-Go task, (iii) Stroop Color–Word Test, (iv) N-back test, (v) Trail Making Test, and (vi) digit span test. We will also conduct paper-based cognitive assessments such as the Mini-Mental State Examination, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and the Geriatric Depression Scale-15 for assessing MCR. Gait will be measured through joint kinematics and global positioning in participants’ lower legs while walking at a comfortable and faster pace, using pants with an inertial measurement unit-based three-dimensional motion capture system. Finally, we will establish a prediction model for various cognitive performance modalities based on walking performance.

Discussion

This will be the first study to reveal the relationship between walking and cognitive performance using multi-dimensional data collected from a large sample of healthy adults, from the general population. Despite certain methodological limitations such as the accuracy of measurements, the CoGait database is expected to be the standard value for both walking and cognitive functions, supporting the evaluation of psychomotor function in early sub-clinical cognitive risk identification, including motoric-cognitive risk syndrome.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40814-022-01122-z.

Mental arithmetic modulates temporal variabilities of finger-tapping tasks in a tempo-dependent manner

Background

Several psychiatric diseases impair temporal processing. Temporal processing is thought to be based on two domains: supra-second intervals and sub-second intervals. Studies show that temporal processing in sub-second intervals is mainly an automated process. However, the brain functions involved in temporal processing at each time scale remain unclear. We hypothesized that temporal processing in supra-second intervals requires several brain areas, such as the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, intraparietal sulcus (IPS), and inferior parietal lobe, corresponding to various cognitions in a time scale-dependent manner. We focused on a dual-task paradigm (DTP) involving simultaneous performance of cognitive and motor tasks, which is an effective method for screening psychomotor functions; we then designed a DTP comprising finger tapping at various tempi as the temporal processing task and two cognitive tasks (mental arithmetic and reading) that might affect temporal processing. We hoped to determine whether task-dependent interferences on temporal processing in supra-second intervals differed depending on the cognitive tasks involved.

Methods

The study included 30 participants with no history of neuromuscular disorders. Participants were asked to perform a DTP involving right index finger tapping at varying tempi (0.33, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 4 s inter-tapping intervals). Cognitive tasks comprised mental arithmetic (MA) involving three-digit addition, mental reading (MR) of three- to four-digit numbers, and a control (CTL) task without any cognitive loading. For comparison between tasks, we calculated the SDs of the inter-tapping intervals. Participants' MA abilities in the three-digit addition task were evaluated.

Results

The MA and MR tasks significantly increased the SDs of the inter-tapping intervals compared to those of the CTL task in 2-3 s and 3-4 s for the MA and MR tasks, respectively. Furthermore, SD peaks in the finger-tapping tasks involving MA were normalized by those in the CTL task, which were moderately correlated with the participants' MA ability (r = 0.462, P = 0.010).

Discussion

Our results established that DTP involving the temporal coordination of finger-tapping and cognitive tasks increased temporal variability in a task- and tempo-dependent manner. Based on the behavioral aspects, we believe that these modulations of temporal variability might result from the interaction between finger function, arithmetic processing, and temporal processing, especially during the "pre-semantic period". Our findings may help in understanding the temporal processing deficits in various disorders such as dementia, Parkinson's disease, and autism.

Execution of natural manipulation in the air enhances the beta-rhythm intermuscular coherences of the human arm depending on muscle pairs

Natural manipulation tasks in air consist of two kinematic components: a grasping component, with activation of the hand muscles, and a lifting component, with activation of the proximal muscles. However, it remains unclear whether the synchronized motor commands to the hand/proximal arm muscles are divergently controlled during the task. Therefore, we examined how intermuscular coherence was modulated depending on the muscle combinations during grip and lift (G&L) tasks. Electromyograms (EMGs) were recorded from the biceps brachii (BB), triceps brachii (TB), flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS), and extensor digitorum communis (EDC) muscles. The participants were required to maintain G&L tasks involving a small cubical box with the thumb and index and middle fingers. Consequently, we found that the beta-rhythm coherence (15-35 Hz) in BB-TB, BB-FDS, and TB-EDC pairs during G&L was significantly larger than that during the isolated task with cocontraction of the two target muscles but not BB-EDC, TB-FDS, and FDS-EDC (task and muscle pair specificities). These increases in beta-rhythm coherence were also observed in intramuscular EMG recordings. Furthermore, the results from the execution of several mimic G&L tasks revealed that the separated task-related motor signals and combinations between the motor signals/sensations of the fingertips or object load had minor contributions to the increase in the coherence. These results suggest that during G&L the central nervous system regulates synchronous drive onto motoneurons depending on the muscle pairs and that the multiple combination effect of the sensations of touch/object load and motor signals in the task promotes the synchrony of these pairs.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Natural manipulation in air consists of two kinematic components: grasping, with activation of hand muscles, and lifting, with activation of proximal muscles. We show that during the maintenance of object manipulation in air the central nervous system regulates the synchronous drive onto human motoneuron pools depending on the hand/proximal muscle pairs and that the multiple combination effect of the sensations of touch/object load and motor signals in the task promotes the synchrony of these pairs.

Subcortical Contribution of Corticospinal Transmission during Visually Guided Switching Movements of the Arm

In animal experiments, the indirect corticospinal tract (CST) system via cervical interneurons has been shown to mediate motor commands for online adjustment of visuomotor behaviors, such as target-reaching. However, it is still unclear whether the similar CST system functions to perform similar motor behaviors in humans. To clarify this, we investigated changes in motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) in the elbow muscles following transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial electrical stimulation, or cervicomedullary stimulation while participants executed target-reaching and switching movements. We found that the MEP, whether elicited cortically or subcortically, was modulated depending on the direction of the switching movements. MEP facilitation began around the onset of the switching activities in an agonist muscle. Furthermore, ulnar nerve-induced MEP facilitation, which could be mediated by presumed cervical interneuronal systems, also increased at the onset of MEP facilitation. In a patient with cortical hemianopsia who showed switching movements in the scotoma, the MEPs were facilitated just before the switching activities. Our findings suggested that CST excitation was flexibly tuned with the switching movement initiation, which could partly take place in the subcortical networks, including the presumed cervical interneuronal systems.

Visual information increases the indirect corticospinal excitation via cervical interneurons in humans

Modulatory actions of inputs from the visual system to cervical interneurons (IN) for arm muscle control are poorly understood in humans. In the present study, we examined whether visual stimulation modulates the excitation of cervical IN systems mediating corticospinal tract (CST) inputs to biceps brachii (BB). Twenty-eight healthy volunteers were seated, and electromyogram recordings from the BB were performed across six experiments, each with discrete objectives. A flash stimulator for visual stimulation (50-μs duration) was placed 60 cm from the participant's eye. The CST was stimulated with transcranial magnetic/electrical stimulation (TMS/TES, respectively) contralateral to the recording site. Visual stimulation with TMS/TES was randomly delivered during weak tonic BB contractions. Single TMS/TES-induced motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) were markedly enhanced from 60-100 ms after visual stimulation compared with the control condition. The MEPs were significantly increased by combining the electrical stimulation of the ulnar nerve at the wrist [7.5-12 ms of nerve stimulation (NERVE)/TMS interval] with and without visual stimulation compared with the algebraic summation of responses obtained with either TMS or NERVE. Interestingly, the combined stimulation-induced MEP facilitation was significantly increased after visual stimulation compared with the control. Single motor unit (MU) recording also revealed the further enhancement of combined stimulation effects on the firing probabilities of MU during visual stimulation, which was observed in the peaks of the peristimulus time histogram, 1-2 ms later than the onset latency. The present findings suggest that visual stimulation facilitates the oligosynaptic CST excitation of arm motoneurons mediated by the cervical IN system.NEW & NOTEWORTHY To date, little is known about how visual information modulates the human cervical motor systems, including the presumed interneuron (IN) circuitry. This study demonstrates that photic visual stimulation influences presumed oligosynaptic corticospinal transmission to arm motoneurons, which are mediated by cervical INs. In animals, these systems are known to be crucial for visually guided switching movements, and similar visual input systems to INs may exist in humans.

Motor imagery enhances corticospinal transmission mediated by cervical premotoneurons in humans

Imaging movement has positive effects on the reacquisition of motor functions after damage to the central nervous system. This study shows that motor imagery facilitates oligosynaptic corticospinal excitation that is mediated via cervical premotoneurons, which may be important for motor recovery in monkeys and humans. Current findings highlight how this imagery might be a beneficial tool for movement disorders through effects on premotoneuron circuitry.

Experience of Quatro-Therapy With Everolimus to Minimize Calcineurin Inhibitor for Kidney Transplant Recipients

BACKGROUND

This study was divided into three phases, on the occasion of the introduction of everolimus (EVR) in our hospital.

METHODS

In the first phase, a study group of six maintenance patients (three living related donors, three deceased donors) who had a history of malignant disease with less than 500 mg/day of proteinuria were enrolled; a high serum creatinine and upper limit of duration after kidney transplant operation was not considered. EVR was discontinued in four of the six patients because of side effects or worsening renal function. The second phase comprised a study group of 12 maintenance patients (12 living related donors) who were more than 5 years after kidney transplant operation with serum creatinine <3 ng/mL and proteinuria <500 mg/day. In two patients, EVR was discontinued because of a skin rash or general fatigue, but EVR was continued in 10 cases. Calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) dosage was reduced and renal function improved, and mean estimated glomerular filtration rate recovered from 42.3 mL/min to 44.8 mL/min, with no rejections occurring. In the third phase, a study group of eight de novo transplant patients who were 2 to 3 weeks after transplant operation were examined. In one case, EVR was discontinued because of proteinuria but was restarted with a stepwise increasing method after 4 months and was continued without any side effects.

RESULTS

Our study indicates that EVR was a useful drug for the maintenance of kidney transplant recipients for the optimal patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In de novo cases, EVR plus a high dose of mizoribine and low CNI protocol was a useful regimen without serious adverse effects.

Muscle activity in the lower limbs during push-down movement with a new active-exercise apparatus for the leg

[Purpose] Lower-limb deep vein thrombosis is a complication of orthopedic surgery. A leg-exercise apparatus named “LEX” was developed as a novel active-exercise apparatus for deep vein thrombosis prevention. Muscle activity was evaluated to assess the effectiveness of exercise with LEX in the prevention. [Subjects] Eight healthy volunteers participated in this study. [Methods] Muscle activities were determined through electromyography during exercise with LEX [LEX (+)] and during active ankle movements [LEX (−)]. The end points were peak % maximum voluntary contraction and % integrated electromyogram of rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius, and soleus. [Results] LEX (+) resulted in higher average values in all muscles except the tibialis anterior. Significant differences were noted in the peak of the biceps femoris and gastrocnemius and in the integrated electromyogram of the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, gastrocnemius, and soleus. The LEX (+)/LEX (−) ratio of the peak was 2.2 for the biceps femoris and 2.0 for the gastrocnemius . The integrated electromyogram was 1.8 for the gastrocnemius, 1.5 for the rectus femoris, 1.4 for the vastus lateralis, and 1.2 for the soleus. [Conclusion] Higher muscle activity was observed with LEX (+). LEX might be a good tool for increasing lower-limb blood flow and deep vein thrombosis prevention.

Single-dose new insulin glargine 300 U/ml provides prolonged, stable glycaemic control in Japanese and European people with type 1 diabetes

AIMS

Two single-dose studies were conducted in Japan and Europe to compare the pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) profiles of new insulin glargine 300 U/ml (Gla-300) and insulin glargine 100 U/ml (Gla-100) in people with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

In two double-blind, randomized, crossover studies, 18 Japanese participants (aged 20-65 years) and 24 European participants (aged 18-65 years) with glycated haemoglobin levels ≤9.0% (≤75 mmol/mol) received single subcutaneous doses of Gla-300, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.9 U/kg (0.9 U/kg in the European study only), and Gla-100, 0.4 U/kg. A 36-h euglycaemic clamp procedure was performed after each dosing.

RESULTS

The serum insulin glargine concentration (INS) and glucose infusion rate (GIR) developed more gradually into more constant and prolonged profiles with Gla-300 than with Gla-100. In support of this, the times to 50% of glargine exposure and insulin activity were longer for all Gla-300 doses than for Gla-100 during the 36-h clamp period, indicating a more evenly distributed exposure and metabolic effect beyond 24 h. Exposure to insulin glargine and glucose utilization were lower with the 0.4 and 0.6 U/ml Gla-300 doses in both studies compared with the 0.4 U/ml Gla-100 dose. Glucose-lowering activity was detected for up to 36 h with all doses of Gla-300.

CONCLUSIONS

Single-dose injections of Gla-300 present more constant and prolonged PK and PD profiles compared with Gla-100, maintaining blood glucose control for up to 36 h in euglycaemic clamp settings in Japanese and European participants with type 1 diabetes.

Evaluation of the 24-hour profiles of physiological insulin, glucose, and C-peptide in healthy Japanese volunteers

BACKGROUND

Some studies have demonstrated the benefit of blood glucose control as close as possible to physiological conditions. Not enough reports have investigated in detail the 24-h plasma profiles of insulin/glucose/C-peptide. Here we investigated the 24-h plasma profiles of physiological insulin/glucose/C-peptide in healthy Japanese adults.

METHODS

In order to evaluate the 24-h profiles of physiological insulin/glucose/C-peptide profiles, 42 blood samples were taken from each subject in our group of healthy Japanese volunteers to measure the 24-h profile with three standardized meals.

RESULTS

Plasma glucose and insulin increased rapidly followed by a rapid decrease after each meal with little variation at night. The average peak values of insulin after each meal were as follows: 426.20 pmol/L (breakfast), 373.75 pmol/L (lunch), and 410.28 pmol/L (dinner). The average times to peak insulin were 0.651 h (breakfast), 0.677 h (lunch), and 0.689 h (dinner). The corresponding average maximum postprandial plasma glucose levels were 8.39 mmol/L (breakfast), 8.77 mmol/L (lunch), and 8.74 mmol/L (dinner). The average times to peak glucose were 0.738 h (breakfast), 0.650 h (lunch), and 0.625 h (dinner). The average maximum postprandial C-peptide levels were 2.64 nmol/L (breakfast), 2.55 nmol/L (lunch), and 2.67 nmol/L (dinner). No major differences were found in these parameters between the Caucasian and Japanese populations.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first investigation to measure the 24-h profiles of insulin/glucose/C-peptide in healthy Japanese volunteers with standardized meals. It is hoped this information will provide useful reference for future research and clinical management.

Detection of Human papillomavirus and cellular regulators p16INK4a, p53, and NF-kappaB in penile cancer cases in Kenya

Human papillomavirus (HPV) E6 and E7 gene products play a central role in the induction of benign proliferation and malignant transformation by interacting with several cellular regulatory proteins such as p53, p16(INK4a), and nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB). In this study, HPV DNA was detected by in situ hybridization (ISH) and p53, p16(INK4a), and NF-kappaB by immunochemistry in 22 penile cancer cases in Kenya. HPV DNA was found in 68.2% of the cases. There was no difference in the p53- and p16(INK4a)-positivities in HPV DNA-positive and HPV DNA-negative cases. In HPV DNA-positive cases, the NF-kappaB positivity in the nucleus, cytoplasm, and nucleus and/or cytoplasm amounted to 73.3%, 93.3%, and 100%, respectively, while in HPV DNA-negative cases, a 28.7% NF-kappaB positivity of in the nucleus and/or cytoplasm was observed. It is concluded that NF-kappaB in penile cancer is expressed more frequently in the presence of HPV infection than in its absence.

Clock gene expression in peripheral leucocytes of patients with type 2 diabetes

AIM/HYPOTHESIS

Recent studies have demonstrated relationships between circadian clock function and the development of metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes. We investigated whether the peripheral circadian clock is impaired in patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

Peripheral leucocytes were obtained from eight patients with diabetes and six comparatively young non-diabetic volunteers at 09:00, 15:00, 21:00 and 03:00 hours (study 1) and from 12 male patients with diabetes and 14 age-matched men at 09:00 hours (study 2). Transcript levels of clock genes (CLOCK, BMAL1 [also known as ARNTL], PER1, PER2, PER3 and CRY1) were determined by real-time quantitative PCR.

RESULTS

In study 1, mRNA expression patterns of BMAL1, PER1, PER2 and PER3 exhibited 24 h rhythmicity in the leucocytes of all 14 individuals. The expression levels of these mRNAs were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in patients with diabetes than in non-diabetic individuals at one or more time points. Moreover, the amplitudes of mRNA expression rhythms of PER1 and PER3 genes tended to diminish in patients with diabetes. In study 2, leucocytes obtained from patients with diabetes expressed significantly (p < 0.05) lower transcript levels of BMAL1, PER1 and PER3 compared with leucocytes from control individuals, and transcript expression was inversely correlated with HbA(1c) levels (rho = -0.47 to -0.55, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

These results suggest that rhythmic mRNA expression of clock genes is dampened in peripheral leucocytes of patients with type 2 diabetes. The impairment of the circadian clock appears to be closely associated with the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes in humans.

SLCO1B1 (OATP1B1, an uptake transporter) and ABCG2 (BCRP, an efflux transporter) variant alleles and pharmacokinetics of pitavastatin in healthy volunteers

To investigate the contribution of genetic polymorphisms of SLCO1B1 and ABCG2 to the pharmacokinetics of a dual substrate, pitavastatin, 2 mg of pitavastatin was administered to 38 healthy volunteers and pharmacokinetic parameters were compared among the following groups: 421C/C(*)1b/(*)1b (group 1), 421C/C(*)1b/(*)15 (group 2), 421C/C(*)15/(*)15 and 421C/A(*)15/(*)15 (group 3), 421C/A(*)1b/(*)1b (group 4), 421A/A(*)1b/(*)1b (group 5), and 421C/A(*)1b/(*)15 (group 6). In SLCO1B1, pitavastatin area under plasma concentration-time curve from 0 to 24 h (AUC(0-24)) for groups 1, 2, and 3 was 81.1+/-18.1, 144+/-32, and 250+/-57 ng h/ml, respectively, with significant differences among all three groups. In contrast to SLCO1B1, AUC(0-24) in groups 1, 4, and 5 was 81.1+/-18.1, 96.7+/-35.4, and 78.2+/-8.2 ng h/ml, respectively. Although the SLCO1B1 polymorphism was found to have a significant effect on the pharmacokinetics of pitavastatin, a nonsynonymous ABCG2 variant, 421C>A, did not appear to be associated with the altered pharmacokinetics of pitavastatin.

Novel real-time monitoring system for human cytomegalovirus-infected cells in vitro that uses a green fluorescent protein-PML-expressing cell line

Promyelocytic leukemia (PML) bodies are discrete nuclear foci that are intimately associated with many DNA viruses. In human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection, the IE1 (for "immediate-early 1") protein has a marked effect on PML bodies via de-SUMOylation of PML protein. Here, we report a novel real-time monitoring system for HCMV-infected cells using a newly established cell line (SE/15) that stably expresses green fluorescent protein (GFP)-PML protein. In SE/15 cells, HCMV infection causes specific and efficient dispersion of GFP-PML bodies in an IE1-dependent manner, allowing the infected cells to be monitored by fluorescence microscopy without immunostaining. Since a specific change in the detergent solubility of GFP-PML occurs upon infection, the infected cells can be quantified by GFP fluorescence measurement after extraction. With this assay, the inhibitory effects of heparin and neutralizing antibodies were determined in small-scale cultures, indicating its usefulness for screening inhibitory reagents for laboratory virus strains. Furthermore, we established a sensitive imaging assay by counting the number of nuclei containing dispersed GFP-PML, which is applicable for titration of slow-growing clinical isolates. In all strains tested, the virus titers estimated by the GFP-PML imaging assay were well correlated with the plaque-forming cell numbers determined in human embryonic lung cells. Coculture of SE/15 cells and HCMV-infected fibroblasts permitted a rapid and reliable method for estimating the 50% inhibitory concentration values of drugs for clinical isolates in susceptibility testing. Taken together, these results demonstrate the development of a rapid, sensitive, quantitative, and specific detection system for HCMV-infected cells involving a simple procedure that can be used for titration of low-titer clinical isolates.

Microtubule network facilitates nuclear targeting of human cytomegalovirus capsid

We assessed the requirement of the host cytoskeleton for the intracytosolic transport of incoming human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) capsids. Treatments with microtubule (MT)-depolymerizing drugs nocodazole and colchicine led to a drastic decrease in levels of IE1 antigen, whereas cytochalasin B had no effect on the level of IE1 as determined by Western blot analyses. Sequential treatment including nocodazole washout and removal of cell surface virion revealed that HCMV entry into the cells occurred normally in the absence of the MT network. This finding was also supported by data obtained by monitoring pUL83 signals with an immunofluorescent assay (IFA). Furthermore, we demonstrated a close association of incoming HCMV capsids with MTs by IFA and ultrastructural analyses. In the absence of the MT network, the capsids which had entered the cytoplasm did not move to close proximity of the nucleus. These data suggest that HCMV capsids associate with the MT network to facilitate their own movement to the nucleus before the onset of immediate-early (IE) gene expression and that this association is required to start efficient IE gene expression.

A test model of hip brace for prevention of dislocation after total hip arthroplasty (Zetton Band)

Hip dislocations remain an intractable problem in patients with soft tissue impairment, particularly in those with muscle weakness around the hip, such as those who have undergone revision total hip arthroplasty (THA). At the authors' hospital, postoperative dislocations were observed in 10 of 154 hips between January 1985 and June 1988. Five hips required re-replacement. Conventional measures to prevent or treat post-THA dislocations have been anti-dislocation pants for soft fixation and a cast or abduction-forcing braces for firm fixation. However, the anti-dislocation pants for soft fixation were not as effective as indicated by the above 10 postoperative dislocations. The firm fixation techniques are considered to cause a reduction in muscle strength, causing psychological stress and poor activity of daily living (ADL). The authors devised a soft brace for easy application and prepared its test model to prevent muscle weakening, allow stability of the hip during rotation and avoid restrictions in ADL. This brace was applied to a patient who had 3 dislocations in a short period after being discharged who sustained a postoperative dislocation and achieved good results.

An endoplasmic reticulum protein, p180, is highly expressed in human cytomegalovirus-permissive cells and interacts with the tegument protein encoded by UL48

We have used a virus overlay assay to detect cellular proteins associated with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) particles. The radiolabeled HCMV particles specifically bound to two host proteins with molecular sizes of 150 and 180 kDa. By a micro-amino-acid sequencing technique, the 180-kDa protein was identified as a human homologue of the ES130/p180 ribosome receptor (p180), which is an integral endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane protein possessing a very unique tandem repeat domain at its N-terminal region. The virus overlay assay using truncated p180 polypeptides revealed that HCMV binding to human p180 occurred through the N-terminal region. In HCMV-permissive cells the high level of expression of the human p180 protein was clearly observed regardless of cell type. Furthermore, we showed that p180 binds to the UL48 gene product, which is one of the predominant tegument proteins of HCMV and which is considered to be tightly associated with the capsid. The interaction between the two proteins was assumed to be specific and was observed both in vitro and in vivo. During the late phase of infection, the unique relocation of human p180 was observed, that is, to the juxtanuclear region, which appeared to be in the vicinity of the area where naked virions were frequently observed in an electron-microscopic study. Thus our data suggest that p180 interacts with the HCMV tegument, at least through pUL48, during the HCMV replication process. We discuss the possible role of the interaction between p180 and pUL48 in the intracellular transport of HCMV virions.

Identification of two Fas-associated phosphatase-1 (FAP-1) promoters in human cancer cells

Fas-associated phosphatase-1 (FAP-1) has been reported as a negative regulator of Fas-mediated signal transduction in human cancer cells. To obtain insights into the potential carcinogenesis of the FAP-1 gene, we investigated its transcriptional regulation in normal and cancerous cells. To identify the FAP-1 promoter sequences, we first isolated P1 and cosmid clones that contained the regulatory region upstream from the FAP-1 gene by using the PCR products of 5' rapid amplification of cDNA end (5'-RACE) as probes. Genomic analysis of positive clones revealed that the major FAP-1 mRNA was transcribed from its proximal promoter (pPRM) in all human cancer cell lines tested, but 1 additional large transcript derived from its distal promoter (dPRM) was found in the human colon cancer cell line DLD-1. This suggests that the FAP-1 gene may be aberrantly dysregulated in some types of human cancers, including colon carcinoma. Sequence analysis of the region upstream from the FAP-1 gene strongly suggests that the transcript of the FAP-1 gene may be controlled by a variety of transcriptional regulatory elements, including NF-kappa B, NF-IL6, and p53 in its 2 promoters. These results imply that the FAP-1 gene may be a target gene under the control of important apoptosis-related nuclear factors in human cancers.

Electrophoretic characterization of ribosomal subunits and proteins in apoptosis: specific downregulation of S11 in staurosporine-treated human breast carcinoma cells

Stimulation of death receptors (Fas on human T-cell leukemia Jurkat cells and tumor necrosis factor receptor-1 on human monoblastic leukemia U937 cells) triggers the specific degradation of 28S ribosomal RNA, and this process may contribute to cell death through the inhibition of protein synthesis. We have developed an analytical method using a polyacrylamide-agarose composite gel to evaluate ribosomal subunits in apoptotic cells (human breast carcinoma MCF-7 cells treated with staurosporine and human 293T cells irradiated with ultraviolet light were used in addition to the two apoptosis systems described above). No alterations were detected by this method, suggesting that apoptosis, including the process of ribosomal RNA degradation, does not cause fragmentation or extensive conformational changes in the ribosome. We also examined the status of 21 different ribosomal proteins in apoptotic cells by immunoblotting with polyclonal antibodies. S11 was specifically downregulated in apoptotic MCF-7 cells and in other apoptotic breast carcinoma cells. Previous studies have shown that S11 is heterogeneously expressed in cancer cells. Taken together, it appears that particular intracellular environments regulate the expression of S11 protein. However, the mechanism by which this process is modulated is as yet unknown. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that our composite gel electrophoresis system can efficiently detect ubiquitination of ribosomal subunits.

Type V collagen distribution in liver is reconstructed in coculture system of hepatocytes and stellate cells; the possible functions of type V collagen in liver under normal and pathological conditions

The contents of type I, type III and type V collagen and the collagen type specific distributions in liver under normal and cirrhotic conditions were examined. In CCl4 injected rat, the increasing amount of type V collagen was a specific event during the progression of cirrhosis. In normal liver, immunohistochemical observation showed that type V collagen was localized on the fine fibrils, while type I was localized on the thick fibril. Type V collagen was partially colocalized with type IV collagen. In the cirrhotic liver, type V collagen was localized on the margin of the thick fibrous septa along with type IV collagen. Type I collagen existed in the core region of fibrous septa where the stellate cells were prominent. To elucidate the mechanism of the type specific deposition of collagen in the liver, we constructed a coculture system using both stellate cells and hepatocytes. In this system, type V collagen was mainly deposited on hepatocyte colonies not on stellate cells, while type I collagen fibrils were localized on stellate cells. The spatial positioning of type I and type V collagens in vitro was similar to that in the liver. In the cell adhesion assay, the adhesion of stellate cells to type V collagen was poorer than that of the hepatocytes. The collagen type-specific affinity of the stellate cells and hepatocytes may explain the specific localization of type V collagen in the liver and coculture system. These results suggested that the functions of type V collagen are not only to connect type IV collagen with type I collagen fibril, but also to protect the parenchyma from excess type I collagen deposition produced by stellate cells under pathological conditions.

[A case with upper limb dominant Guillain-Barré syndrome and serum IgG anti-GT1a antibodies: sparing oropharyngeal palsy]

We report a 78-year-old man with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) who showed upper limb dominant muscle weakness following an upper respiratory infection. He had no weakness in extraocular, oropharyngeal and neck muscles. Tendon reflexes were absent in his upper limbs. Electrophysiological studies suggested demyelination of motor nerves in his upper and lower extremities. He had serum IgG antibodies to GM1 and GT1a but not to GQ1b. Anti-GT1a antibodies did not cross-react to GM1 by means of the absorption test. Titers of the antibodies decreased after recovering from muscle weakness of upper limbs. Since the presence of serum antibodies to GT1a but not to GQ1b were reported in patients with pharyngeal-cervical-brachial weakness of Guillain-Barré syndrome, it has been suggested that anti-GT1a antibodies play a role in acute oropharyngeal neuropathy. This is the first report of a patient with GBS lacking oropharyngeal palsy who had serum IgG antibodies to GT1a but not to GQ1b. Our case suggests that anti-GT1a antibodies are related not only with acute oropharyngeal neuropathy but also with upper limb dominant motor neuropathy.

Occurrence of oligosialic acids on integrin alpha 5 subunit and their involvement in cell adhesion to fibronectin

Integrin alpha(5)beta(1), a major fibronectin receptor, functions in a wide variety of biological phenomena. We have found that alpha 2-8-linked oligosialic acids with 5 < or = degree of polymerization (DP) < or = 7 occur on integrin alpha(5) subunit of the human melanoma cell line G361. The integrin alpha(5) subunit immunoprecipitated with anti-integrin alpha(5) antibody reacted with the monoclonal antibody 12E3, which recognizes oligo/polysialic acid with DP > or = 5 but not with the polyclonal antibody H.46 recognizing oligo/polysialic acid with DP > or = 8. The occurrence of oligosialic acids was further demonstrated by fluorometric C(7)/C(9) analysis on the immunopurified integrin alpha(5) subunit. Oligosialic acids were also found in the alpha(5) subunit of several other human cells such as foreskin fibroblast and chronic erythroleukemia K562 cells. These results suggest the ubiquitous modification with unique oligosialic acids occurs on the alpha(5) subunit of integrin alpha(5)beta(1). The adhesion of human melanoma G361 cells to fibronectin was mainly mediated by integrin alpha(5)beta(1). Treatment of cells with sialidase from Arthrobacter ureafaciens cleaving alpha 2-3-, alpha 2-6-, and alpha 2-8-linked sialic acids inhibited adhesion to fibronectin. On the other hand, N-acetylneuraminidase II, which cleaves alpha 2-3 and alpha 2-6 but not alpha 2-8 linkages, showed no inhibitory activity. After the loss of oligosialic acids, integrin alpha(5)beta(1) failed to bind to fibronectin-conjugated Sepharose, indicating that the oligosialic acid on the alpha(5) subunit of integrin alpha(5)beta(1) plays important roles in cell adhesion to fibronectin.

Elongated dermatan sulphate in post-inflammatory healing skin distributes among collagen fibrils separated by enlarged interfibrillar gaps

It has been reported that the disaccharide composition of dermatan sulphate shows transient changes after epicutaneous application of the hapten 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene to mouse skin, and that these changes are most conspicuous in healing skin on day 15 after chemical insult [Kuwaba, Nomura, Irie and Koyama (1999) J. Dermatol. Sci. 19, 23-30]. In the present study it was found that the molecular size of dermatan sulphate was increased on day 15 after hapten application. The molecular size of decorin increased in healing skin, whereas the size of dermatan-sulphate-depleted core protein did not increase. The length and localization of decorin dermatan sulphate were investigated by electron microscopy. Dermatan sulphate filaments oriented orthogonally to collagen fibrils were longer in healing skin than in control skin. In control skin, dermatan sulphate filaments were found among tightly packed collagen fibrils. In contrast, the interfibrillar gaps between each collagen fibril were enlarged in healing skin; elongated dermatan sulphate filaments extended from the surface of collagen fibrils across the enlarged gap. These results suggest that the increase in molecular size of decorin dermatan sulphate is important in organizing collagen fibrils separated by enlarged interfibrillar gaps in healing skin.

Identification of N(omega)-carboxymethylarginine, a new advanced glycation endproduct in serum proteins of diabetic patients: possibility of a new marker of aging and diabetes

A new advanced glycation end product (AGE), N(omega)-carboxymethyl-arginine (CMA), was found in acid-soluble skin collagen of a newborn bovine prepared by in vitro glycation with 1 M glucose incubation at 37 degrees C for about 30 days [ 1 ]. CMA production was increased with incubation time in parallel, and after 30 days incubation the yield was 100 times higher than that of pentosidine [ 1 ]. This result suggested the importance of CMA as a major AGE in collagen. We have detected and measured the CMA level in human serum proteins by electrospray ionization/liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (ESI/LC/MS), using CMA standard concentration curve. In this report, we first show the existence of CMA in vivo, and its serum level is significantly elevated in diabetic serum proteins, compared to age-matched control serum proteins. These results provide strong evidence that CMA is a new diagnostic marker of glycation in diabetes.

Pharmacodynamic effects and kinetic disposition of rabeprazole in relation to CYP2C19 genotypes

BACKGROUND

S-mephenytoin 4'-hydroxylase (CYP2C19) catalyses the metabolism of rabeprazole to some extent. Based on the metabolic and pharmacokinetic differences among other proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole, lansoprazole and pantoprazole, rabeprazole appears to be the least affected proton pump inhibitor by the CYP2C19-related genetic polymorphism.

AIM

To determine whether the pharmacodynamic effects of rabeprazole on intragastric pH and serum gastrin levels, and its pharmacokinetics depend on the CYP2C19 genotype status.

METHODS

Eighteen healthy subjects, whose CYP2C19 genotype status was previously determined, participated in the study. They consisted of six each of homozygous extensive metabolisers (homo EMs), heterozygous extensive metabolisers (hetero EMs), and poor metabolisers (PMs). Helicobacter pylori status was determined by serology. After a single oral dose of 10 mg or 20 mg rabeprazole or water only (baseline data), intragastric pH values were monitored for 24 h. Plasma levels of rabeprazole and serum gastrin were also measured for 24 h post-dose.

RESULTS

Five homo EM, six hetero EM and four PM subjects were H. pylori-negative. After rabeprazole administration, significant differences in intragastric mean pH values, serum gastrin AUC(0-24) and plasma levels of rabeprazole were observed among the three different genotype groups.

CONCLUSION

The pharmacodynamic effects of rabeprazole and its pharmacokinetics depend on the CYP2C19 genotype status.

14-3-3 is involved in p75 neurotrophin receptor-mediated signal transduction

The low affinity neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) has been shown to mediate the apoptosis signaling to neural cells. However, the specific mechanisms of intracellular signal transduction of this process are largely unknown. To understand p75NTR-mediated signal transduction, we previously identified a protein that interacts with the intracellular domain of p75NTR, and we named it p75NTR-associated cell death executor (NADE). To elucidate further the signaling mechanisms utilized by p75NTR and NADE, we screened for NADE-binding protein(s) with the yeast two-hybrid method, and we identified 14-3-3epsilon as a NADE-binding protein in vivo. To examine whether 14-3-3epsilon affects the induction of p75NTR-mediated apoptosis, wild type or various deletion mutant forms of 14-3-3epsilon were co-expressed in HEK293, PC12nnr5, and oligodendrocytes. Interestingly, transient expression of the mutant form of 14-3-3epsilon lacking the 208-255 amino acid region blocked nerve growth factor-dependent p75NTR/NADE-mediated apoptosis, although this mutant form of 14-3-3epsilon continued to associate with NADE. These results suggest that 14-3-3epsilon plays an important role in the modulation of nerve growth factor-dependent p75NTR/NADE-mediated apoptosis.

P-hydroxylation of phenobarbital: relationship to (S)-mephenytoin hydroxylation (CYP2C19) polymorphism

The aim of the current study was to compare the pharmacokinetics of phenobarbital (PB) in extensive metabolizers (EMs) and poor metabolizers (PMs) of S-mephenytoin. Ten healthy volunteers (5 EMs and 5 PMs) were given 30 mg PB daily for 14 days. PB and p-hydroxyphenobarbital (p-OHPB) in serum and urine were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Urinary excretion (12.5% versus 7.7%) and formation clearance (29.8 versus 21.1 mL/h) of p-OHPB, one of the main metabolites of PB, were significantly lower (p < .05) in PMs than in EMs. However, area under the serum concentration-time curve (153.3 in the EMs versus 122.9 microg x h/mL in the PMs), total (210.8 versus 254.9 mL/h) and renal clearance (53.1 versus 66.1 mL/h) of PB were identical between the two groups. To compare the inducibility of CYP2C19, mephenytoin was also given prior to and on the last day of PB treatment. The urinary level of 4'-hydroxymephenytoin was analyzed by a validated gas chromatograpy/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) method. The mephenytoin hydroxylation index did not change in either EMs (1.42 versus 1.42) or PMs (341.4 versus 403.5), showing that CYP2C19 was not induced by treatment with PB. These results indicated that the p-hydroxylation pathway of PB co-segregates with the CYP2C19 metabolic polymorphism. However, the overall disposition kinetics of PB were not different between EMs and PMs, and therefore polymorphic CYP2C19 seems have no major clinical implications.

Overexpression of EXTL3/EXTR1 enhances NF-kappaB activity induced by TNF-alpha

EXTL3/EXTR1 is a member of the EXT gene family, which may represent a class of glycosyltransferases involved in heparan sulfate biosynthesis. It is known that heparan sulfate interacts with a variety of proteins and is therefore implicated in various cellular responses. Here, we examined the effect of EXTL3 on nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activity stimulated by tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), one of heparin-binding cytokine. The luciferase assay demonstrated that overexpression of EXTL3 enhanced TNF-alpha-induced NF-kappaB activity. This is confirmed with an electrophoretic mobility shift assay. However, EXTL3 did not affect the CD40-mediated NF-kappaB activation. The EXTL3 mutants lacking the amino terminus region failed to enhance the activity. The fluorescence of enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-fused EXTL3 was observed at the perinuclear region, whereas, the amino terminus-truncated mutant was found in a diffuse cytoplasmic region. These results suggest that EXTL3 may modulate NF-kappaB mediated by TNF-alpha.

Ingestion of Gelatin Has Differential Effect on Bone Mineral Density and Body Weight in Protein Undernutrition

Malnutrition, particularly protein undernutrition, contributes to the occurrence of osteoporotic fracture by lowering bone mass. In this study, the effects of dietary protein on bone mineral density and body weight in protein undernutrition were compared between gelatin and milk casein. When mice were fed for 10 wk with a low protein diet containing 10(%) casein or 6% casein +4% gelatin, there was no significant difference in the final body weight between the 6% casein+4% gelatin group and the 10% casein group. In contrast, bone mineral content and bone mineral density of the femur were significantly higher in the 6% casein+4% gelatin group than in the 10% casein group. Bone mineral content and bone mineral density did not differ significantly in 14% protein groups between 14% casein and 6% casein +80% gelatin. These results suggest that gelatin has differential effects on bone mineral density and body weight in protein undernutrition.

Identification of IkappaBalpha as a substrate of Fas-associated phosphatase-1

Fas (APO-1/CD95), a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR)/nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR) superfamily, is a cell-surface molecule that induces apoptosis upon activation. Fas-associated phosphatase-1 (FAP-1) is a 250-kDa protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) that is associated with the negative regulatory domain of Fas (C-terminal 15 amino acids). Human tumor cell lines become resistant to Fas-mediated apoptosis when transfected with FAP-1, indicating that FAP-1 functions as a negative regulator in Fas-mediated death signaling. However, the mechanisms by which FAP-1 inhibits apoptosis are still unclear. In order to determine how FAP-1 affects the signaling mediated by Fas, we set out to identify substrates of FAP-1. Toward this end, we prepared synthetic proteins with either the catalytic domain of FAP-1 (C-terminal 399 amino acids) or its inactive form (Cys2408-->Ser) fused to glutathione-S-transferase (GST). Using an in vitro dephosphorylation reaction, we found that FAP-1 dephosphorylates IkappaBalpha. Furthermore, a substrate trapping mutant was found to bind tyrosine-phosphorylated IkappaBalpha. Taken together, our data confirm that IkappaBalpha is a substrate of FAP-1.

[Vertebral arterial dissection with subarachnoid hemorrhage after ischemic onset]

A case is reported of the vertebral arterial dissection presenting initially with cerebellar infarction, and which subsequently occurred with subarachnoid hemorrhage 14 days later. A 75-year old male was admitted because of vertigo and ataxia. MR T2-weighted imaging showed a hyperintensity areas on the left cerebellar hemisphere and MR angiography showed multiple stenotic lesions in the left vertebral artery. We diagnosed his illness as dissection of the left vertebral artery and antiplatelet therapy and the blood pressure control were carried out. Fourteen days after the onset, the patient complained of sudden onset of headache and subarachnoid hemorrhage was confirmed on CT scan. Proximal clip occlusion of the left vertebral artery and OA-PICA anastomosis was carried out immediately. The patient was discharged with slight truncal ataxia. We evaluated the features of this vertebral arterial dissection presenting with subarachnoid hemorrhage after ischemic stroke with reference to another reported cases.

IgE antibody to fish gelatin (type I collagen) in patients with fish allergy

BACKGROUND

Most children with anaphylaxis to measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines had shown sensitivity to bovine gelatin that was included in the vaccines. Recently, it was found that bovine type I collagen, which is the main content in the gelatin, is a major allergen in bovine gelatin allergy. Fish meat and skin also contain type I collagen.

OBJECTIVE

The present study was designed to investigate IgE antibody to fish gelatin in children with fish allergy.

METHODS

Serum samples were taken from patients in 3 groups: (1) 10 patients with fish allergy and specific IgE to fish meat; (2) two patients with allergies to both fish meat and bovine gelatin and specific IgE to fish meat and bovine gelatin; and (3) 15 patients with atopic dermatitis and specific IgE to fish meat. Various fish gelatins (type I collagen) were prepared from fish skin. IgE antibody to fish gelatin was analyzed by using ELISA and immunoblotting.

RESULTS

Of 10 patients with fish allergy, 3 had specific IgE to fish gelatin. Of two patients with fish allergy and bovine gelatin allergy, all had specific IgE to fish gelatin. Of 15 patients with atopic dermatitis and specific IgE to fish meat, 5 had specific IgE to fish gelatin. Furthermore, IgE from pooled serum of the patients reacted with both the alpha1 and alpha2 chains of fish type I collagen in immunoblots. There is cross-reactivity among gelatins from various fishes, but there is little cross-reactivity between fish and bovine gelatins.

CONCLUSION

Some fish-sensitive patients possessed IgE antibody to fish gelatin. Fish gelatin (type I collagen) might be an allergen in subjects with fish allergy.

Possible involvement of aminotelopeptide in self-assembly and thermal stability of collagen I as revealed by its removal with proteases

The functions of aminotelopeptide and N-terminal cross-linking of collagen I were examined. Acetic acid-soluble collagen I (ASC) was purified from neonatal bovine skin and treated with three kinds of proteases. The amino acid sequencing analysis of the N terminus showed that ASC contained a full-length aminotelopeptide. Pepsin and papain cleaved the aminotelopeptide of the alpha1 chain at the same site and the aminotelopeptide of the alpha2 chain at different sites. Proctase-treated ASC lost the whole aminotelopeptide, and the N-terminal sequence began from the tenth residue inside the triple helical region. The rates of fibril formation of pepsin-treated ASC and proctase-treated ASC were the same and were slower than that of ASC. The denaturation temperatures, monitored by CD ellipticity at 221 nm, of ASC, pepsin-treated, or papain-treated collagens were the same at 41.8 degrees C. Proctase-treated ASC showed a lower denaturation temperature of 39.9 degrees C. We also observed the morphology of the collagen fibrils under an electron microscope. The ASC fibrils were straight and thin, whereas the fibrils of pepsin-treated ASC were slightly twisted, and the fibrils from papain- and proctase-treated ASC were highly twisted and thick. When the collagen gel strength was examined by a modified method of viscosity-measurement, ASC was the strongest, followed by pepsin-treated ASC, and papain- and proctase-treated ASCs were the weakest. These results suggest that the aminotelopeptide plays important roles in fibril formation and thermal stability. In addition, the functions of intermolecular cross-linking in aminotelopeptides may contribute to the formation of fibrils in the correct staggered pattern and to strengthening the collagen gel.

Negative regulation of Fas-mediated apoptosis by FAP-1 in human cancer cells

FAP-1 (Fas-associated phosphatase-1) was previously identified as a protein that associates with a negative regulatory domain (C-terminal 15 amino acids) of Fas using the yeast 2-hybrid system. Functional analysis indicated that FAP-1 expression correlates with resistance to Fas-induced apoptosis in human cancer cells. We first generated anti-FAP-1 polyclonal antibody and confirmed the interaction of FAP-1 and Fas in vivo. FAP-1 interacted with wild-type, but not mutant, Fas (tPLV) in 293T cells after transfecting FAP-1 and Fas or its mutant. To investigate the functional role of FAP-1 in Fas-mediated signal transduction, we established stable transfectants of FAP-1 in 3 human cancer cell lines. Apoptosis assays demonstrated that cancer cells over-expressing FAP-1 increased the resistance to Fas-induced apoptosis by the anti-Fas antibody CH-11 in contrast with the wild types or the vector-transfected cells. In addition, FAP-1 regulated the activity of both caspases 3 and 8. Our data indicate a functional role for FAP-1 as a negative regulator of Fas-mediated apoptosis in human cancer cells and suggest that an additional signal-transducing molecule may be required for complete suppression of Fas-mediated apoptosis.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of insulin aspart, a rapid-acting analog of human insulin, in healthy Japanese volunteers

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of a rapid-acting analog of human insulin, insulin aspart, were compared with those of soluble human insulin in Japanese healthy subjects. Subcutaneous single injections (0.025 and 0.05 U/kg body weight (BW)) of insulin aspart produced a significantly earlier peak of exogenous insulin level in comparison with human insulin (30.8+/-13.8 versus 61.3+/-14. 6 min, P<0.9001 for 0.025 U/kg; and 39.2+/-18.8 versus 99.2+/-53.8 min, P<0.005 for 0.05 U/kg). The peak serum level of insulin aspart was higher than that of human insulin (23.0+/-6.0 versus 9.9+/-3.1 microU/ml for 0.025 U/kg; and 30.9+/-9.2 versus 13.3+/-4.1 microU/ml for 0.05 U/kg, P<0.0001). The time to the minimal level of glucose after insulin aspart was significantly shorter compared with human insulin (P<0.05 for 0.025 U/kg BW and P<0.01 for 0.05 U/kg BW). The Delta change in blood glucose induced by insulin aspart was larger than that observed for human insulin at any dose (P<0.001). The repeated injection of insulin aspart before each meal also resulted in a rapid rise in exogenous insulin level with peak level obtained approximately 40 min after insulin aspart at any dose. When compared with results of other trials with insulin aspart, the present results showed that pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of the rapid-acting analog insulin aspart in Japanese subjects are no different from those in nonJapanese subjects.

Preparation and characterization of antibodies against human ribosomal proteins: heterogeneous expression of S11 and S30 in a panel of human cancer cell lines

Mutants of model eukaryotic organisms have revealed that most ribosomal proteins are essential for cell viability. However, the precise functional role of each ribosomal protein is largely unknown. Recent reports on the involvement of ribosomal proteins in various genetic diseases and studies on the extraribosomal functions of these proteins have cast some light on their localization and functions. Here we prepared rabbit polyclonal antibodies against 26 human ribosomal proteins; each of these reagents recognized a single band in immunoblots of the purified ribosome. We used these antibodies to evaluate a panel of human cancer cell lines. Although no deficiency of ribosomal proteins was observed, the abundance of S11 and S30 varied substantially among the cell lines, but the difference did not affect the biogenesis or composition of the ribosome. Therefore, the heterogeneity may be related to extraribosomal functions of S11 and S30. The antibodies described here are powerful tools for research into the molecular mechanisms of protein translation, cell-biological and medical studies on the ribosomal proteins, and ultimately a comprehensive understanding of all ribosomal proteins (rising dbl quote, left (low)ribosomics").

Hyperfunction of neutrophils in a patient with BCR/ABL negative chronic myeloid leukemia: a case report with in vitro studies

BACKGROUND

Among patients diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), a small percentage lack a BCR/ABL fusion gene, a landmark of CML. Their clinical features are distinct from patients with BCR/ABL positive CML, although to the authors' knowledge the pathogenesis to date has been unknown.

METHODS

A 50-year-old female patient with BCR/ABL negative CML and multiple complications of Graves disease, Sweet syndrome, and a fatal pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is described in the current study. To show a clonal origin of her myeloid cells, hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) assay was applied. Because the patient developed a progressive and fatal neutrophilia, a screening of cell functions in neutrophilic lineage, including in vitro colony assay of her bone marrow cells and production of superoxide and interleukin-8 (IL-8) by blood neutrophils was performed.

RESULTS

Southern blot analysis based on the polymorphism of the HPRT gene was compatible with monoclonality of her neutrophils. The patient had an increased amount of bone marrow granulocyte-macrophage progenitor cells, which formed colonies in response to a very low dose (0.1 ng/mL) of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor. In vitro production of superoxide and IL-8, which is an inducer of positive chemotaxis of neutrophils, by her peripheral neutrophils was markedly augmented. Her bronchoalveolar lavage fluid also contained a significant amount of IL-8 as well as an unusual infiltration of neutrophils.

CONCLUSIONS

In the patient in the current study, hyperfunction of the neutrophils might have contributed to the onset of PAP as well as Sweet syndrome and to the pathogenesis of BCR/ABL negative CML.

Morphological changes in the nucleus and actin cytoskeleton in the process of Fas-induced apoptosis in Jurkat T cells

To investigate the early event of apoptosis, we monitored the morphological changes in the early stage of Fas-induced apoptosis in the human T-cell lymphoma cell line Jurkat, using confocal microscopy. Morphological changes in the nuclei were observed from 30 min after stimulation, and preceded the changes in the cytoskeleton. This kind of change was enhanced in the presence of EGTA but decreased in the presence of dihydrocytochalasin B, without any changes in caspase-3 activation. During the changes in shape of the cells, the actin cytoskeleton collapsed and shrank in the center. Even though nuclei also changed their shapes in apoptotic cells, they were partially TUNEL-negative, suggesting that they were not yet damaged at the DNA level. Our results suggest that, in the process of apoptosis in Jurkat cells, cell nuclei and cytoskeleton are changed first, then membrane blebbing and caspase-3 activation occur, and fragmentation of chromosomal DNA is last.

Illumination system design for a three-aspherical-mirror projection camera for extreme-ultraviolet lithography

A scanning critical illumination system is designed to couple a synchrotron radiation source to a three-aspherical-mirror imaging system for extreme ultraviolet lithography. A static illumination area of H x V = 8 mm x 3 mm (where H is horizontal and V is vertical) can be obtained. Uniform intensity distribution and a large ring field of H x V = 150 mm x 3 mm can be achieved by scanning of the mirror of the condenser. The coherence factor (sigma) of this illumination system is approximately 0.6, with the same beam divergence in both the horizontal and the vertical directions. We describe the performance of the imaging optics at sigma = 0.6 to confirm that the illumination optics can meet the requirements for three-aspherical-mirror imaging optics with a feature size of 0.06 microm.

NADE, a p75NTR-associated cell death executor, is involved in signal transduction mediated by the common neurotrophin receptor p75NTR

The low affinity neurotrophin receptor p75NTR can mediate cell survival as well as cell death of neural cells by NGF and other neurotrophins. To elucidate p75NTR-mediated signal transduction, we screened p75NTR-associated proteins by a yeast two-hybrid system. We identified one positive clone and named NADE (p75NTR-associated cell death executor). Mouse NADE has marked homology to the human HGR74 protein. NADE specifically binds to the cell-death domain of p75NTR. Co-expression of NADE and p75NTR induced caspase-2 and caspase-3 activities and the fragmentation of nuclear DNA in 293T cells. However, in the absence of p75NTR, NADE failed to induce apoptosis, suggesting that NADE expression is necessary but insufficient for p75NTR-mediated apoptosis. Furthermore, p75NTR/NADE-induced cell death was dependent on NGF but not BDNF, NT-3, or NT-4/5, and the recruitment of NADE to p75NTR (intracellular domain) was dose-dependent. We obtained similar results from PC12 cells, nnr5 cells, and oligodendrocytes. Taken together, NADE is the first signaling adaptor molecule identified in the involvement of p75NTR-mediated apoptosis induced by NGF, and it may play an important role in the pathogenesis of neurogenetic diseases.