Retrospective observational study of changes in serum cytokines and adiponectin with continuous plasma exchange with dialysis therapy for severe COVID-19

INTRODUCTION

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with a marked increase in the inflammatory cytokines, IL-6 and IL-18. Blood purification therapy aimed at controlling cytokines is one treatment option; however, evidence of its effectiveness is needed. Plasma exchange with dialysis (PED) is a blood purification method involving selective plasma exchange with dialysate flowing through the outer hollow fiber of the plasma separator. In this retrospective study, we investigated the efficacy of continuous PED (cPED) over 48 h in five patients with severe COVID-19.

METHODS

We assessed changes in IL-6 and IL-18, as well as adiponectin (APN).

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in changes in IL-6 and IL-18, but there was a marked improvement in cases with abnormally high IL-6 and IL-18 levels at baseline. APN, which inhibits inflammatory cytokines, was significantly elevated post-cPED.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that cPED therapy is an effective treatment for COVID-19.

Histochemical analyses of anti-microbial substances in canine perianal skin with special reference to glandular structures

Circumanal glands are prominent features of the canine perianal skin, which are often located near to the sebaceous glands and apocrine glands. As the functional relevance of circumanal glands is yet unknown, we studied the localisation of sialic acids and anti-microbial substances (lysozyme, immunoglobulin A, lactoferrin, β-defensin) in these glandular structures by lectin histochemistry and immunohistochemistry. The glands exhibited a number of sialic acids that were linked to α2-6Gal/GalNAc and α2-3Galβ1-4GlcNAc. Additionally, lysozyme, lactoferrin and β-defensin could be demonstrated in the three types of skin glands, whereas IgA was only detectable in the apocrine glands. The results of the study suggest the specific significance of the circumanal glands. Independent of a certain endocrine role, their products may mainly function as protective agents to preserve the integrity of the anal region, considering that sialic acids and anti-microbial substances are important in defence mechanisms.

Prevalence of Schistosoma intercalatum and S. haematobium Infection among Primary Schoolchildren in Capital Areas of Democratic Republic Of São Tomé and Príncipe, West Africa

BACKGROUND

A parasitological survey of Schistosoma haematobium and S. intercalatum infection among primary schoolchildren in capital area of Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe (DRSTP) was undertaken.

METHODS

Subjects with positive infection were confirmed by the detection of S. haematobium ova in the urine or S. intercalatum ova in the stool by using centrifugation concentration or merthiolate-iodine-formalin concentration method. Totally, 252 urine and stool samples, respectively, were obtained from apparently healthy schoolchildren, of which 121 from boys (9.8 ± 1.4 yr) and 131 from girls (9.7 ± 1.3 yr).

RESULTS

None of participating schoolchildren were found having S. haematobium ova in the urinary specimen. While, among 4 primary schools studied, only schoolchildren from Saint Marçal were detected with S. intercalatum ova in the fecal specimen, making the overall prevalence of S. intercalatum infection among schoolchildren was 2.4% (6/252) and girls had insignificantly higher prevalence (3.1%, 4/131) than that (1.7%, 2/121) in boys (χ(2) = 0.5, P = 0.5).

CONCLUSION

Water control and sanitation as well as snails eliminated by molluscicides are urgently needed to reduce S. intercalatum infection in DRSTP inhabitants.

Histochemical properties of sialic acids and antimicrobial substances in canine anal glands

The functional properties of sialic acids appear to be manifold. Additionally, antimicrobial substances serve as a non-specific defense against microorganisms. In this study, therefore, the localization of sialic acids and antimicrobial substances in the anal glands of dog was studied by sialoglycoconjugate histochemistry and immunohistochemistry. The secretory epithelium, luminal secretions and excretory ducts exhibited high levels of sialoglycoconjugates that terminated in Siaα2-6Gal/GalNAc or Siaα2-3Gal1-4GlcNAc. Additionally, O-acetylated sialic acids were detectable in these glandular structures. Antimicrobial substances, such as lysozyme, immunoglobulin A (IgA), lactoferrin and the peptide group of β-defensins, were also demonstrated as products of the anal glands. The results obtained are discussed with regard to the functional significance of the anal glands. These secretory products may create a defensive barrier against microbial invasion at the anal mucosa.

Stability study of all-permanent-magnet electron cyclotron resonance ion source

Beam intensity fluctuation was investigated using an electron cyclotron resonance ion source of an all-permanent-magnet type under development for highly stable beam intensity. While the source achieved a stability of better than 3.2% by strict regulation of the coolant temperature change within +/-0.1 degrees C, the intensity varies strongly with intentional changes in the temperature of the plasma chamber coolant. The influence of the temperature on chamber expansion, magnetic field strength, and vacuum was measured or estimated in detail. The result shows that a slight change in vacuum and magnetic field strength has considerable influence on the intensity fluctuation.

Effect of serotonin on the differentiation of human monocytes into dendritic cells

The local cytokine environment and presence of stimulatory signals determine whether monocytes acquire dendritic cell (DC) or macrophage characteristics and functions. Because enhanced platelet activation is reported in patients with many allergic disorders, such as atopic dermatitis, platelet-derived factors may influence monocytic differentiation into DC. In this study we examined the effect of serotonin, a prototypic mediator of allergic inflammation released mainly by activated platelets at the inflammatory site, on the granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and interleukin (IL)-4-driven differentiation of monocytes into monocyte-derived DC. Monocytes from healthy adult donors were cultured with GM-CSF and IL-4 in the presence or absence of serotonin, and the phenotypes and function of these cells were analysed. In the presence of serotonin, monocytes differentiated into DC with reduced expression of co-stimulatory molecules and CD1a, whereas expression of CD14 was increased. These serotonin-treated DC exhibited significantly reduced stimulatory activity toward allogeneic T cells. However, these cells showed enhanced cytokine-producing capacity, including IL-10 but not IL-12. There was no significant difference between both types of DC in phagocytic activity. Experiments using agonists and antagonists indicated that serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) induced the alteration of their phenotype and reduction in antigen-presenting capacity were mediated via 5-HTR(1/7). It is therefore suggested that serotonin-driven DC may have a regulatory function in the inflammatory process.

Cytochemical Localization of Glycoconjugates in the Secretory Epithelial Cells Lining the Prostate Gland of the Miniature Pig

The aim of the study was to emphasize several specific functional aspects of the mammalian prostate gland. In this connection, the subcellular localization and characterization of glycoconjugates in the secretory epithelial cells were examined that line the prostate gland of the miniature pig, using cytochemistry, including lectin-gold methods. The results verified a diversified pattern of glycoconjugates in the structures of the secretory cells. The secretory granules and the free surface coat of the plasma membrane contained several sugar moieties such as alpha-D-Man, alpha-D-Glc, alpha-L-Fuc, beta-D-Gal, GalNAc, GlcNAc and NeuAc (sialic acid), whereas the Golgi apparatus exhibited GlcNAc and sialic acid residues. In addition, the cisterns of the endoplasmic reticulum showed alpha-D-Man and alpha-D-Glc moieties. It seems likely that the secretory glycoconjugates demonstrated contribute to favourable conditions for fertilization.

Morphological, histochemical and immunohistochemical characterization of secretory production of the ciliary glands in the porcine eyelid

In addition to performing general histology and cytology of the ciliary glands of the miniature pig, we studied the localization of glycoconjugates and beta-defensins in these glands with the use of carbohydrate histochemical and immunohistochemical methods. The secretory cells of the glands were equipped with non-homogeneous secretory granules, a well-developed Golgi apparatus and rough endoplasmic reticulum. The secretory epithelium and luminal secretion of the glands contained large amounts of neutral and acidic glycoconjugates with various saccharide residues (alpha-L-Fuc, beta-D-Gal, alpha-D-GalNAc and sialic acid). The sebaceous glands and tarsal glands also exhibited positive reactions to most of the histochemical methods. Additionally, the antimicrobial peptide group of beta-defensins was demonstrated to be products of the ciliary glands, as well as the sebaceous glands and tarsal glands. The results obtained are discussed with regard to the specific function of the ciliary glandular secretions. These secretory products may be related to the moistening and general protection of the skin surface of the eyelid and ocular surface.

Glycoconjugate histochemistry of the seminal vesicles of the Japanese miniature (Shiba) goat

The present study localizes and characterizes complex glycoconjugates in the seminal vesicles of the Japanese Shiba goat, using several carbohydrate histochemical procedures, including lectin techniques at light and electron microscopic levels. Glandular epithelial cells and luminal secretions were shown to contain neutral and acidic glycoconjugates with various saccharide residues, such as alpha-D-Man, alpha-D-Glc, alpha-L-Fuc, beta-D-Gal, GalNAc, GlcNAc, and NeuAc (sialic acid). The terminal oligosaccharide chains of sialoglycoconjugates present in the seminal vesicles were NeuAc alpha 2-3Gal beta 1-3GalNAc and NeuAc alpha 2-3Gal beta 1-4GlcNAc. In addition, in lysosomes of the glandular epithelial cells alpha-D-Man, alpha-D-Glc, GlcNAc and NeuAc (sialic acid) residues could be detected, the secretory vesicles contained alpha-L-Fuc, and the endoplasmic reticulum exhibited alpha-D-Man and alpha-D-Glc residues. The complex glycoconjugates with various sugar residues found in the seminal vesicles of the goat may be involved in various fertilization-related events.

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor-producing cutaneous angiosarcoma with leukaemoid reaction arising on a burn scar

We report a 46-year-old man with a giant tumour in a burn scar on his buttock. Pathological examination revealed that the dermis was filled with anastomosing vascular channels and round- or spindle-type atypical cells, which were compatible with the diagnosis of cutaneous angiosarcoma. Based on prominent leucocytosis (up to 113 000 microL-1), we measured serum granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). The highly elevated serum G-CSF of 303 ng L-1 (normal, 6.1-21.5 ng L-1) and positive immunohistochemical staining of the tumour tissue for G-CSF indicated that G-CSF was produced by the cutaneous angiosarcoma. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of G-CSF-producing cutaneous angiosarcoma.

Strand exchange reaction in vitro and DNA-dependent ATPase activity of recombinant LIM15/DMC1 and RAD51 proteins from Coprinus cinereus

We previously cloned recA-homolog genes from a basidiomycete, Coprinus cinereus, and obtained the recombinant proteins (Nara et al., Mol. Gen. Genet. 262, 781-789, 1999, see Ref. 1; Nara and Sakaguchi, Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 275, 97-102, 2000, see Ref. 2). The primary purpose of the present study was to characterize the biochemical properties of the recombinant LIM15/DMC1 (CoLIM15) and RAD51 (CoRAD51) proteins. We purified the recombinant proteins, and their molecular masses were 37 and 35 kDa, respectively. Both enzymes showed DNA-dependent ATPase activity and ATP-dependent strand exchange reaction in vitro. CoRad51 was a five- to sixfold stronger DNA-dependent ATPase and showed greater dependency on single-stranded DNA than CoLim15. In meiosis, both enzymes were highly accumulated in the meiotic tissue at leptotene and zygotene stages at which the homologous chromosomes pair, but disappeared just before the pachytene stage at which they recombine. From these and the previously reported results, we discuss here the relationships between the enzymes and meiosis.

A rat model of postthoracotomy pain: behavioural and spinal cord NK-1 receptor assessment

PURPOSE

To develop a new rat model of postthoracotomy pain for investigating its mechanisms and clarifying neurochemical changes.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to three groups that underwent either fourth and fifth intercostal nerve ligation, cutting of the fourth and fifth ribs, or a sham operation in which only pleura was cut. For behavioural response assessment during the following month, pinch and touch were used as mechanical stimuli, and acetone was used as a cold thermal stimulus. In addition, (125)I-substance P autoradiography was used to determine neurokinin (NK) receptor density in spinal cord laminae I and II at one to six weeks after surgery.

RESULTS

In rats with nerve ligation, hypersensitivity to noxious and non-noxious stimuli continued throughout the month. The "mirror phenomenon" was observed. The lowest threshold was obtained in the dorsomedial portion of the T4 dermatome on the side of surgery. In rats with rib cutting, a lowered threshold to noxious and non-noxious stimuli was observed for two weeks. In rats with sham operations, hypersensitivity was seen only at postoperative day one. NK-1 receptor density on the side of operation increased significantly in rats with nerve ligation from day seven to 28. Receptor density was highest on day 14 (22.97 +/- 1.04 fmol x mg(-1) tissue vs. control, 16.22 +/- 0.43), representing a 50% receptor excess on the side of ligation compared to the contralateral side.

CONCLUSION

Intercostal nerve damage induces long-term postthoracotomy pain and an increase of spinal NK-1 receptors in rats. This model may be useful for investigation of postthoracotomy pain.

Perioperative management of biventricular failure after closure of a long-standing massive arteriovenous fistula

PURPOSE

To report the perioperative management of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) closure in a patient with high-output heart failure and pulmonary hypertension.

CLINICAL FEATURES

In a 71-yr-old man, closure of a long-standing massive AVF between the right femoral artery and vein was performed. After closure of the AVF, his pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) increased from 52/21 mmHg to 68/26 mmHg, his cardiac index decreased from 5.27 L.min(-1).m(-2) to 3.18 L.min(-1).m(-2), and his pulmonary wedge pressure increased from 15 mmHg to 32 mmHg due to an acute increase in afterload. Co-administration of prostaglandin E and a phosphodiesterase III inhibitor improved the cardiac index and the PAP.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical closure of the fistula may not always lead to resolution of the high output cardiac failure. In this case, afterload management using arterial dilators (prostaglandin E1, phosphodiesterase III inhibitor), use of inotropic drugs (phosphodiesterase III inhibitor), and close attention to volume status was crucial for a successful outcome after surgical AVF closure.

Protective immunity to Schistosoma japonicum infection depends on the balance of T helper cytokine responses in mice vaccinated with gamma-irradiated cercariae

Although the strain difference in protection of mice to Schistosoma mansoni infection has been described, limited information is available in the case of Schistosoma japonicum. In the present study, we compared the protective immunity to S. japonicum infection and cytokine production in various strains of mice vaccinated with gamma-irradiated cercariae. A significant reduction in worm recovery was observed in male and female mice of DBA/2 at a 6-week interval between vaccination and a challenge infection, whereas vaccinated mice of C57BL/6, C57BL/10, (C57BL/6 x DBA/2) F1 (B6D2F1) and (C57BL/10 x DBA/2) F1 (B10D2F1) showed no detectable level of protection. No sex-linked difference in development of resistance was observed in any of the strains so far examined. Vaccination with gamma-irradiated cercariae twice with a 3-week interval also induced significant protection against a challenge infection in DBA/2 but not in BALB/c or C57BL/6 strains. Further studies demonstrated that spleen cells of vaccinated C57BL/6 mice produced lower levels of IFN-gamma compared to the cells of vaccinated BALB/c and DBA/2. On the other hand, production of IL-10 by spleen cells was relatively higher in BALB/c mice than in the other two strains. Macrophages that had been stimulated with spleen cell culture supernatants derived from vaccinated DBA/2 damaged schistosomula more effectively than cells stimulated with supernatants derived from the other strains. These results suggest that different levels of protection observed among strains of mice depend on the balance of cytokine responses which consequently activate or suppress macrophage-mediated damage to schistosomula.

Long descending lymphatic pathway from the pancreaticoduodenal region to the para-aortic nodes: its laterality and topographical relationship with the celiac plexus

In 6 of 15 postmortem-treated cadaveric specimens, we found macroscopically thick lymphatic collecting vessels that originated from not only the nodes along the common hepatic artery (No. 8 nodes) but also from the pancreaticoduodenal region, and which drained directly into the para-aortic nodes immediately below the left renal vein (No. 16b1-inter or -latero nodes). The collecting vessels, if they originated from the ventral (dorsal) visceral side, passed to the left (right) of the superior mesenteric and celiac arteries. Moreover, the right-side vessels (5 specimens) were classified into superficial and deep courses to the celiac plexus, whereas they were superficial in the left side (2 specimens). One of the deep (right) courses continued to the thoracic duct without any intercalated nodes. In addition, another deep route drained into the para-aortic node immediately above the left renal vein (No. 16a2-inter node). We consider that these collecting vessels form "direct descending pathways" from the relatively peripheral lymphatics in the upper abdomen toward the thoracic duct origin. The pathway seems to be a collateral, or even major drainage route, and it appears responsible for skipped metastasis of primary cancer. Since the classical, limited entity of the intestinal lymph trunk does not coincide with our pathway, it should be reconsidered. The proposed entity of the direct, long descending pathway will influence the selection and modification of lymphadenectomy methods in cancer surgery in the pancreaticoduodenal region.

[A case of multiple sclerosis with recurrent episodes of psychiatric symptoms]

We reported a 19-year-old woman with multiple sclerosis (MS) with recurrent episodes of psychiatric symptoms at the age of 10 and 19, as the first and 11th relapse, respectively. Her first episode of MS resembled acute encephalitis at the age of 9 and she relapsed 12 times. The psychiatric symptoms were not mood disorders but altered states of consciousness, such as the delirous state. She was treated with high doses of intravenous methylpredonisolone and her symptoms were almost resolved, but her anxiety neurosis remained. Her MRI showed demyelination in the white matter of the frontal lobe and the hippocampus, which suggested that psychiatric symptoms of MS would be related to the frontal lobe lesion.

A glass capillary ultramicroelectrode with an electrokinetic sampling ability

A glass capillary ultramicroelectrode (tip diameter approximately 1.2 microm) having an electrokinetic sampling ability is described. It is composed of a pulled glass capillary filled with an inner solution and three internal electrodes (Pt working and counter electrodes and an Ag/AgCl reference electrode). The voltammetric response of the capillary electrode is based on electrokinetic transport of analyte ions from the sample solution into the inner solution across the conical tip. It was found that the electrophoretic migration of analytes at the conical tip is faster than electroosmotic flow, enabling electrokinetic transport of analyte ions into the inner solution of the electrode. By using [Fe(CN)6]4- and (ferrocenylmethyl)trimethylammonium (FcTMA+) ions as model analytes, differential pulse voltammetric responses of the capillary electrode were investigated in terms of tip diameter of the capillary, sampling voltage, sampling time, detection limit and selectivity. The magnitude of the response depends on the size and charge of analyte ions. With a capillary electrode having a approximately 1.2-microm tip diameter, which minimizes non-selective diffusional entry of analytes, the response after 1 h sampling at +1.7 V is linearly related to [Fe(CN)6]4- concentration in the range of 0.50-5.0 mM with the detection limit of 30 microM. Application of a potential of the same sign as that of the analyte ion forces the analyte to move out from the electrode to the solution, enabling reuse of the same capillary electrode. The charge-selective detection of analytes with the capillary electrode is demonstrated for [Fe(CN)6]4- in the presence of FcTMA+.

The comparative effects of propofol versus thiopental on middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity during electroconvulsive therapy

Electroconvulsive therapy provokes abrupt changes in both systemic and cerebral hemodynamics. An anesthetic that has a minor effect on cerebral hemodynamics might be more suitable for patients with intracranial complications, such as cerebral aneurysm. The purpose of our present study was to compare the effects of thiopental and propofol on cerebral blood flow velocity. We continuously compared cerebral blood flow velocity at the middle cerebral artery (MCA) during electroconvulsive therapy, using propofol (1 mg/kg, n = 20) versus thiopental (2 mg/kg, n = 20) anesthesia. Systemic hemodynamic variables and flow velocity at the MCA were measured until 10 min after the electrical shock. Heart rate and arterial blood pressure increased in the thiopental group until 5 min after the electrical shock. In the propofol group, an increase in mean blood pressure was observed to 1 min after the electrical shock. Mean flow velocity at the MCA decreased after anesthesia in both groups, and increased at 0.5-3 min after the electrical shock in the thiopental group and at 0.5 and 1 min after the shock in the propofol group. The flow velocities at 0.5-5 min after the electrical shock were significantly more rapid in the thiopental group compared with the propofol group. ¿abs¿

IMPLICATIONS

Cerebral blood flow velocity change, measured by transcranial Doppler sonography during electroconvulsive therapy, was minor using propofol anesthesia compared with barbiturate anesthesia. Propofol anesthesia may be suitable for patients who cannot tolerate abrupt cerebral hemodynamic change.

Evolutionary implications of the mosaic pyrimidine-biosynthetic pathway in eukaryotes

The de-novo pyrimidine biosynthetic pathway involves six enzymes, in order from the first to the sixth step, carbamoyl-phosphate synthetase II (CPS II) comprising glutamine amidotransferase (GAT) and carbamoyl-phosphate synthetase (CPS) domains or subunits, aspartate carbamoyltransferase (ACT), dihydroorotase (DHO), dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHOD), orotate phosphoribosyltransferase (OPRT), and orotidine-5'-monophosphate decarboxylase (OMPDC). In contrast with reports on molecular evolution of the individual enzymes, we attempted to draw an evolutionary picture of the whole pathway using the protein phylogeny. We demonstrate highly mosaic organizations of the pyrimidine biosynthetic pathway in eukaryotes. During evolution of the eukaryotic pathway, plants and fungi (or their ancestors) in particular may have secondarily acquired the characteristic enzymes. This is consistent with the fact that the organization of plant enzymes is highly chimeric: (1) two subunits of CPS II, GAT and CPS, cluster with a clade including cyanobacteria and red algal chloroplasts, (2) ACT not with a cyanobacterium, Synechocystis spp., irrespective of its putative signal sequence targeting into chloroplasts, and (3) DHO with a clade of proteobacteria. In fungi, DHO and OPRT cluster respectively with the corresponding proteobacterial counterparts. The phylogenetic analyses of DHOD and OMPDC also support the implications of the mosaic pyrimidine biosynthetic pathway in eukaryotes. The potential importance of the horizontal gene transfer(s) and endosymbiosis in establishing the mosaic pathway is discussed.

On fatigue lifetimes and fatigue crack growth behavior of bone cement

Bone cement is used to develop a mechanical bond between an artificial joint and the adjacent bone tissue, and any degradation of this bond is of serious concern since it can lead to loosening and eventually malfunction of the artificial joint. In the present study, the fatigue lives and fatigue crack propagation behavior of two bone cements, CMW Type 3 and Zimmer, were investigated, and it was found that the size and distribution of pores played a major role in influencing both the fatigue crack initiation and propagation processes. The fatigue lifetimes of CMW exceeded those of Zimmer because of a lesser density of large pores. When the fatigue lifetimes were plotted as a function of Klimax, the maximum initial stress intensity factor based upon the initiating pore size, the difference in fatigue lifetimes between CMW and Zimmer bone cements was greatly reduced. The fatigue crack growth behavior of both bone cements were similar. This is a further indication that the noted differences in fatigue lifetimes were related to the size of the pore at the crack initiating site.

Cloning and functional expression of Rpn1, a regulatory-particle non-ATPase subunit 1, of proteasome from Trypanosoma cruzi

Non-lysosomal protein degradation in eukaryotic cells involves a proteolytic complex referred to as 26S proteasome that consists of a 20S core particle and one or two 19S regulatory particles. We have cloned the gene RPN1 encoding Rpnl (regulatory-particle non-ATPase subunit 1), one of the largest subunits of proteasome, from Trypanosoma cruzi. It contains 2712 bp and encodes 904 amino acid residues with a calculated molecular mass of 98.2 kDa and an isoelectric point of 5.2. The predicted amino acid sequence of the trypanosomatid Rpn1 shares 39.0 and 32.0% overall identities with human Rpn1 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae Nas1 (non-ATPase subunit 1), an Rpn1 homolog, respectively, while the sequence identities among T. cruzi, Plasmodium falciparum, and Entamoeba histolytica Rpnl are approximately 30%. T. cruzi Rpn1 contains nine repeats of about 36 amino acid residues conserved in Rpn1s from various organisms. T. cruzi RPN1 is located on the 2300- and 1900-kb chromosomal DNA, displays a putative allelic variation as RPN1-1 and RPN1-2 with 98.8% identity between these two putative gene products, and is transcribed from both alleles at a comparable level throughout the three developmental stages of the parasite, epimastigotes, trypomastigotes, and amastigotes. The expression of the trypanosomatid Rpnl in the temperature-sensitive nas1 yeast mutant rescued the growth defect at the restrictive temperature, indicating that Rpn1 functions as a Nas1 and probably assembles into the 19S regulatory particle of the yeast 26S proteasome.

Regional specificity of localized cortical lesions in West syndrome

West syndrome, although classified as a generalized epilepsy, is associated with localized cerebral lesions in some cases. However, similar localized cortical abnormalities usually can result in partial epilepsy, instead of West syndrome. We performed this study to determine the additional factors that result in West syndrome instead of partial epilepsy in patients with localized cerebral lesions. We reviewed the pathologic features, topographic localization, and side of unilaterally defined cerebral lesions in relation to the seizure types in 39 epileptic patients, including five patients who presented with West syndrome. The lesions of all five patients with West syndrome involved the temporal or occipital lobes (or both). Among the nine with an occipital lesion, four had West syndrome. In the 19 with a temporal lesion, three had West syndrome. However, in the 16 patients with a frontal lesion, none exhibited epileptic spasms. In four of the five with West syndrome the lesions were on the right side; 23 had lesions on the right, 16 had them on the left. Temporo-occipital lesions and lesions on the right were related to the genesis of West syndrome, which would be in close correlation with normal brain maturation.

Characterization of interaction of C- and N-terminal domains in LIM15/DMC1 and RAD51 from a basidiomycetes, Coprinus cinereus

Both LIM15/DMC1 and RAD51 are thought to be essential for meiosis in which homologous chromosomes pair and recombine. The primary purpose of the present study was to investigate the homotypic and heterotypic interactions among their terminal domains. We prepared cDNAs and recombinant proteins of the full-length, N-terminal, and the C-terminal domains of LIM15/DMC1 (CoLIM15) and RAD51 (CoRAD51) from the basidiomycete Coprinus cinereus. In both two-hybrid assay in vivo and pull-down assay in vitro, either CoLim15 or CoRad51 interacted homotypically between the C-terminal domains, respectively, but no heterotypic interaction was observed between CoLim15 and CoRad51. The N-terminal domain of CoLim15 bound to ssDNA and dsDNA, while the C-terminal domain of CoRad51 appeared to interact weakly with ssDNA. Based on these results, the interaction among the strand-exchange proteins and meiosis was discussed.

Inhibition of Fas-mediated apoptosis by Trypanosoma cruzi infection

Trypanosoma cruzi-infected and normal control mammalian cells were subjected to analysis of Fas-mediated apoptosis stimulated by an agonistic anti-Fas monoclonal antibody. The infected cells showed markedly hampered apoptotic changes in nuclear morphology, phosphatidylethanolamine translocation from the inside to the outside of the plasma membrane, and DNA fragmentation into multiples of 180 bp, relative to normal control cells. Upstream of these morphological and biochemical consequences, the caspase-3 activity was elevated by the Fas stimulation in a significantly greater proportion of intact control cells, but at a highly reduced rate of infected cells. The rapid elevation of caspase-8 activity in control, apoptotic cells was completely inhibited in infected cells. In an examination of the specificity of other stimulants, X-ray radiation or chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide, colchicine or etoposide did not cause significant differences in apoptotic rates between control and infected cells; tumor necrosis factor-alpha, however, induced a high rate of apoptosis in control cells, with an extremely lowered rate in infected cells. This study demonstrates, for the first time, that T. cruzi infection inhibits one of the earliest steps of death receptor-mediated apoptosis, an effect that most probably involves the inhibition of caspase-8. Differential apoptotic responses in cells infected with T. cruzi and other intracellular parasites are discussed.

[Epileptogenesis of acute encephalitis and acute encephalopathy: epilepsy with its onset in the acute phase and without a latent period]

Epileptogenesis was evaluated in 60 patients with acute encephalitis and in 10 patients with acute encephalopathy. Forty-seven patients have been seizure-free during for more than three years' follow-up (Group III). On the other hand, 23 patients developed epilepsy. Among them, 18 patients developed epilepsy after a latent period of 1 month to 2 3/12 years (Group I). In Group I, a younger age of the onset, a long period of disturbed consciousness and a high activity of CSF neuron-specific enolase (NSE) was associated with refractory epilepsy. The other five patients had continuous seizures from the acute phase of encephalitis without a latent period (Group II). They had more than 2 types of partial motor seizures which occurred frequently during the acute phase of encephalitis. The NSE activity in the CSF of patients in Group II was less than 50 ng/ml, being similar to those in Group III. The epilepsy in Group II, however, was the most refractory. The reason for the development of this continuous refractory epilepsy remained obscure.

Vaccination of domestic pig with recombinant paramyosin. against Schistosoma japonicum in China

Paramyosin (PM), a myosin-like protein is a major antigen on Schistosoma japonicum (Sj). We reported that passive transfer of a monoclonal IgE SjE18varepsilon.1 which recognizes PM of Sj (SJPM), partially protected mice from challenge infection. In the present study, we developed an experimental model system of schistosomiasis japonica with domestic pigs in China and used it for the evaluation of vaccination with recombinant SJPM (rSJPM). Sixteen-week-old pigs were successfully infected by dermal penetration of 120 cercariae of a domestic strain of Sj (50-60% worm recovery 11 weeks after challenge). The pigs vaccinated with 400 UV attenuated cercariae showed a reduction of worm recovery (53%, p<0.001). The experimental groups were immunized intradermally with rSJPM and alum or TiterMax and were partially protected against the challenge infection (32-35% reduction).

Drug extrusion in Corynebacterium glutamicum

We selected a mutant of Corynebacterium glutamicum, EBR, which can grow in a medium containing cytotoxic ethidium bromide (EtBr) at a high concentration of 100 microM. The resistance to EtBr in the mutant was reversed by 2 microM reserpine, a potent inhibitor of mammalian p-glycoprotein and bacterial multidrug resistance (MDR) transporter, whereas reserpine alone had a minimal effect on cell growth. The mutant showed a much higher efflux rate of EtBr than wild-type cells, and the efflux was completely inhibited by 2 microM reserpine. In addition to reserpine, structurally unrelated chemicals such as quinidine, trifluorperazine, tetraphenylarsonium chloride, chlorpromazine and quinine inhibit the EtBr efflux, revealing that the putative efflux system(s) can recognize a variety of chemicals. The efflux activity was correlated with the membrane potential but not the intracellular ATP contents. We, therefore, concluded that the EtBr resistance may be involved by proton-motive-force driven multidrug efflux system(s).

Isolation of a LIM15/DMC1 homolog from the basidiomycete Coprinus cinereus and its expression in relation to meiotic chromosome pairing

The Escherichia coli gene recA is essential for homologous recombination and DNA repair, and homologs have been identified in eukaryotes. A basidiomycete, Coprinus cinereus, which has many advantages for the study of meiosis, was recently reported to have a homolog of one of these, RAD51. In the yeast Saccharomyces, mutations in the RAD51 gene cause defects in both somatic and meiotic cells. Based on this finding, we screened for a meiosis-specific homolog of recA, equivalent to Lilium LIM15 or Saccharomyces DMC1, in C. cinereus, and isolated a clone containing a 1.2-kb DNA fragment from a cDNA library constructed with Coprinus poly(A)+ RNA isolated from cells undergoing meiosis. The predicted amino acid sequence was 52% identical to the putative gene product of the lily cDNA clone LIM15 and 61% identical to Saccharomyces DMC1, and showed limited sequence similarity to the products of RAD52, 55, and 57. The synchrony of meiosis in Coprinus provides an ideal system for the investigation of differential gene expression in relation to meiosis and fruiting body development. Northern analysis indicated that Coprinus LIM15/DMC1 was expressed at meiotic prophase within 8 h after the onset of karyogamy, suggesting that the gene functions mostly at the stage at which the homologous chromosomes pair, but may not be essential at the point at which they recombine. The gene is not expressed in somatic cells.

[Morphometric development and the variability of neurons of the human auditory system: ventral cochlear nucleus and superior medial olivary nucleus]

The development of the human ventral cochlear and medial superior olivary nuclei was studied. We made serial sections of the brain in 10 fetuses at 16-40 weeks of gestation (WG), an infant at 2 months of age and an adult of 63 years using an electronic planimeter with a computer. Although the shape of neurons of the two nuclei was different, our morphometric analysis showed that the development of both of them accelerates between 18 and 21 WG in terms of the columnar length and volume, neuronal size and circularity ratio and the amount of Nissl bodies increases gradually.

[Topography and number of cortical tubers in tuberous sclerosis: comparison between patients with and without West syndrome]

To reveal the role of cortical tubers in the pathophysiology of West syndrome associated with tuberous sclerosis, we studied their numbers and topography, focusing on the differences between patients with infantile spasms and without infantile spasms. We reviewed the clinical date on the seizure types, seizure evolution and developmental status of 13 patients: 8 patients with infantile spasms (the West syndrome group) and 5 patients without infantile spasms (the non-West syndrome group). The number, size and location of the cortical tubers were evaluated on 5 mm-thick T2-weighted MR images. The average number of cortical tubers of the West syndrome group was 11.4 per patient, being larger than that of the non-West syndrome group (7.8). The West syndrome group included two patients with only one tuber. The average number of the cortical tubers in the occipital lobes of the West syndrome group was 2.4, which was larger than that of the non-West syndrome group (0.8). From these results, a large number of cortical tubers, which suggest involvement of larger cerebral cortical regions, increase the possibility of the West syndrome in patients with tuberous sclerosis. On the other hand, some patients with only one or few cortical tubers developed West syndrome, which may suggest the presence of a region critical on the development of West syndrome. Our results also suggest that lesions in the occipital lobes might be more significant than those in other lobes. However, the results of this study are diverse, to some extent, which may have resulted from variable epileptogenicity of the cortical tubers. It is necessary to conduct further study, including a greater number of patients, to reveal topographic pathophysiology in West syndrome.

Intrathecal co-administration of NMDA antagonist and NK-1 antagonist reduces MAC of isoflurane in rats

BACKGROUND

Intravenous administration of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists and alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) receptor antagonists reportedly reduce the minimum alveolar anaesthetic concentration (MAC) for inhalation anaesthetics. If pain perception can be prevented by the intrathecal administration of antinociceptive receptor antagonists, these agents may reduce the requirements for inhalation anaesthetics. We studied the effect of intrathecal administration of an AMPA/kainate receptor antagonist, a metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptor antagonist and co-administration of NMDA and a neurokinin-1(NK-1) receptor antagonist drugs at low doses on the MAC.

METHODS

After Wistar rats (n=36) were fitted with indwelling intrathecal catheters, the MAC of isoflurane was determined following intrathecal administration of a non-NMDA receptor antagonist (CNQX) at 10 microg, a mGlu receptor antagonist (AP3) at 10 microg, or a combination of NMDA receptor antagonist (APV) at 0.01 microg to 1 microg with NK-1 receptor antagonist (CP96345, CP) at 0.1 microg to 10 microg. Subsequently, a reversal dose of intrathecal NMDA with substance P (SP) was administered, and the MAC of isoflurane was redetermined. Conscious rats (n=15) were also examined for the presence of locomotor dysfunction following the intrathecal co-administration of APV and CP.

RESULTS

Neither CNQX nor AP3 reduced the MAC of isoflurane. APV at 0.01 microg plus CP at 1 microg, as well as APV at 0.1 microg plus CP at 10 microg, reduced the MAC of isoflurane, with respective reductions of 7.6% and 14%; (P<0.05). Co-administration of NMDA plus SP reversed the decrease in the MAC of isoflurane. Locomotive activity was not changed.

CONCLUSIONS

The NMDA receptor and the NK-1 receptor are important determinants of the MAC of isoflurane, exerting this influence by inhibition of pain transmission in the spinal cord, while mGlu and AMPA receptors have no effect on the MAC of isoflurane.

[Lissencephaly type I: electroencephalographic findings and neuroradiological classification]

Lissencephaly type I is a diffuse type of migration disorder that contains agyria and/or pachygyria on the brain surface. We experienced 5 cases of this disease and evaluated their electroencephalographic findings and seizure types based on the neuroradiological classification of lissencephaly. Ages at seizure onset ranged from 2 months to 4 months (mean 3.2 months). The patients with complete agyria had generalized tonic seizures, and those with pachygyria partial seizures or tonic spasms. The characteristic findings of complete agyria in electroencephalogram were high-voltage alfa activity. The amount of high-voltage slow waves increased with the ratio of pachygyria on the brain surface. The appearance of multifocal spikes and sharp waves suggested irregular arrangement of pachygyria on the brain surface.

Conversion of a bacterial warm sensor to a cold sensor by methylation of a single residue in the presence of an attractant

The aspartate chemoreceptor (Tar) of Escherichia coli also serves as a thermosensor, and it is very amenable to genetic and biochemical analysis of the thermosensing mechanism. Its thermosensing properties are controlled by reversible methylation of the cytoplasmic signalling/adaptation domain of the protein. The unmethylated and the fully methylated (aspartate-bound) receptors sense, as attractant stimuli, increases (warm sensor) and decreases (cold sensor) in temperature respectively. To learn more about the mechanism of thermosensing, we replaced the four methyl-accepting glutamyl residues with non-methylatable aspartyl residues in all possible combinations. In a strain defective in both methyltransferase (CheR) and methylesterase (CheB) activities, all of the mutant Tar proteins functioned as warm sensors. To create a situation in which all of the remaining glutamyl residues were methylated, we expressed the mutant proteins in a CheB-defective, CheR-overproducing strain. The fully glutamyl-methylated proteins were designed to mimic the full range of methylation states possible for wild-type Tar. Almost all of the methylated mutant receptors, including those with single glutamyl residues, were cold sensors in the presence of aspartate. Thus, binding of aspartate to Tar and methylation of its single glutamyl residue can invert its temperature-dependent signalling properties.

The effect of intrathecal magnesium sulphate on nociception in rat acute pain models

We examined the antinociceptive effect of intrathecally administered magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) in rats, using acute pain models including mechanical pressure, heat and subcutaneous formalin injection. According to the locomotion test 10 microliters of 6.2% MgSO4 did not produce motor paralysis. At the same dose, responses to pressure and heat were intact, compared with controls given saline. MgSO4 produced depression of pain responses only after the first 10 min in the formalin test. Our studies indicated that MgSO4 did not show remarkable antinociceptive effects in acute pain models.

Induction of CD8+ T cell-mediated protective immunity against Trypanosoma cruzi

Trypanosoma cruzi was transformed with the Plasmodium yoelii gene encoding the circum-sporozoite (CS) protein, which contains the well-characterized CD8+ T cell epitope, SYVPSAEQI. In vivo and in vitro assays indicated that cells infected with the transformed T. cruzi could process and present this malaria parasite-derived class I MHC-restricted epitope. Immunization of mice with recombinant influenza and vaccinia viruses expressing the SYVPSAEQI epitope induced a large number of specific CD8+ T cells that strongly suppressed parasitemia and conferred complete protection against the acute T. cruzi lethal infection. CD8+ T cells mediated this immunity as indicated by the unrelenting parasitemia and high mortality observed in immunized mice treated with anti-CD8 antibody. This study demonstrated, for the first time, that vaccination of mice with vectors designed to induce CD8+ T cells is effective against T. cruzi infection.