Tests of Light-Lepton Universality in Angular Asymmetries of B^{0}→D^{*-}ℓν Decays

We present the first comprehensive tests of the universality of the light leptons in the angular distributions of semileptonic B^{0}-meson decays to charged spin-1 charmed mesons. We measure five angular-asymmetry observables as functions of the decay recoil that are sensitive to lepton-universality-violating contributions. We use events where one neutral B is fully reconstructed in ϒ(4S)→BB[over ¯] decays in data corresponding to 189  fb^{-1} integrated luminosity from electron-positron collisions collected with the Belle II detector. We find no significant deviation from the standard model expectations.

Search for a τ^{+}τ^{-} Resonance in e^{+}e^{-}→μ^{+}μ^{-}τ^{+}τ^{-} Events with the Belle II Experiment

We report the first search for a nonstandard-model resonance decaying into τ pairs in e^{+}e^{-}→μ^{+}μ^{-}τ^{+}τ^{-} events in the 3.6-10  GeV/c^{2} mass range. We use a 62.8  fb^{-1} sample of e^{+}e^{-} collisions collected at a center-of-mass energy of 10.58 GeV by the Belle II experiment at the SuperKEKB collider. The analysis probes three different models predicting a spin-1 particle coupling only to the heavier lepton families, a Higgs-like spin-0 particle that couples preferentially to charged leptons (leptophilic scalar), and an axionlike particle, respectively. We observe no evidence for a signal and set exclusion limits at 90% confidence level on the product of cross section and branching fraction into τ pairs, ranging from 0.7 to 24 fb, and on the couplings of these processes. We obtain world-leading constraints on the couplings for the leptophilic scalar model for masses above 6.5  GeV/c^{2} and for the axionlike particle model over the entire mass range.

Test of Light-Lepton Universality in the Rates of Inclusive Semileptonic B-Meson Decays at Belle II

We present the first measurement of the ratio of branching fractions of inclusive semileptonic B-meson decays, R(X_{e/μ})=B(B→Xeν)/B(B→Xμν), a precision test of electron-muon universality, using data corresponding to 189  fb^{-1} from electron-positron collisions collected with the Belle II detector. In events where the partner B meson is fully reconstructed, we use fits to the lepton momentum spectra above 1.3  GeV/c to obtain R(X_{e/μ})=1.007±0.009(stat)±0.019(syst), which is the most precise lepton-universality test of its kind and agrees with the standard-model expectation.

Search for an Invisible Z^{'} in a Final State with Two Muons and Missing Energy at Belle II

The L_{μ}-L_{τ} extension of the standard model predicts the existence of a lepton-flavor-universality-violating Z^{'} boson that couples only to the heavier lepton families. We search for such a Z^{'} through its invisible decay in the process e^{+}e^{-}→μ^{+}μ^{-}Z^{'}. We use a sample of electron-positron collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 10.58 GeV collected by the Belle II experiment in 2019-2020, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 79.7  fb^{-1}. We find no excess over the expected standard-model background. We set 90%-confidence-level upper limits on the cross section for this process as well as on the coupling of the model, which ranges from 3×10^{-3} at low Z^{'} masses to 1 at Z^{'} masses of 8  GeV/c^{2}.

Search for Lepton-Flavor-Violating τ Decays to a Lepton and an Invisible Boson at Belle II

We search for lepton-flavor-violating τ^{-}→e^{-}α and τ^{-}→μ^{-}α decays, where α is an invisible spin-0 boson. The search uses electron-positron collisions at 10.58 GeV center-of-mass energy with an integrated luminosity of 62.8  fb^{-1}, produced by the SuperKEKB collider and collected with the Belle II detector. We search for an excess in the lepton-energy spectrum of the known τ^{-}→e^{-}ν[over ¯]_{e}ν_{τ} and τ^{-}→μ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{μ}ν_{τ} decays. We report 95% confidence-level upper limits on the branching-fraction ratio B(τ^{-}→e^{-}α)/B(τ^{-}→e^{-}ν[over ¯]_{e}ν_{τ}) in the range (1.1-9.7)×10^{-3} and on B(τ^{-}→μ^{-}α)/B(τ^{-}→μ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{μ}ν_{τ}) in the range (0.7-12.2)×10^{-3} for α masses between 0 and 1.6  GeV/c^{2}. These results provide the most stringent bounds on invisible boson production from τ decays.

Observation of e^{+}e^{-}→ωχ_{bJ}(1P) and Search for X_{b}→ωϒ(1S) at sqrt[s] near 10.75 GeV

We study the processes e^{+}e^{-}→ωχ_{bJ}(1P) (J=0, 1, or 2) using samples at center-of-mass energies sqrt[s]=10.701, 10.745, and 10.805 GeV, corresponding to 1.6, 9.8, and 4.7  fb^{-1} of integrated luminosity, respectively. These data were collected with the Belle II detector during special operations of the SuperKEKB collider above the ϒ(4S) resonance. We report the first observation of ωχ_{bJ}(1P) signals at sqrt[s]=10.745  GeV. By combining Belle II data with Belle results at sqrt[s]=10.867  GeV, we find energy dependencies of the Born cross sections for e^{+}e^{-}→ωχ_{b1,b2}(1P) to be consistent with the shape of the ϒ(10753) state. These data indicate that the internal structures of the ϒ(10753) and ϒ(10860) states may differ. Including data at sqrt[s]=10.653  GeV, we also search for the bottomonium equivalent of the X(3872) state decaying into ωϒ(1S). No significant signal is observed for masses between 10.45 and 10.65  GeV/c^{2}.

Search for a Dark Photon and an Invisible Dark Higgs Boson in μ^{+}μ^{-} and Missing Energy Final States with the Belle II Experiment

The dark photon A^{'} and the dark Higgs boson h^{'} are hypothetical particles predicted in many dark sector models. We search for the simultaneous production of A^{'} and h^{'} in the dark Higgsstrahlung process e^{+}e^{-}→A^{'}h^{'} with A^{'}→μ^{+}μ^{-} and h^{'} invisible in electron-positron collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 10.58 GeV in data collected by the Belle II experiment in 2019. With an integrated luminosity of 8.34  fb^{-1}, we observe no evidence for signal. We obtain exclusion limits at 90% Bayesian credibility in the range of 1.7-5.0 fb on the cross section and in the range of 1.7×10^{-8}-200×10^{-8} on the effective coupling ϵ^{2}×α_{D} for the A^{'} mass in the range of 4.0  GeV/c^{2}<M_{A^{'}}<9.7  GeV/c^{2} and for the h^{'} mass M_{h^{'}}<M_{A^{'}}, where ϵ is the mixing strength between the standard model and the dark photon and α_{D} is the coupling of the dark photon to the dark Higgs boson. Our limits are the first in this mass range.

Establishment and characterization of urothelial carcinoma cell lines with and without BRAF mutation (V595E) in dogs

Each 5 urothelial carcinoma (UC) cell lines with and without the v-Raf murine sarcoma virus oncogene homolog B (BRAF) gene mutation (V595E) were established and examined V595E-related tumorigenic characteristics in dogs. No typical morphological features were observed in cloned cells with and without V595E. The cell proliferation of both cloned cells showed logarithmic growth curve and those doubling time were 24.9 ± 4.1 h in V595E ( +) and 29.3 ± 11.3 h in V595E ( -). On the growth curve of xenotransplanted tumor in severe combined immunodeficiency mice, 3 out of 5 V595E ( +) and 2 out of 5 V595E ( -) cloned cells revealed gradually and remarkably increasing curve, indicating clearly tumorigenicity. The xenotransplanted tumors with V595E ( +) showed typical features of UC, such as solid proliferation of pleomorphic tumor cells, formation of papillary structure, and glandular structure. Additionally, various vascular formation was observed, probably indicating an advanced growth phase of UC. In mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, cytoplasmic phosphorylated-BRAF (pBRAF) and cytoplasmic and nuclear phosphorylated-ERK1/2 (pERK1/2) were detected in all 4 tumors with V595E ( +), whereas only cytoplasmic and nuclear pERK1/2 was detected in tumors with V595E ( -). Since V595E can directly activate MAPK signaling pathway, coincidence of V595E with pBRAF (phosphor Thr598/Ser601) indicates acquired resistance to BRAF inhibitors. These established UC cell lines, especially V595E ( +) cell lines, are useful tool for understanding pathophysiological states and controlling therapeutic manners of UC in dogs.

Coincidence of v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B mutation (V595E) with phosphorylated v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B in urothelial carcinoma in dogs

Expression of phosphorylated v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B (pBRAF) and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (pERK1/2) were investigated in urothelial carcinoma (UC) in dogs with or without the BRAF gene mutation (V595E). Among the 10 cases of UC with V595E (-), cytoplasmic immunoreactivity against pBRAF of neoplastic cells was reported in 8, with 7 displaying moderate reactivity and 1 displaying intense reactivity. Nuclear immunoreactivity against pBRAF was detected in 5 cases; however, these reactivities were non-specific, due to pBRAF being limited in the cytoplasm. In addition, positive cytoplasmic immunoreactivity against pERK1/2 of neoplastic cells was detected in 7 cases and nuclear immunoreactivity against ERK1/2 was detected in 6 cases. Among the 13 cases of UC with V595E (+), cytoplasmic immunoreactivity against pBRAF of neoplastic cells was detected in all 13 cases and nuclear immunoreactivity against pBRAF was detected in 10 cases; however, the nuclear immunoreactivity was non-specific. Cytoplasmic immunoreactivity against pERK1/2 of neoplastic cells was detected in all 13 cases and nuclear immunoreactivity against pERK1/2 was also detected in all cases. As nuclear pERK1/2 indicates a progressive signaling process in the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, V595E (+) UC might be in its growing stage. Probable phosphorylated sites of pBRAF at Thr598/Ser601, detected in this study, are major and essential sites of the upstream rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (RAS) signaling pathway. In human cancers, the BRAF mutation never coincides with oncogenic RAS. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the simultaneous occurrence of the BRAF mutation (V595E) and pBRAF expression (at Thr598/Ser601) in dogs with UC with V595E (+).

Precise Measurement of the D^{0} and D^{+} Lifetimes at Belle II

We report a measurement of the D^{0} and D^{+} lifetimes using D^{0}→K^{-}π^{+} and D^{+}→K^{-}π^{+}π^{+} decays reconstructed in e^{+}e^{-}→cc[over ¯] data recorded by the Belle II experiment at the SuperKEKB asymmetric-energy e^{+}e^{-} collider. The data, collected at center-of-mass energies at or near the ϒ(4S) resonance, correspond to an integrated luminosity of 72  fb^{-1}. The results, τ(D^{0})=410.5±1.1(stat)±0.8(syst)  fs and τ(D^{+})=1030.4±4.7(stat)±3.1(syst)  fs, are the most precise to date and are consistent with previous determinations.

Metabolic Syndrome and Cognitive Function: Cross-Sectional Study on Community-Dwelling Non-Demented Older Adults in Japan

AIM

This is a cross-sectional study of relation between metabolic syndrome and cognitive function in community-dwelling non-demented older adults in Japan. We examine the effect of metabolic syndrome and its components on global cognitive function. We also aim to clarify differences of specific cognitive domains between the subjects with and without metabolic syndrome.

METHODS

We studied 2150 subjects aged between 60 and 90 years whose scores on mini mental state examination (MMSE) were over 23 points. We analyzed difference in MMSE scores between the subjects with and without metabolic syndrome. Logistic regression analysis was performed with MMSE score as the dependent variable and metabolic syndrome components as the independent variable adjusted with age. We also examined differences in attention, logical memory, and verbal and category fluency between the subjects with and without metabolic syndrome.

RESULTS

MMSE scores were not significantly different between subjects with and without metabolic syndrome. In logistic regression analysis, the score of MMSE was significantly negatively associated with triglycerides in males and significantly negatively associated with abdominal circumference in females. Subjects with metabolic syndrome showed significantly lower performance of attention tasks compared to subjects without metabolic syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that in community-dwelling non-demented Japanese older adults, attention but not global cognitive function may be impaired by metabolic syndrome. Inverted association between some components of metabolic syndrome and global cognitive function indicate necessity of further studies on the relation between undernutrition and cognitive function.

Establishment and characterization of a novel cell line of medullary thyroid carcinoma from a dog

A novel cell line of canine medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) was established from the neck mass, diagnosed histopathologically and immunohistochemically as ectopic MTC. The neoplastic cells arranging trabecular structures were characterized as pleomorphic cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm and nucleus, containing often clear nucleolus. These tumor cells were immuno-positive for calcitonin gene-related protein (CGRP), somatostatin, and chromogranin A. In addition, 8th passaged cultured cells were also immuno-positive for CGRP, somatostatin, and chromogranin A. The cloned tumor cells showed logarithmic cell growth with a doubling time of 33.3 h. From the results of DNA sequencing of rearranged during transfection (RET) proto-oncogene, the cloned tumor cells had four single base substitution, including exon 5 codon 82, exon 16 codon 750, exon 17 codon 777, and exon 24 codon 1085, all of which were single nucleotide polymorphism reported in RET gene of dogs. After the xenotransplantation into severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice, the cloned cells showed tumorigenicity potentials. The morphological and immunohistochemical features of the xenotransplanted tumor were almost in conformity with those of the original tumor, including positive immunoreactivity for calcitonin, CGRP, and chromogranin A. To our knowledge, this is the first report of canine MTC cell line, which provides useful in vitro tool for understanding oncogenic mechanism and pathophysiological state of MTC in dogs.

Hypertrophic neuritis causing tetraparesis in a cat

An 8-year-old castrated male cat presented with acute ataxia and paresis in all four limbs. The cat also exhibited signs of autonomic nervous system impairment. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed swelling of the brachial plexuses bilaterally. Despite treatment, the cat died after 10 days of treatment. A postmortem examination revealed swollen radial nerves and cervical nerve roots in which infiltration of inflammatory cells was histologically confirmed. Additionally, lymphocytic infiltration was found around the blood vessels of the sciatic nerve bundle and the vagus nerve. Histological features were comparable to previously reported brachial plexus hypertrophic neuritis in a cat. Our case was unique in that the autonomic nerves were also involved in addition to the somatic nerves in all four limbs.

Quantitative PCR detection of feline morbillivirus in cat urine samples

Feline morbillivirus (FmoPV) is a new virus species and its detection is important, since correlation has been reported between FmoPV virus infection and tubulointerstitial nephritis in cats. Here, we report a real-time reverse transcription (RT)-PCR system that can detect the FmoPV L-gene sequence with more than 10-time higher sensitivity than a conventional PCR system, resulting in detection of less than 10 copies of the template DNA. The total FmoPV positive rate of urine samples from veterinary clinics and hospitals in Japan was 15.1% (25/166) using this system. This study demonstrates usefulness of the real-time RT-PCR system for detection of FmoPV for cat urine samples.

Molecular epidemiological study of feline coronavirus strains in Japan using RT-PCR targeting nsp14 gene

Background

Feline infectious peritonitis is a fatal disease of cats caused by infection with feline coronavirus (FCoV). For detecting or genotyping of FCoV, some RT-PCR plus nested PCR techniques have been reported previously. However, referring to the whole genome sequences (WGSs) registered at NCBI, there are no detection methods that can tolerate the genetic diversity among FCoV population. In addition, the quasispecies nature of FCoV, which consists of heterogeneous variants, has been also demonstrated; thus, a universal method for heteropopulations of FCoV variants in clinical specimens is desirable.

Results

To develop an RT-PCR method for detection and genotyping of FCoV, we performed comparative genome analysis using WGSs of 32 FCoV, 7 CCoV and 5 TGEV strains obtained from NCBI. As the PCR target, we focused on the nsp14 coding region, which is highly conserved and phylogenetically informative, and developed a PCR method targeting nsp14 partial sequences. Among 103 ascites, 45 pleural effusion and 214 blood specimens from clinically ill cats, we could detect FCoV in 55 (53.4%), 14 (31.1%) and 19 (8.9%) specimens using the present method. Direct sequencing of PCR products and phylogenetic analysis allowed discrimination between type I- and II-FCoV serotypes. Our nsp14 amino acid sequence typing (nsp14 aa ST) showed that the FCoV clone with sequence type (ST) 42, which was the most predominant genotype of WGS strains, was prevalent in domestic cats in Japan.

Conclusions

Our nsp14 PCR scheme will contribute to virus detection, epidemiology and ecology of FCoV strains.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12917-015-0372-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Measuring the strong electrostatic and magnetic fields with proton radiography for ultra-high intensity laser channeling on fast ignition

In order to investigate the intense laser propagation and channel formation in dense plasma, we conducted an experiment with proton deflectometry on the OMEGA EP Laser facility. The proton image was analyzed by tracing the trajectory of mono-energetic protons, which provides understanding the electric and magnetic fields that were generated around the channel. The estimated field strengths (E ∼ 10(11) V/m and B ∼ 10(8) G) agree with the predictions from 2D-Particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations, indicating the feasibility of the proton deflectometry technique for over-critical density plasma.

Existence of feline morbillivirus infection in Japanese cat populations

Feline morbillivirus (FmoPV) is a member of a new virus species that has only been found in the Hong Kong cat population. For the first time, however, we have now detected nucleotide sequences similar to FmoPV in samples from Japanese cat populations. The positive rates for urine and blood samples from Japanese cats were 6.1 % (5/82) and 10 % (1/10), respectively. These sequences are similar to the previously reported FmoPV, with 92-94 % identity, and substantially different from all other morbilliviruses. Phylogenetic analysis of the identified Japanese FmoPVs and other morbilliviruses demonstrated a pattern similar to those previously published for the FmoPV viruses isolated in Hong Kong. FmoPV RNA was also detected from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) kidney tissues of cats with nephritis, with a positive rate of 40 % (4/10). By using nested-set primers based on the FmoPV sequence and RNA from FFPE tissues, we demonstrated the existence of FmoPV infection in Japanese cats and established the method for detection of the FmoPV RNA from kidney tissues prepared for pathology examinations, which is useful for studies on the pathogenicity of the virus.

Disassembly of actin filaments by botulinum C2 toxin and actin-filament-disrupting agents induces assembly of microtubules in human leukaemia cell lines

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

C(2) toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum types C and D ADP-ribosylates actin monomers and inactivates their polymerization activities. The disassembly of actin filaments by C(2) toxin induces a polarization of cultured human leukaemia cell lines.

RESULTS

The polarization induced by C(2) toxin was temperature dependent and was prevented by nocodazole, a microtubule-disrupting agent, whereas it was promoted by paclitaxel, a microtubule-stabilizing agent. The fluorescence staining of polarized cells indicated an increase in microtubule assembly accompanying disassembly of actin filaments. Furthermore, several actin-filament-disrupting agents, other than C(2) toxin, also induced microtubule assembly and cell polarization, irrespective of their different mechanisms of action. The effects induced by some of the agents, which have lower binding affinities for actin, were reversible in response to the re-assembly of actin filaments.

CONCLUSIONS

Thus the disassembly of actin filaments by C(2) toxin and actin-filament-disrupting agents induces assembly of microtubules followed by polarization of human leukaemia cell lines, indicating that the assembly/disassembly equilibrium of actin filaments influences the dynamics of microtubules, which control cell morphology and, in turn, diverse cellular processes.

Immunophenotyping and gene rearrangement analysis in dogs with lymphoproliferative disorders characterized by small-cell lymphocytosis

Lymphocytosis caused by neoplastic proliferation of small lymphocytes is occasionally difficult to distinguish by morphological examination from nonneoplastic lymphocytosis. To examine the clinical utility of gene rearrangement analysis for demonstrating neoplastic proliferation of small lymphocytes, gene rearrangement analysis was performed in comparison with immunophenotyping using peripheral lymphocytes in dogs with small lymphocytosis. Thirty-one dogs with small-cell lymphocytosis (8,100-884,300/microl) were enrolled. By immunophenotyping, lymphocytosis of all dogs was suggested to be neoplastic in nature based on the detection of marked expansion of phenotypically homogeneous lymphocytes or the presence of an aberrant antigen-expressing population of lymphocytes. In contrast, gene rearrangement analysis represented clonality in 27 dogs (detection rate of 87%). From the present study, gene rearrangement analysis was considered to be worthwhile to strengthen the evidence of neoplastic proliferation of small lymphocytes when coupled with immunophenotyping and to be a suitable diagnostic substitute if immunophenotyping is not available in clinical practice.

Generation of monoclonal antibody against canine neural-cell adhesion molecule

A monoclonal antibody, K9BYU, was generated using Escherichia coli recombinant extracellular domain of canine neural-cell adhesion molecule (N-CAM) as an antigen. Immunoreactivity of K9BYU to insect cell recombinant canine N-CAM was demonstrated by Western blotting using Sf9 insect cells transfected with the canine N-CAM gene. In Western blotting against canine brain tissue, K9BYU detected three isoforms of N-CAM that correspond to three major isoforms of human and mouse N-CAM (N-CAM-120, -140, and -180). From these results, K9BYU was considered to be a useful tool for research of canine N-CAM.

Changes in peripheral lymphocyte subsets in the type 1 diabetic dogs treated with insulin injections

Plasma metabolites and peripheral lymphocyte subsets were measured in ten diabetic and ten control dogs to investigate their significances as indicators to evaluate immune states in the diabetic dogs. Diabetic dogs were treated with insulin injections, however their plasma glucose and fructosamine concentrations were significantly higher than those of the controls. There were no significant differences in counts of total white blood cells (WBC) and lymphocyte CD8(+) cells (cytotoxic T cells) between the control and the diabetic dogs. In the diabetic dogs, the counts of CD3(+) (T cells), CD4(+) (Helper T cells) and CD21(+) (B cells) cells and the peripheral lymphocytes CD4/CD8 ratio were significantly lower than those in the control dogs. We confirmed abnormality of lymphocyte subsets in insulin treated diabetic dogs and it may relate to depression of immunocompetence and high susceptibility to common infectious diseases.

Long-term protection in hamsters against human parainfluenza virus type 3 following mucosal or combinations of mucosal and systemic immunizations with chimeric alphavirus-based replicon particles

No licensed vaccines are available to protect against parainfluenza virus type 3 (PIV3), a significant health risk for infants. In search of a safe vaccine, we used an alphavirus-based chimeric vector, consisting of Sindbis virus (SIN) structural proteins and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEE) replicon RNA, expressing the PIV3 hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) glycoprotein (VEE/SIN-HN). We compared different routes of intramuscular (i.m.), intranasal (i.n.), or combined i.n. and i.m. immunizations with VEE/SIN-HN in hamsters. Six months after the final immunization, all hamsters were protected against live PIV3 i.n. challenge in nasal turbinates and lungs. This protection appeared to correlate with antibodies in serum, nasal turbinates and lungs. This is the first report demonstrating mucosal protection against PIV3 for an extended time following immunizations with an RNA replicon delivery system.

Characterization of aryl alcohol oxidase produced by dye-decolorizing fungus, Geotrichum candidum Decl

Aryl alcohol oxidase (AAO) produced by Geotrichum candidum Dec1 (Dec1), a newly isolated decolorizing fungus, was purified by ultrafiltration and by using diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) Sephacel, Butyl-Toyopearl and Mono-Q columns. H2O2 produced by concomitant AAO oxidation of veratryl alcohol (VA) to veratraldehyde was consumed by a peroxidase (DyP) purified from Dec1 culture, leading to the decolorization of a dye (in vitro). In the liquid culture of Dec1, the existence of H2O2 and veratraldehyde was confirmed during cultivation, when dye-decolorization and AAO activities were maintained. This indicates that VA produced by Dec1 was oxidized by AAO to veratraldehyde, generating H2O2, which supported dye-decolorizing activity of Decl in vivo. The prevention of polymerization of DyP oxidation products of a dye in the presence of AAO was shown.

Molecular analysis of V(H)I+ B lymphocytes in hepatitis C patients

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Hepatitis C virus infection is often associated with lymphoproliferative disorders such as essential mixed cryoglobulinemia and B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which show preferential expression of VHI family products. By analyzing immunoglobulin heavy chain usage, we addressed the question of whether or not clonal B-cell expansion occurrs in patients free of essential mixed cryoglobulinemia or non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Four hepatitis C virus-positive patients, all undergoing liver transplantation, were studied. Peripheral blood, intra-hepatic, and lymph node lymphocytes were used as a source of B cells. A patient with hepatocellular carcinoma and fresh blood from four healthy donors were used as negative controls. VHI family sequences were cloned and analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Immunoglobulin heavy chain sequences from clonally expanded B lymphocytes were identified in three out of four hepatitis C virus-infected patients. The clonally expanded B lymphocyte populations showed a broad spectra of immunoglobulin heavy chain gene usage.

CONCLUSIONS

HCV infection can induce B-cell expansion with larger clonal variation. The restricted V gene usage in hepatitis C virus-associated non-Hodgkin lymphoma suggests that there may be selection mechanisms to develop non-Hodgkin lymphoma from non-malignant, clonally expanded B-cell populations in hepatitis C virus-infected patients.

Activities of enzymes in the malate-aspartate shuttle and the isoenzyme pattern of lactate dehydrogenase in plasma and peripheral leukocytes of lactating Holstein cows and riding horses

The activities of the enzymes involved in the malate-aspartate shuttle and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and the pattern of the isoenzymes of LDH were determined in plasma and peripheral leukocytes of lactating Holstein cows and thoroughbred riding horses as representative herbivorous animals. In the horse plasma, LDH activities were significantly lower and AST activities were significantly higher than those in the cow plasma. The specific activities of cytosolic malate dehydrogenase (MDH), LDH and AST in the horse leukocytes were higher than those in the cows. The cytosolic ratio of MDH/LDH activity (ML ratio) in the horse leukocytes was significantly lower than that in the cow leukocytes owing to significantly higher activities of LDH. The ML ratio was considered to reflect the difference in energy metabolism in leukocytes between cows and horses. The plasma LDH isoenzyme patterns of cow and horse showed the characteristic as herbivorous animals with dominance of LDH-1, -2 and -3. The LDH isoenzyme patterns with dominance of LDH-3 and -4 in the horse leukocytes were remarkably different from those in the cow leukocytes. There were significant differences in activities of malate-aspartate shuttle enzymes, ML ratio and LDH isoenzyme patterns in the cytosolic fractions of leukocytes between the lactating cows and the riding horses.

Reconstruction of a scalp and skull defect with free latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap following dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans

A 53-year-old male underwent more than 10 surgical treatments over 14 years, including a simple excision and local flap transfer, after recurrences of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans of the head. Clinical results indicated that simple excision of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans should not be performed as initial treatment. Instead, free flap transplantation, which permits a wide excision and complete reconstruction, should be the first treatment option.

Cytosolic ratio of malate dehyrogenase/lactate dehydrogenase activity in peripheral leukocytes of race horses with training

The activities of the enzymes involved in the malate-aspartate shuttle and m RNA expression of malate dehydrogenase (MDH), a crucial enzyme for the NADH shuttle that produces ATP in glucose metabolism in the peripheral leukocytes of horses, were measured to investigate the change in metabolic states with training. There were no significant differences in plasma glucose and immunoreactive insulin concentrations between race horses and riding horses, used as a comparable reference. The cytosolic and mitochondrial MDH activities in leukocytes of race horses were significantly higher than those of riding horses. High activities of MDH in leukocytes of race horses were confirmed by RT - PCR analysis on the total RNA extracted from the whole blood. The cytosolic ratio of MDH /lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity (M/L ratio) in leukocytes of race horses was significantly higher than in those of riding horses. Increase in the M/L ratio was considered to reflect elevation of energy metabolism in animal tissues. The M/L ratio may be a useful parameter to evaluate the difference in metabolic states between race horses and riding horses.

Survey of residual solvents in natural food additives by standard addition head-space GC

Residual levels of 12 solvents in 87 natural food additives (66 samples of food colours, 19 samples of natural antioxidants and two natural preservatives) collected between 1997 and 1999 were determined by automated head-space GC using FID, with a porous-polymer (PLOT) column. Calibration curves were prepared by the method of standard addition. Confirmation was by manually injected head-space GC using mass spectrometric detection. 1,2-Dichloroethane was found in turmeric colour (natural food colour) collected in 1997 at the concentrations of 8.6 microg g(-1), but was not found in samples collected in 1998 and 1999. Hexane was found in three samples of dunaliella carotene (11, 72 and 75 microg g(-1)), and in chlorophyll at 93 microg g(-1) (both natural food colours). Acetone was found in turmeric colour, annatto colour, dunaliella carotene, kaoliang colour, cacao colour at a concentration between 8.7 and 42 microg g(-1) (all natural food colours).

Aberrant growth plate development in VDR/RXR gamma double null mutant mice

VDR forms heterodimers with one of three RXRs, RXR alpha, RXR beta, and RXR gamma, and it is thought that RXR ligands can also modulate the trans-activation function of VDR/RXR heterodimers. In the present study we generated VDR/RXR gamma double null mutant mice to examine the convergent actions of vitamin D and vitamin A signaling and to explore the possibility of a functionally redundant VDR. Although RXR gamma(-/-) mice exhibited no overt abnormalities, VDR(-/-)/RXR gamma(-/-) mice appeared similar to VDR(-/-) mice, showing features typical of vitamin D-dependent rickets type II, including growth retardation, impaired bone formation, hypocalcemia, and alopecia. However, compared to VDR(-/-) mice, growth plate development in VDR(-/-)/RXR gamma(-/-) mutant mice was more severely impaired. Normalizing mineral ion homeostasis through dietary supplementation with high calcium and phosphorous effectively prevented rachitic abnormalities, except for disarranged growth plates in VDR(-/-)/RXR gamma(-/-) mutant mice, and alopecia in both VDR(-/-) and VDR(-/-)/RXR gamma(-/-) mutant mice. Histological analysis of VDR(-/-)/RXR gamma(-/-) growth plates revealed that development of the hypertrophic chondrocytes was selectively impaired. Thus, our findings indicated that the combined actions of VDR- and RXR gamma-mediated signals are essential for the normal development of growth plate chondrocytes, and raised the possibility that a functionally redundant VDR is present on chondrocytes as a heterodimer with RXR gamma.

Gamma knife radiosurgery for neuroepithelial tumors: radiological and histological changes

Gamma knife radiosurgery (RS) has been introduced as a modern therapy for brain tumors. However, the effects of RS for neuroepithelial tumors are still obscure. The present study investigates the radiological and histological changes after RS to elucidate the biological effect. There were seven cases (two males and five females), ranging from 4 to 71 years with a mean age of 33 years. Two cases were located in the brainstem, another two in the cerebellum, and one each in the thalamus, the hypothalamus, and the frontal lobe. Histologically, two cases had gangliogliomas, four astrocytomas (1 pilocytic, 1 fibrillary, 2 anaplastic), and one glioblastoma. RS was performed after surgery with a central dose of 30-36 Gy. All cases were evaluated radiologically on MRI before and after RS. Four cases (3 astrocytomas and 1 glioblastoma) which neurologically deteriorated after RS were reoperated. These cases were examined using HE and immunohistochemical studies with antibodies of CD34, alpha-smooth muscle actin (SMA), p53, p21 and MIB-1 on the sections before and after RS. MRI demonstrated perifocal edema and intratumoral hypointensity on T2 weighted imaging (T2WI), suggesting radionecrosis in most of the cases within 6 months after RS. In the central part of the RS, destructive changes were observed in the tumor cells and endothelial cells: decrease in the tumor cell population, coagulation necrosis, and fibrinoid degeneration of vascular walls were revealed. In the peripheral part, however, some tumors contained viable tumor cells intermingled with blood vessels showing endothelial and pericytic proliferations. The increase of MIB-1 staining index was found in only one case. The p21 immunoreactivity was increased in endothelial cells, although the p53 immunoreactivity was unchanged. These results suggested that radionecrosis occurred earlier and more frequently in neuroepithelial tumors after RS than after conventional radiation.

The small extracellular loop of CD81 is necessary for optimal surface expression of the large loop, a putative HCV receptor

Human tetraspanin CD81 is a putative receptor for hepatitis C virus (HCV), because it has been shown to bind 'bona fide' HCV particles. CD81, as all tetraspanins, spans the membrane four times forming two extracellular loops: a small (SEL) and a large one (LEL). We have shown previously that a recombinant form of LEL is sufficient for binding HCV through the major envelope glycoprotein E2. The role of SEL in the CD81-HCV interaction was questioned. We found that transfectants expressing LEL alone bind the recombinant HCV-E2 protein at much lower levels than cells expressing the wild type CD81. And therefore whether SEL contributes to the CD81-HCV interaction or whether it influences the expression of LEL was examined. We have found that in the absence of SEL, LEL is expressed at significantly reduced levels on the cell surface because it is retained intracellularly, while HCV-E2 still binds LEL. Our data suggest that SEL of CD81 does not mediate interaction with HCV, but contributes to optimal cell surface expression of LEL by mediating translocation of the whole CD81 molecule to the cell surface.

Symptoms of thoracolumbar junction disc herniation

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective clinical review of patients with thoracolumbar junction disc herniation.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the clinical features of thoracolumbar junction disc herniation and to prepare a chart for the level diagnosis in the neurologic findings and symptoms.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Thoracolumbar junction disc herniations show a variety of signs and symptoms because of the complexity of the upper and lower neurons of the spinal cord, cauda equina, and nerve roots. Furthermore, much is still unknown about thoracolumbar junction disc herniations because of their rare frequency.

METHODS

The clinical features of 26 patients who had undergone operations for single disc herniations at T10-T11 through L2-L3 were investigated. Affected levels were as follows: 2 patients with disc herniation at T10-T11 disc, 4 patients at T11-T12, 3 patients at T12-L1, 6 patients at L1-L2, and 11 patients at L2-L3. The level of disc space of interest was confirmed with whole-spine plain roentgenograms. The caudal end of the cord was judged by magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomographic myelogram.

RESULTS

Two patients with T10-T11 disc herniation showed moderate lower extremity weakness, increased patellar tendon reflex, and sensory disturbance of the entire lower extremities. Three of four patients with T11-T12 disc herniation experienced lower extremity weakness, and three patients had accentuated patellar tendon reflex. Sensory disturbance was observed in the anterolateral aspect of the thigh in one patient and on the entire leg in three patients. Bowel and bladder dysfunction was noted in three patients. In the T12-L1 disc herniation group (n = 3), muscle weakness and atrophy below the leg were advanced, and bowel and bladder dysfunction were also noted. Two of these three patients had bilateral drop foot, and one patient had unilateral drop foot; sensory disturbance was noted in the sole or foot and around the circumference of the anus, and the patellar tendon reflex and Achilles tendon reflex were absent. All six patients with L1-L2 disc herniation showed severe thigh pain and sensory disturbance at the anterior aspect or lateral aspect of the thigh. On the other hand, there were no clear signs of lower extremity weakness, muscle atrophy, deep tendon reflex, or bowel and bladder dysfunction in these patients. In the L2-L3 disc herniation group (n = 11), all patients had severe thigh pain and sensory disturbance of the anterior aspect or the lateral aspect of the thigh. Weakness in the quadriceps was noted in five patients and weakness in the tibialis anterior in two patients. Decreased or absence of patellar tendon reflex was observed in nine patients. Five patients had positive straight leg raising test results, and eight patients showed positive femoral nerve stretch test results.

CONCLUSION

Among thoracolumbar junction disc herniations, T10-T11 and T11-T12 disc herniations were considered upper neuron disorders, T12-L1 disc herniations were considered lower neuron disorders, L1-L2 disc herniations were considered mild disorders of the cauda equina and radiculopathy, and L2-L3 disc herniations were considered radiculopathy. These findings had relatively distinct differences among herniated disc levels.

Effects of nicotine on the intervertebral disc: an experimental study in rabbits

Clinically, we have observed that a large proportion of patients presenting with low back pain as the chief complaint are smokers. It was therefore postulated that smoking might affect the intervertebral disc. We investigated the histological and functional effects of nicotine on intervertebral discs in rabbits. Rabbits were implanted subcutaneously with minipumps for the delivery of 200 microg/ml nicotine for 4 or 8 weeks. The selected dose produced blood nicotine levels equivalent to those found in heavy smokers (30 cigarettes/day). Nicotine injection caused necrosis and fibrous tissue and vitreous formation in the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc, as well as hypertrophy of the fibrous ring, with partial cracks and detachment. Measurement of collagen and proteoglycan production in intervertebral discs showed reduced synthesis of these proteins in nicotine-treated rabbits compared with the control findings. Our results indicated that the harmful effects of nicotine on the integrity of the intervertebral disc might be mediated by the direct effect of nicotine, or indirectly, by causing vasoconstriction of the vascular network surrounding the intervertebral discs.

Enhancement of the response to levodopa therapy after intrastriatal transplantation of autologous sympathetic neurons in patients with Parkinson disease

OBJECT

There is growing evidence to indicate that tissue transplantation can potentially be a restorative neurosurgical treatment for patients with Parkinson disease (PD). In this study the authors investigated the clinical effect of unilateral intrastriatal grafting of autologous sympathetic neurons in patients with PD.

METHODS

Four patients with PD who had been observed for 1 year after graft placement of autologous sympathetic neurons were selected for an analysis of the effect of that procedure. Sympathetic ganglion tissue was endoscopically excised from the thoracic sympathetic trunk and grafted into the unilateral caudate head and putamen of the PD patients. No changes were made in the patients' preoperative regimens of antiparkinsonian medications, and clinical evaluations were made principally according to those established by the Core Assessment Program for Intracerebral Transplantation Committee. Whereas the sympathetic neuron grafts failed to affect clinical scores reflecting the patients' motor performance, which was evaluated during either the "on" or "off' phases, the grafts significantly increased the duration of the levodopa-induced on period with consequent reduction in the percentage of time spent in the off phase. This beneficial effect may be explained by the results of the present in vitro experiment, which show that human sympathetic neurons have the ability to convert exogenous levodopa to dopamine and to store this synthesized dopamine.

CONCLUSIONS

Sympathetic neuron autografts were found to improve performance status in patients with PD by reducing the time spent in the off phase. This clearly indicates that sympathetic ganglion tissue, the use of which involves few ethical issues, can be an efficacious donor source in cell transplantation therapy for PD. Further studies are needed to determine whether the grafts may provide long-lasting clinical benefits.

[Analysis of main pigments and other ingredients in lac color product]

The contents of the main pigments and other ingredients in commercial lac color products were determined by HPLC using an RP-18 column with 0.1 mol/L citric acid buffer solution-methanol (16:5) as the mobile phase, and a photodiode array (PDA) detector set at 280 nm and 490 nm. The main pigments were confirmed by PDA and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Laccaic acids A, B, C and E were detected in all lac color products, and the ratio of content of laccaic acid A in all products was over 50%. The total contents of laccaic acids A, B and C in lac color food additive products and reagent products were 775-858, 797 and 779 g/kg, respectively. As for the contents of ingredients except pigments in commercial food additive products, the maximum moisture content was about 10%, and ether-soluble substances amounted to 0.5-3.6%.

Determination of sucrose esters of fatty acids in food additive premixes by gas chromatography and confirmation of identity by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

A gas chromatographic (GC) method was developed for the determination of sucrose monoesters of fatty acids (mono-SuE) and sucrose acetate isobutyrate (SAIB) in food additive premixes. Mono-SuE and SAIB fractions were prepared by column chromatography with either a C8 or a silica gel solid-phase extraction column. The mono-SuE fraction was acetylated and applied to a wide-bore GC column (0.53 mm x 15 m) by splitless injection for determination. The SAIB fraction was applied to the GC column without derivatization. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry was used to confirm the identity of GC peaks. The detection limits for mono-SuE and SAIB were 0.005 and 0.01%, respectively. Mono-SuE (C12, C14, C16, C18, and C18:1) and SAIB were found in commercial food additive premixes and some foods.

Chlorohydrins of bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE) and of bisphenol F diglycidyl ether (BFDGE) in canned foods and ready-to-drink coffees from the Japanese market

BADGE.2HCl and BFDGE.2HCl were determined in 28 samples of ready-to-drink canned coffee and 18 samples of canned vegetables (10 corn, 5 tomatoes and 3 others), all from the Japanese market. HPLC was used as the principal analytical method and GC-MS for confirmation of relevant LC fractions. BADGE.2HCl was found to be present in one canned coffee and five samples of corn, BFDGE.2HCl in four samples of canned tomatoes and in one canned corn. No sample was found which exceeded the 1 mg/kg limit of the EU for the BADGE chlorohydrins. However the highest concentration was found for the sum of BFDGE.2HCl anti BFDGE.HCl.H2O at a level of 1.5 mg/kg. A Beilstein test confirmed that all cans containing foods contaminated with BADGE.2HCl or BFDGE.2HCl had at lest one part coated with a PVC organosol.

Spectrophotometric determination of saponin in Yucca extract used as food additive

A spectrophotometric method was developed for the determination of saponin in Yucca extract or its preparation for food additive use. A saponin fraction of Yucca extract was prepared by column chromatography with porous polymer, and hydrolyzed with a 2 mol/L mixture of hydrochloric acid-ethanol (1 + 1) to generate sapogenin. Sapogenin amounts were determined by measuring absorbance at 430 nm, based on the color reactions with anisaldehyde, sulfuric acid, and ethyl acetate. Recoveries from Yucca extracts were 91.5-95.1%, and the detection limit was 10 microg/kg. Commercial Yucca extracts for food additive use were composed of 5.6-6.4% (w/w) saponin, making it a minor component.

[Cell transplantation therapy for Parkinson's disease]

We found that Parkinson's disease(PD) patients receiving autotransplants of the cervical sympathetic ganglia show a significant improvement in the parkinsonian symptoms with a consequent reduction in the daily intake of levodopa. The grafting procedure have recently been modified to further enhance the efficacy of the transplantation. Thus, in order to increase the amount of donor tissue we opted for the endoscopically excised thoracic sympathetic ganglia as a donor. With the aid of CT-guided stereotaxic surgery, we unilaterally placed one transplant deposit in the caudate head and three deposits in the putamen. Four patients that had received the grafts were followed with antiparkinsonian medication being unchanged at least one year postgrafting. Although no patients exhibited a substantial improvement in motor performance rated in either "on" or "off" phase, the awake time spent in "off" phase was reduced by 30-40% in all the patients. In two patients, dyskinesia in "on" phase was also attenuated. Our new transplantation paradigm is encouraging and deserves further investigation.

Interhemispheric neuroepithelial cyst associated with agenesis of the corpus callosum. A case report and review of the literature

This report describes a neonatal case in whom a large interhemispheric cyst associated with agenesis of the corpus callosum was revealed by fetal ultrasonography and demonstrated by MRI to be multilobulated. Endoscopic fenestration of cysts was initially designed in view of the development of the patient's brain and surgical invasiveness. One year later, when motor paresis of the left arm and progressive enlargement of the cyst on MRI were revealed, open surgery was performed. The histological diagnosis was a neuroepithelial cyst with the feature of choroid plexus epithelia. The clinicopathological features of interhemispheric epithelial cysts associated with agenesis of the corpus callosum are reviewed in the light of differential diagnosis and therapeutic considerations.

The gamete fusion process is defective in eggs of Cd9-deficient mice

The cell-surface molecule Cd9, a member of the transmembrane-4 superfamily, interacts with the integrin family and other membrane proteins. and is postulated to participate in cell migration and adhesion. Expression of Cd9 enhances membrane fusion between muscle cells and promotes viral infection in some cells. Fertilization also involves membrane fusion, between gametes. In mammals, the sperm binds to microvilli on the egg surface, and sperm-egg membrane fusion first occurs around the equatorial region of the sperm head12. The fused membrane is then disrupted, and the sperm nucleus as well as the cytoplasm is incorporated into the egg. Cd9 is expressed on the plasma membrane of the mouse egg, and an anti-Cd9 monoclonal antibody inhibits sperm-egg surface interactions. We generated Cd9 mice and found that homozygous mutant females were infertile. Sperm-egg binding was normal, but sperm-egg fusion was almost entirely inhibited in eggs from Cd9 females. Intracellular Ca2 oscillations, which signal fertilization, were absent in almost all mutant eggs; in rare cases, a response occurred after a long time period. In normal animals, Cd9 molecules were expressed on the egg microvilli and became densely concentrated at the sperm attachment site. Thus, our results show that Cd9 is important in the gamete fusion process at fertilization.

[Choroid plexus papilloma in the posterior third ventricle in infancy: a case report]

Choroid plexus papillomas represent approximately 0.5% of all intracranial tumors, but they are found in the third ventricle only infrequently. We report a case of choroid plexus papilloma in the third ventricle which is difficult to differentiate from a pineal region tumor. A 4-month-old female presented with bulging fontanelle and sunset phenomenon. A CT scan and MRI showed marked hydrocephalus caused by a tumor extending from the posterior third ventricle to the peneal body. Preoperatively, we diagnosed the lesion as a pineoblastoma. The tumor was totally removed through the occipital transtentorial approach. Pathological examination of the tumor revealed a typical choroid plexus papilloma. The operation was uneventful, and she has grown normally without recurrence of the tumor for three years since the operation. A sagittal gadolinium-enhanced MRI was useful in our case to differentiate a choroid plexus papilloma from a pineal region tumor, because the former extended into the aqueduct forming the shape of the letter V while the latter compressed the aqueduct downward.

A mutant of deleted variant of hepatocyte growth factor (dHGF) with alanine substitution in the N-terminal basic region has higher activity in vivo

In a previous study, we generated a mutant of dHGF (deleted variant of hepatocyte growth factor), termed #2, with higher specific activity than dHGF in assays of mitogenic activity on rat hepatocytes and America opossum kidney epithelial cells (OK). In the present study, we examine in vivo hepatotropic and renotropic activities of #2 and its distribution to target tissues, liver and kidney. Administration of #2 to normal rats significantly increased serum levels of total protein, albumin, free-cholesterol, and HDL-cholesterol and liver weight in a dose-dependent manner. Analysis of these parameters suggests that #2 is more potent than dHGF as a hepatotropic factor in vivo. In addition, #2 reduced mortality of mercuric chloride-administered mice and the effect was stronger than that of dHGF. When injected to mice, a larger amount of #2 than dHGF was rapidly distributed to the liver. Sixty minutes after injection, the concentrations of #2 in plasma, liver, and kidney were higher than those of dHGF. These distribution properties and the higher mitogenic activity in vitro may explain why #2 exerts more potent in vivo biological activity than dHGF.

Effective administration route for the deleted form of hepatocyte growth factor To exert its pharmacological effects

The pharmacokinetics and the pharmacological effects of the deleted form of hepatocyte growth factor (dHGF) after intravenous (iv), subcutaneous (sc), or intramuscular (im) administration (0.25 and 2. 5 mg/kg) were studied in rats. After single iv administration (2.5 mg/kg), dHGF in serum rapidly decreased (alpha- and beta-phase half-life: 3.2 and 26.5 min, respectively). Two to four hours after single sc or im administration (2.5 mg/kg), the serum level of dHGF reached a maximum and then gradually declined (half-life: 2.7 h). The serum levels were not changed by repetitive iv administration, but were dramatically decreased by repetitive sc or im administration. Liver weight and serum levels of total protein, albumin, and HDL-cholesterol were significantly increased by iv administration of dHGF (twice daily for 4 days at 0.25 mg/kg). Sc or im administration of dHGF did not increase these parameters at the same dose, but did significantly at 2.5 mg/kg. These observations suggest that iv administration is the most effective in exerting the pharmacological effects of dHGF among three administration routes. dHGF after iv administration was distributed mainly and rapidly into liver (53.6% of the injected dHGF within 5 min) and was sustained at a higher level in the liver than in plasma. In infusion (0.5 mg/kg/3 h), dHGF level in plasma and liver reached a steady-state 15 and 60 min after starting the infusion, respectively. The steady-state level of dHGF was 7- to 9-fold higher in liver than in plasma, and the higher level in liver was sustained beyond the steady-state.