Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Erlotinib Induces Dry Skin via Decreased in Aquaporin-3 Expression

An adverse reaction of dry skin occurs frequently during treatment with anticancer epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs). In this study, we conducted basic research to clarify the mechanism of EGFR-TKI-induced dry skin and propose new treatments or preventative measures. Dermal water content was significantly lower in the erlotinib-treated mice than in the control group. An assessment of the expression levels of functional genes in the skin revealed that only the expression of the water channel aquaporin-3 (AQP3) was significantly decreased in the erlotinib-treated group. When erlotinib was added to epidermal keratinocyte HaCaT cells, the expression levels of both AQP3 mRNA and protein decreased. Erlotinib treatment also significantly decreased the expression levels of phospho-EGFR and phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), both in HaCaT cells and mouse skin. Dry skin due to erlotinib may be caused by the decreased expression of AQP3 in the skin, thereby limiting water transport from the vascular side to the corneum side. The decrease in AQP3 may also be attributable to ERK suppression via inhibition of EGFR activity by erlotinib. Therefore, substances that increase AQP3 expression may be effective for erlotinib-induced dry skin.

Profiles of embryonic nuclear protein binding to the proximal promoter region of the soybean β-conglycinin α subunit gene

β-Conglycinin, a major component of seed storage protein in soybean, comprises three subunits: α, α' and β. The expression of genes for these subunits is strictly controlled during embryogenesis. The proximal promoter region up to 245 bp upstream of the transcription start site of the α subunit gene sufficiently confers spatial and temporal control of transcription in embryos. Here, the binding profile of nuclear proteins in the proximal promoter region of the α subunit gene was analysed. DNase I footprinting analysis indicated binding of proteins to the RY element and DNA regions including box I, a region conserved in cognate gene promoters. An electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) using different portions of box I as a probe revealed that multiple portions of box I bind to nuclear proteins. In addition, an EMSA using nuclear proteins extracted from embryos at different developmental stages indicated that the levels of major DNA-protein complexes on box I increased during embryo maturation. These results are consistent with the notion that box I is important for the transcriptional control of seed storage protein genes. Furthermore, the present data suggest that nuclear proteins bind to novel motifs in box I including 5'-TCAATT-3' rather than to predicted cis-regulatory elements.

Ion-induced gamma-ray detection of fast ions escaping from fusion plasmas

A 12 × 12 pixel detector has been developed and used in a laboratory experiment for lost fast-ion diagnostics. With gamma rays in the MeV range originating from nuclear reactions (9)Be(α, nγ)(12)C, (9)Be(d, nγ)(12)C, and (12)C(d, pγ)(13)C, a high purity germanium (HPGe) detector measured a fine-energy-resolved spectrum of gamma rays. The HPGe detector enables the survey of background-gamma rays and Doppler-shifted photo peak shapes. In the experiments, the pixel detector produces a gamma-ray image reconstructed from the energy spectrum obtained from total photon counts of irradiation passing through the detector's lead collimator. From gamma-ray image, diagnostics are able to produce an analysis of the fast ion loss onto the first wall in principle.

Modulatory action of acetylcholine on the Na+-dependent action potentials in Kenyon cells isolated from the mushroom body of the cricket brain

Kenyon cells, intrinsic neurons of the insect mushroom body, have been assumed to be a site of conditioning stimulus (CS) and unconditioned stimulus (US) association in olfactory learning and memory. Acetylcholine (ACh) has been implicated to be a neurotransmitter mediating CS reception in Kenyon cells, causing rapid membrane depolarization via nicotinic ACh receptors. However, the long-term effects of ACh on the membrane excitability of Kenyon cells are not fully understood. In this study, we examined the effects of ACh on Na(+) dependent action potentials (Na(+) spikes) elicited by depolarizing current injection and on net membrane currents under the voltage clamp condition in Kenyon cells isolated from the mushroom body of the cricket Gryllus bimaculatus. Current-clamp studies using amphotericin B perforated-patch recordings showed that freshly dispersed cricket Kenyon cells could produce repetitive Na(+) spikes in response to prolonged depolarizing current injection. Bath application of ACh increased both the instantaneous frequency and the amplitudes of Na(+) spikes. This excitatory action of ACh on Kenyon cells is attenuated by the pre-treatment of the cells with the muscarinic receptor antagonists, atropine and scopolamine, but not by the nicotinic receptor antagonist mecamylamine. Voltage-clamp studies further showed that bath application of ACh caused an increase in net inward currents that are sensitive to TTX, whereas outward currents were decreased by this treatment. These results indicate that in order to mediate CS, ACh may modulate the firing properties of Na(+) spikes of Kenyon cells through muscarinic receptor activation, thus increasing Na conductance and decreasing K conductance.

Octopaminergic modulation of the single Ca2+ channel currents in Kenyon cells isolated from the mushroom body of the cricket brain

Octopamine plays an important role in mediating reward signals in olfactory learning and memory formation in insect. However, its target molecules and signaling pathways are still unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of octopamine on the voltage-activated Ca2+ channels expressed in native Kenyon cells isolated from the mushroom body of the cricket (Gryllus bimaculatus) brain. The cell-attached patch clamp recordings with 100 mM Ba2+ outside showed the presence of dihydropyridine (DHP) sensitive L-type Ca2+ channels with a single channel conductance of approximately 21+/-2 pS (n=12). The open probability (NPo) of single Ca2+ channel currents decreased by about 29+/-7% (n=6) by bath application of 10 microM octopamine. Octopamine-induced decrease in Po was imitated by bath application of 8-Br-cAMP, a membrane-permeable cAMP analog. Pre-treatment of Kenyon cells with the octopamine receptor antagonist phentolamine blocked the inhibitory effect of octopamine on Ca2+ channels. Pre-treatment of Kenyon cells with H-89, a selective inhibitor of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) attenuated the inhibitory effect of bath applied octopamine on Ca2+ channels. These results indicate that DHP-sensitive L-type Ca2+ channel is a target protein for octopamine and its modulation is mediated via cAMP and PKA-dependent signaling pathways in freshly isolated Kenyon cell in the cricket G. bimaculatus.

Biphasic change and disuse-mediated regression of canal network structure in cortical bone of growing rats

The canal network in cortical bone is an indispensable basis of bone vascularity, and its structure changes according to bone growth. Using monochromatic synchrotron radiation microCT (SRmicroCT), we evaluated the structural change of the canal network in growing rat tibiae and the response of this network to disuse. Tibiae were harvested from both hindlimbs of 9- and 14-week-old male Wistar rats subjected to unilateral sciatic neurectomy (SN) at 6 weeks of age (W9, n=8; W14, n=8) and from intact hindlimbs of 6-week-old rats (W6, n=8). Images of distal diaphyseal segments were reconstructed by SRmicroCT with a voxel size of 5.83 mum and then translated into local mineral densities using a calibrated relation between linear absorption coefficients and the concentration of K(2)HPO(4) solution. The canal network was segmented by simple thresholding at a bone mineral density of 0.82 g.cm(-3) and its structural properties were determined. In intact hindlimbs, the canal network showed a biphasic change with growth, as represented by increases followed by decreases in canal volume fraction (Ca.vol.f), the density of canals running longitudinally (Ca.num.d), and the density of canal connections (Ca.con.d): Ca.vol.f=2.2, 3.1, and 1.8%, Ca.num.d=77, 98, and 70 mm(-2), and Ca.con.d=18, 41, and 21 mm(-3) in W6, W9, and W14, respectively. In SN hindlimbs, bone growth deceleration was accompanied by a 16% smaller Ca.vol.f and a 22% smaller Ca.con.d in W9 and a 27% smaller Ca.vol.f, a 12% smaller Ca.num.d, and a 39% smaller Ca.con.d in W14 than those in intact hindlimbs. Furthermore, the canal branching structure became more treelike in SN hindlimbs. The effect of SN on the canal network appeared mainly in the periosteal sector of the anteriolateral cortex in W9 and spread throughout the cortex in W14. These findings will lead to a better understanding of microcirculation in cortical bone growth.

Prooxidant action of furanone compounds: Implication of reactive oxygen species in the metal-dependent strand breaks and the formation of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine in DNA

Prooxidant properties of furanone compounds including 2,5-furanone (furaneol, 4-hydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-furan-3-one), 4,5-furanone (4,5-dimethyl-3-hydroxy-2(5H)-furanone) (sotolone) and cyclotene (2-hydroxy-3-methyl-2-cyclopenten-1-one) were analyzed in relation to the metal-reducing activity. Only 2.5-furanone known as a "strawberry or pineapple furanone" inactivated aconitase the most sensitive enzyme to active oxygen in the presence of ferrous sulfate, suggesting the furaneol/iron-mediated generation of reactive oxygen species. 2,5-Furanone caused strand scission of pBR322 DNA in the presence of copper. Treatment of calf thymus DNA with 2,5-furanone plus copper produced 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine in DNA. 2,5-Furanone showed a potent copper-reducing activity, and thus, DNA strand breaks and the formation of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine by 2,5-furanone can be initiated by the production of superoxide radical through the reduction of cupric ion to cuprous ion, resulting in the conversion to hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radical. However, an isomer and analog of 2,5-furanone, 4,5-furanone and cyclotene, respectively, did not show an inactivation of aconitase, DNA injuries including strand breakage and the formation of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, and copper-reducing activity. Cytotoxic effect of 2,5-furanone with hydroxyketone structure can be explained by its prooxidant properties: furaneol/transition metal complex generates reactive oxygen species causing the inactivation of aconitase and the formation of DNA base damage by hydroxyl radical.

Predictive factors of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma

4541

Background/Aim: Although transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) has been widely used for the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the optimal indication of the TACE has not been fully elucidated. Methods: The treatment outcomes after TACE were analyzed retrospectively to determine predictive factors of anti-cancer effect on HCC. The patient (pts) selection criteria were: 1) admission between 1992 and 2005, 2) diagnosis of fresh HCC, 3) no extrahepatic metastasis and 4) primary treatment with TACE. TACE was performed by selectively introducing a catheter into the hepatic artery and injecting gelatin sponge particles following an emulsion consisting of 2–5 ml of iodized oil (Lipiodol) and 20–50 mg doxorubicin hydrochloride. Lipiodol accumulation in tumors was regarded as an indication of necrosis. We defined complete response (CR) as disappearance or 100% necrosis of all tumors, and partial response (PR) as more than 50% reduction and/or more than 50% necrosis. Results: There were 270 pts who fulfilled the above criteria. According to Japan Integrated Staging, the number of T1, T2, T3 and T4 was 10, 59, 171 and 30, respectively. There were 52 CRs, 113 PRs, 77 who remained SD and 28 who showed PD/NE. The median survival months of CR, PR, SD and PD/NE were 50, 30, 15 and 5, respectively, and there was a significant differences between them. The logistic regression analysis revealed tumor multiplicity and vascular invasion (VI) were significantly associated with the objective response (CR or PR). The response probability of patients with solitary tumor without VI was 85%, that with multiple tumors without VI was 63%, that with solitary tumor with VI was 33% and that with multiple tumors with VI was 16%. The small tumor (<5 cm) was another favorable factor which was significantly associated with CR. Among 231 patients without VI, the CR probability of patients with a solitary tumor <5 cm or >5 cm was 46% or 40%, respectively; although that of those with multiple tumors <5cm or >5cm was 21% or 5%, respectively. Conclusion: TACE is recommended for HCC patients without VI, and is optimally indicated for those with a solitary tumor or those with multiple tumor <5 cm among them.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Protective effect of NADP-isocitrate dehydrogenase on the paraquat-mediated oxidative inactivation of aconitase in heart mitochondria

Protective role of NADP-isocitrate dehydrogenase in the oxidative inactivation of mitochondrial enzymes was analyzed. Administration of paraquat to the rat inactivated liver mitochondrial enzymes: the aconitase activity decreased to one quarter, and citrate synthase and fumarase to half, whereas cytosolic enzymes were not affected. Activities of heart mitochondrial and cytosolic enzymes were not at all changed in the rat treated with paraquat, but paraquat directly inactivated aconitase in the heart mitochondria isolated from the non-treated rats. The paraquat-dependent inactivation of aconitase was prevented by activating NADP-isocitrate dehydrogenase in the presence of oxidized glutathione. NADP-isocitrate dehydrogenase could regenerate glutathione in isolated heart mitochondria, indicating that paraquat-mediated inactivation depends on the glutathione-regenerating activity by enhanced NADPH supply. Lower NADP-isocitrate dehydrogenase activity in liver mitochondria cannot regenerate reduced glutathione for scavenging reactive oxygen species, resulting in the paraquat-induced oxidative inactivation of mitochondrial enzymes. However, higher activity of NADP-isocitrate dehydrogenase participates in the regeneration of reduced glutathione causing stabilization of enzymes in heart mitochondria.

Proposal of a new staging system for hepatocellular carcinoma based on the treatment strategy: An analysis of 1,084 patients

4137

Background: Although several prognostic models have been proposed for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), they are not useful for conducting treatment strategy. Methods: Between July 1992 and May 2005, consecutive 1084 patients (pts) with naïve HCC were treated in our hospital. Based on our treatment strategy, we set our own HCC stage as follows: stage 1; Child-Pugh A or B, N0M0, solitary tumor without vascular invasion (VI), stage 2; Child-Pugh A or B, N0M0, multiple tumors without VI, stage 3; Child-Pugh A or B, N0M0, solitary tumor with VI, stage 4A; Child-Pugh A or B, N0M0, multiple tumors with VI, stage 4B; Child-Pugh A or B, N1 or M1, any T, stage 4C; Child-Pugh C, any TNM. Generally, treatments for stage 4C, 4B, & 4A were observation, chemotherapy trials or aggressive local therapies in selected pts, & hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy. For the pts with stage 1–3, the priority of treatment options was hepatectomy first, percutaneous ablation (PA) second, and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization third. PA was indicated for 3 or fewer HCC nodules without VI, of which the largest diameter were smaller than 3 cm. Treatment outcomes were retrospectively analyzed according to the above staging system. Results: The overall survival rate was 50% at 3 yrs, 33% at 5 yrs, 24% at 7 yrs & 13% at 10 yrs. The median survival in stage 1, 2, 3, 4A, 4B & 4C was 5.5 yrs (N = 444), 2.9 yrs (N = 397), 0.8 yr (N = 36), 0.5 yr (N = 109), 0.3 yr (N = 76) & 0.2 yr (N = 22), respectively. Most of the definitive local therapy (91% of 371 hepatectomies with curative intent & 99% of 191 PAs) were classified in stage 1 or 2. The prognosis was also well predicted by the other 6 staging systems (Okuda, AJCC, CLIP, JIS, Tokyo and BCLC). However, hepatectomy with curative intent & PA were distributed into a CLIP score of 0–5 & 0–3, respectively, & into a JIS score of 0–4 & 0–3, respectively. Conclusions: The present staging system was simple & predicted prognosis well. Although other scoring systems caused various heterogeneities (hepatic reserve & tumor status) in each score, our staging system consisted of homogenous hepatic reserve & simple tumor status, so it might be useful for conducting treatment plan. Validation study is warranted in other population.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

3-D imaging and quantitative comparison of human dentitions and simulated bite marks

This study presents a technique developed for 3-D imaging and quantitative comparison of human dentitions and simulated bite marks. A sample of 42 study models and the corresponding bites, made by the same subjects in acrylic dental wax, were digitised by laser scanning. This technique allows image comparison of a 3-D dentition with a 3-D bite mark, eliminating distortion due to perspective as experienced in conventional photography. Cartesian co-ordinates of a series of landmarks were used to describe the dentitions and bite marks, and a matrix was created to compare all possible combinations of matches and non-matches using cross-validation techniques. An algorithm, which estimated the probability of a dentition matching its corresponding bite mark, was developed. A receiver operating characteristic graph illustrated the relationship between values for specificity and sensitivity. This graph also showed for this sample that 15% of non-matches could not be distinguished from the true match, translating to a 15% probability of falsely convicting an innocent person.

Characterization of stretch-activated calcium permeable cation channels in freshly isolated myocytes of the cricket (Gryllus bimaculatus) lateral oviduct

Stretch-activated channels (SACs) were investigated in myocytes isolated from the lateral oviduct in cricket Gryllus bimaculatus using the cell-attached or excised inside-out patch clamp technique. Application of both negative and positive pressure (10-100 cm H(2)O) into the patch pipettes induced the unitary channel current openings. The open probability (NPo) of the channel increased when negative pressure applied into the patch pipettes increased. The single channel conductance for this channel was approximately 20 pS with 140 mM Na(+), K(+), or Cs(+) in the patch pipettes and was approximately 13 pS with 100mM Ca(2+) or Ba(2+) in the patch pipettes. External application of Gd(3+), La(3+), Cd(2+) and Zn(2+)inhibited the channel with the IC(50) values of 14, 15, 28, and 18 microM respectively. Interestingly external application of TEA, a specific blocker of K(+) channel, also inhibited this channel with IC(50) value of 8.8mM. These results show for the first time the presence of stretch activated Ca(2+)-permeable nonselective cation channel in myocytes isolated from the cricket lateral oviduct. The physiological significance of this channel in oviposition behavior is discussed.

Characterization of single L-type Ca2+ channels in myocytes isolated from the cricket lateral oviduct

The single Ca2+ channel activity was obtained from cell-attached patch recordings with the use of pipettes filled with 100 mM Ba2+ as the charge carrier in myocytes isolated from the lateral oviduct of cricket Gryllus bimaculatus. The following results were obtained. (1) The channel had a unitary conductance of 18 pS. (2) The open time histogram of the channel could be fitted with a single exponential while the closed time histogram could be fitted with the sum of two exponentials, suggesting that there are at least one open state and two closed states for this channel. (3) The open probability of the channel increased with increasing membrane depolarization. (4) The mean current reconstructed by averaging individual current trace responses inactivated slowly and the current-voltage relationship for the peak mean current showed a bell-shaped relation. (5) The dihydropyridine (DHP) Ca2+ antagonist, nifedipine, reduced the mean current by increasing the proportion of "blank" sweeps. On the other hand, the DHP Ca2+ agonist, Bay K 8644, increased the mean current by increasing the mean open-times of the channel. These results confirm a presence of DHP-sensitive L-type Ca2+ channel in myocytes isolated from the lateral oviduct of cricket G. bimaculatus.

Quantitative analysis of amplifiable DNA in tissues exposed to various environments using competitive PCR assays

Competitive PCR assays were established for the mitochondrial DNA hypervariable region I and the human amelogenin locus. Using these assays, the copy numbers of DNA participating in PCR (amplifiable DNA) were quantified in tissues exposed to different environments. Human ribs, skin and nails were left in three exposure conditions (in the open air, in soil and in water). The amounts of amplifiable DNA in these tissues were quantified during a time period of up to two months. The amount of amplifiable DNA was well preserved in hard tissues (ribs and nails) regardless of the exposure conditions, whereas the soft tissues immersed in water showed a rapid decrease in amplifiable DNA. Strong PCR inhibition was observed in the DNA extracts obtained from buried bones. This phenomenon was clearly identified from an amplification failure of the internal standards in the competitive PCR. A preliminary examination to identify the PCR inhibitor suggested that the soil itself contributed to the inhibition. In addition, the amounts of amplifiable DNA in case samples were also investigated.

Expression of epiregulin and amphiregulin in the rat ovary

We have previously reported that the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family growth factor, epiregulin, is expressed in rat ovarian granulosa cells by induction with pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG). In this study, we report that amphiregulin, another member of the EGF family, was also induced in the rat ovary by gonadotropin treatment. Northern blot analysis revealed that PMSG treatment induced the expression of both epiregulin and amphiregulin mRNA after 24 h, but the expression then decreased 48 h after treatment. Further treatment with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) rapidly induced the expression of both epiregulin and amphiregulin genes and maximal levels were reached 4 h after hCG treatment. A marginal increase in amphiregulin mRNA levels was also observed 6 h after PMSG treatment. In situ hybridization revealed that epiregulin and amphiregulin mRNAs were localized in the granulosa cells of large antral follicles. These spatio-temporal expression patterns were similar to those of cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) and progesterone receptor (PR). In adult cycling rats, epiregulin and amphiregulin were strongly induced at 1800 and 2000 h on proestrus coinciding with the preovulatory LH surge. An in situ hybridization study also showed that epiregulin and amphiregulin mRNAs were detectable in the granulosa cells of preovulatory ovarian follicles at 2000 h on proestrus, where transcripts of COX-2 and PR were co-localized with those of epiregulin and amphiregulin. These observations suggested that the EGF family members, epiregulin and amphiregulin, may play a role in the ovulatory process of cycling rats as well as in the induction of ovulation in immature rats.

Volumetric evaluation of facial swelling utilizing a 3-D range camera

Quantitative analysis of facial volume is important in the assessment of facial swelling. Previous research has demonstrated that the Fiore trade mark light-structured 3-D range camera is a rapid, non-invasive, and safe imaging technology for the quantitative analysis of facial morphology. The development of the Rugle-3D trade mark volumetric measurement software programme has allowed for the development of a powerful imaging and measurement system. This study aimed to determine the accuracy and reproducibility of Fiore trade mark by measuring simulated facial swelling. A model involving 20 human subjects was devised to simulate facial swelling for image acquisition and measurement in order to assess the accuracy and reproducibility of the device. A systematic error of 1.25% and reproducibility of 3.27% was determined for the imaging system. It is concluded that Fiore trade mark is an accurate and reproducible technology that is sensitive and would be applicable to clinical studies of facial swelling.

The proportion of cells with functional X disomy is associated with the severity of mental retardation in mosaic ring X Turner syndrome females

Turner syndrome females (45,X) do not have mental retardation (MR), whereas some mosaic ring X Turner syndrome females, with 45,X/46,X,r(X), have severe MR. The MR is believed to be caused by a failure of X chromosome inactivation (XCI) of the small ring X chromosome, which leads to functional X disomy (FXD), To explore this hypothesis, we examined the proportion of FXD cells in the peripheral blood of four ring X Turner syndrome females with various levels of MR, using two newly developed XCI assays based on DNA methylation of X-linked genes. As a result, the two patients with extremely severe MR showed complete FXD patterns, whereas the remaining two patients with relatively milder MR showed partial FXD patterns. These results indicate that the proportion of FXD cells may be associated with the severity of MR in mosaic ring X Turner syndrome females, although this association should be confirmed by examining brain cells during development. One of the cases with severe MR and a complete FXD pattern neither lacked the XIST gene nor had uniparental X isodisomy, and we discuss the mechanism of the failure of XCI in this case.

L-type Ca 2+ channel and Ca 2+ -permeable nonselective cation channel as a Ca 2+ conducting pathway in myocytes isolated from the cricket lateral oviduct

The Ca2+-conducting pathway of myocytes isolated from the cricket lateral oviduct was investigated by means of the whole-cell patch clamp technique. In voltage-clamp configuration, two types of whole cell inward currents were identified. One was voltage-dependent, initially activated at -40 mV and reaching a maximum at 10 mV with the use of 140 mM Cs2+-aspartate in the patch pipette and normal saline in the bath solution. Replacement of the external Ca2+ with Ba2+ slowed the current decay. Increasing the external Ca2+ or Ba2+ concentration increased the amplitude of the inward current and the current-voltage (I-V) relationship was shifted as expected from a screening effect on negative surface charges. The inward current could be carried by Na+ in the absence of extracellular Ca2+. Current carried by Na+ (INa) was almost completely blocked by the dihydropyridine Ca2+ channel antagonist, nifedipine, suggesting that the INa is through voltage-dependent L-type Ca2+ channels. The other inward current is voltage-independent and its I-V relationship was linear between -100 mV to 0 mV with a slight inward rectification at more hyperpolarizing membrane potentials when 140 mM Cs+-aspartate and 140 mM Na+-gluconate were used in the patch pipette and in the bath solution, respectively. A similar current was observed even when the external Na+ was replaced with an equimolar amount of K+ or Cs+, or 50 mM Ca2+ or Ba2+. When the osmolarity of the bath solution was reduced by removing mannitol from the bath solution, the inward current became larger at negative potentials. The I-V relationship for the current evoked by the hypotonic solution also showed a linear relationship between -100 mV to 0 mV. Bath application of Gd3+ (10 microM) decreased the inward current activated by membrane hyperpolarization. These results clearly indicate that the majority of current activated by a membrane hyperpolarization is through a stretch-activated Ca2+-permeable nonselective cation channel (NSCC). Here, for the first time, we have identified voltage-dependent L-type Ca2+ channel and stretch-activated Ca2+-permeable NSCCs from enzymatically isolated muscle cells of the cricket using the whole-cell patch clamp recording technique.

Contrast enhancement patterns of hepatic tumours during the vascular phase using coded harmonic imaging and Levovist to differentiate hepatocellular carcinoma from other focal lesions

The purpose of the study was to assess contrast enhancement patterns of hepatic tumours during the vascular phase using contrast-enhanced ultrasound and Levovist to differentiate hepatocellular carcinoma from other hepatic tumours. 89 hepatic tumours in 82 consecutive patients were evaluated using coded harmonic ultrasound imaging. The procedure used a phase inversion harmonic technique and coded technology. We observed images for 2 min from the beginning of the administration as the vascular phase using continuous transmission and intermittent transmissions of 1 s or 2 s. The contrast agent Levovist was administered intravenously as a bolus infusion of 2.5 g. Tumour vessels with flow spreading into the tumour and/or homogeneously stained hyperechoic images were observed in 34 of the 41 hepatocellular carcinomas (sensitivity, 82.9%; specificity, 93.8%). Peripheral enhancements were characteristic of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and metastatic hepatic tumours (sensitivity, 60.0% and 83.3%; specificity, 65.5% and 76.4%, respectively). Pooling at the periphery or throughout the tumour was apparent only in haemangioma (sensitivity, 76.5%; specificity, 100%). A tortuous feeding artery and spoke-like vascularization were evident only in the two focal nodular hyperplasias. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound using coded harmonic ultrasound imaging and Levovist provided detailed information about tumour vascularity and contrast enhancement patterns in hepatic tumours.

Removal and recovery of phosphate and ammonium as struvite from supernatant in anaerobic digestion

Removal of phosphorus and nitrogen is required to prevent eutrophication problems in lakes and enclosed coastal seas. And recovery of phosphorus from wastewater has been attracting attention because of lack in phosphorus resources in the near future. In this study, reaction kinetics and design parameters of struvite production are experimentally investigated by using basic reaction type and a draft-tube type reactors. Struvite production rate, which is a very important parameter in reactor design and efficiency estimation, is formulated in an equation consisting of a rate constant (k2), and magnesium, phosphate and ammonium concentrations. The value of k2 is shown to be increased with struvite concentration and mixing intensity in the reactor. The developed equation is applied to the results obtained from the draft-tube type reactor experiments and verified for its applicability. High struvite concentration of 10-25% is maintained in the draft-tube reactor experiments. 92% removal and recovery efficiency with effluent phosphorus concentration of 17 mg/L is achieved under the conditions of 4 minutes reaction time, pH of 8.5 and Mg/P molar ratio of 1.1.

Analysis of the mouse transcriptome based on functional annotation of 60,770 full-length cDNAs

Only a small proportion of the mouse genome is transcribed into mature messenger RNA transcripts. There is an international collaborative effort to identify all full-length mRNA transcripts from the mouse, and to ensure that each is represented in a physical collection of clones. Here we report the manual annotation of 60,770 full-length mouse complementary DNA sequences. These are clustered into 33,409 'transcriptional units', contributing 90.1% of a newly established mouse transcriptome database. Of these transcriptional units, 4,258 are new protein-coding and 11,665 are new non-coding messages, indicating that non-coding RNA is a major component of the transcriptome. 41% of all transcriptional units showed evidence of alternative splicing. In protein-coding transcripts, 79% of splice variations altered the protein product. Whole-transcriptome analyses resulted in the identification of 2,431 sense-antisense pairs. The present work, completely supported by physical clones, provides the most comprehensive survey of a mammalian transcriptome so far, and is a valuable resource for functional genomics.

Prooxidant action of gallic acid compounds: copper-dependent strand breaks and the formation of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine in DNA

Gallic acid and its alkylesters, polyphenolic compounds with antioxidative activity, acted as a prooxidant causing a copper-dependent DNA damage. Treatment of DNA from plasmid pBR322 and calf thymus with gallic acid plus copper ion caused strand scission and the formation of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine in DNA. Addition of catalase protected DNA from the gallic acid/copper-dependent strand breaks and the formation of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, indicating that hydroxyl radical may participate in the DNA damage. Ethyl-, propyl- and butylgallates showed only a little DNA damage. Octyl- and laurylgallates caused negligible damage of DNA. DNA strand breaks and formation of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine were closely related to the reduction of copper by gallate compounds. These results imply that cuprous ion reduced by gallate derivatives may play a key role in the oxidative cleavage of DNA and the formation of base adduct. The cytotoxic effect of gallate compounds can be explained by their prooxidant action dependent on the reducing activity.

Laparoscopic hepatectomy for extrahepatic growing tumor. Surgical strategy based on extrahepatic growing index

BACKGROUND

This article describes the operative procedures, varying difficulties, and required instrumentation for performing laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH) on the basis of a lesion's extrahepatic growing (EG) index, as calculated by computed tomography (CT).

METHODS

Laparoscopic partial hepatectomy cases were divided into the following two groups: an EG tumor group (n = 11) and an intrahepatic tumor group (n = 8). The surgical procedures, operative results, and laparoscopic instrumentation for these two groups were compared based on the EG index (/cm2; maximum diameter of tumor pedicle/maximum vertical diameter of tumor/area of the tumor).

RESULTS

The mean operative time was significantly shorter and the mean blood loss was significantly less in the EG tumor group than in the intrahepatic tumor group. In addition, in the EG tumor group, there were significant differences in mean operative time and mean blood loss related to the values associated with the EG index (p <0.05, P <0.01). The selection of laparoscopic instruments was based on the EG index, as follows: (a) lesions with an EG index >5/cm2 underwent resection in combination with a microwave tissue coagulator and an ultrasonic surgical aspirator (13 cases, including intrahepatic tumor cases); (b) lesions with an EG index of 5-15/cm2 underwent resection in combination with a microwave tissue coagulator and laparosonic coagulating shears (four cases); (c) lesions with an EG index <%15/cm2 underwent resection with a laparoscopic linear stapler (two cases).

CONCLUSION

Our preliminary experience leads us to believe that it is useful to calculate the EG index by CT scan before formulating the technical strategy for a subsequent LH procedure.

Neuropsychological changes after surgical treatment for temporal lobe epilepsy

PURPOSE

The effect of unilateral temporal lobectomy on seizure frequency is well recognized, but little is known about the neuropsychological changes that occur after surgical treatment. We assessed neuropsychological status in 26 patients with an average age of 35 years before and after unilateral temporal lobectomy for medically intractable TLE.

METHODS

Neuropsychological examination to assess cognitive function, memory, attention, visuospatial analysis, language, and emotional functions was performed preoperatively and at 1 month and 1 year after the surgery.

RESULTS

At both 1 month and 1 year after the surgery, the patients had improved scores, compared with the preoperative scores, on the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R: verbal IQ, performance IQ, and full-scale IQ), Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised (WMS-R: verbal, general, and delayed paired associates memory), and Raven Colored Progressive Matrices. In the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), significant decreases were observed at 1 year after the surgery in the scores for infrequency, hypochondriasis, psychasthenia, and schizophrenia. Patients in whom the seizures had been relieved postoperatively also had improved scores on the WAIS-R, WMS-R, and Raven Colored Progressive Matrices.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that neuropsychological improvement postoperatively is influenced by the reduction in the frequency of seizures after surgery.

A new database of mitochondrial DNA hypervariable regions I and II sequences from 162 Japanese individuals

A database of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) hypervariable region 1 (HV1) and region 2 (HV2) sequences of the mtDNA control region was established from 162 unrelated Japanese individuals. The random match probability and the genetic diversity for this database were 0.96% and 0.997, respectively. Length heteroplasmy in the C-stretch regions located around position 16189 in HVI and 310 in HV2 was observed in 37% and 38% of the samples, respectively. A strategy using internal sequencing primers was devised to obtain confirmed sequences in these length heteroplasmic individuals. This database, combined with other mtDNA sequence databases from the Japanese population, will permit the significance of mtDNA match results to be properly reported in mtDNA typing casework in Japan.

Chloride conductance determining membrane potential of rabbit articular chondrocytes

Membrane conductance of cultured rabbit articular chondrocytes was characterized by means of the patch-clamp technique. The resting membrane potential of the articular chondrocytes was about -42 mV. The membrane potential shifted in accordance with the prediction by the Nernst equation for Cl- when intracellular and extracellular concentrations of Cl- were changed. On the other hand, change in extracellular concentration of K+ produced no shift in the membrane potential of chondrocytes. The Cl- channel blocker 4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanatostilbene-2'2-disulfonic acid (SITS) depolarized the membrane potential. These findings suggest that the membrane potential of the chondrocytes is determined mainly by Cl- conductance. Using the cell-attached patch-clamp method, a large unitary conductance of 217 pS was observed in the articular chondrocytes. The unitary current was reversibly blocked by SITS. Therefore, the unitary current was carried by Cl-. The Cl- channel showed voltage-dependent activation and the channels exhibited long-lasting openings. Therefore, the membrane potential of rabbit cultured articular chondrocytes was mainly determined by the activities of the large-conductance and voltage-dependent Cl- channels.

Early postnatal ataxia and abnormal cerebellar development in mice lacking Xeroderma pigmentosum Group A and Cockayne syndrome Group B DNA repair genes

Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) and Cockayne syndrome (CS) are rare autosomal recessive disorders associated with a defect in the nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway required for the removal of DNA damage induced by UV light and distorting chemical adducts. Although progressive neurological dysfunction is one of the hallmarks of CS and of some groups of XP patients, the causative mechanisms are largely unknown. Here we show that mice lacking both the XPA (XP-group A) and CSB (CS-group B) genes in contrast to the single mutants display severe growth retardation, ataxia, and motor dysfunction during early postnatal development. Their cerebella are hypoplastic and showed impaired foliation and stunted Purkinje cell dendrites. Reduced neurogenesis and increased apoptotic cell death occur in the cerebellar external granular layer. These findings suggest that XPA and CSB have additive roles in the mouse nervous system and support a crucial role for these genes in normal brain development.