No evidence of carbon storage usage for seed production in 18 dipterocarp masting species in a tropical rain forest

Most canopy species in lowland tropical rain forests in Southeast Asia, represented by Dipterocarpaceae, undergo mast reproduction synchronously at community level during a general flowering event. Such events occur at irregular intervals of 2-10 years. Some species do not necessarily participate in every synchronous mast reproduction, however. This may be due to a lack of carbohydrate resources in the trees for masting. We tested the hypothesis that interspecific differences in the time required to store assimilates in trees for seed production are due to the frequency of masting and/or seed size in each species. We examined the relationship between reproductive frequency and the carbon accumulation period necessary for seed production, and between the seed size and the period, using radiocarbon analysis in 18 dipterocarp canopy species. The mean carbon accumulation period was 0.84 years before seed maturation in all species studied. The carbon accumulation period did not have any significant correlation with reproductive frequency or seed size, both of which varied widely across the species studied. Our results show that for seed production, dipterocarp masting species do not use carbon assimilates stored for a period between the masting years, but instead use recent photosynthates produced primarily in a masting year, regardless of the masting interval or seed size of each species. These findings suggest that storage of carbohydrate resources is not a limiting factor in the masting of dipterocarps, and that accumulation and allocation of other resources is important as a precondition for participation in general flowering.

Intravenous Alteplase at 0.6 mg/kg for Unknown Onset Stroke with Prior Antithrombotic Medication: THAWS Randomized Clinical Trial

AIM

This study aimed to assess the potential effect of prior antithrombotic medication for thrombolysis in an unknown onset stroke.

METHODS

This was a predefined sub-analysis of the THAWS trial. Stroke patients with a time last known well ＞4.5 h who had a DWI-fluid-attenuated inversion recovery mismatch were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive alteplase at 0.6 mg/kg (alteplase group) or standard medical treatment (control group). Patients were dichotomized by prior antithrombotic medication.

RESULTS

Of 126 patients (intention-to-treat population), 40 took antithrombotic medication (24 with antiplatelets alone, 13 with anticoagulants alone, and 3 with both), and the remaining 86 did not before stroke onset. Of these, 17 and 52 patients, respectively, received alteplase, and 23 and 34, respectively, had standard medical treatment. Antithrombotic therapy was initiated within 24 h after randomization less frequently in the alteplase group (12% vs. 86%, p＜0.01). Both any intracranial hemorrhage within 22-36 h (26% vs. 14%) and a modified Rankin Scale score of 0-1 at 90 days (good outcome) (47% vs. 48%) were comparable between the two groups. A good outcome was more common in the alteplase group than in the control group in patients with prior antithrombotic medication [relative risk (RR) 2.25, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02-4.99], but it tended to be less common in the alteplase group in those without (RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.46-1.03) (p＜0.01 for interaction). The frequency of any intracranial hemorrhage did not significantly differ between the two groups in any patients dichotomized by prior antithrombotic medication.

CONCLUSION

Alteplase appears more beneficial in patients with prior antithrombotic medication.

Abstract P7: Prior Antithrombotic Medication May Affect Outcomes Following Alteplase at 0.6mg for Unknown Onset Stroke: THAWS Randomized Clinical Trial

Background and purpose: To assess the potential effect of prior antithrombotic medication for thrombolysis using alteplase at 0.6mg/kg in unknown onset stroke.

Methods: This was a prespecified sub-analysis of a THAWS trial (an investigator-initiated, multicenter, randomized, open, blinded-endpoint trial). Stroke patients with a time last-known-well >4.5 h who had a mismatch between diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive alteplase at 0.6mg/kg or standard medical treatment (SMT). Patients were dichotomized by taking prior antithrombotic medication. The favorable outcome defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 0-1 at 90 days and any intracranial hemorrhage within 22-36 h were compared in each group.

Results: Of 126 patients (intention-to-treat population), 68 received alteplase and 58 had SMT. Seventeen in the alteplase group and 23 in the SMT group took antithrombotic medication (10 with antiplatelet alone, 5 with anticoagulant alone and 2 with both in the IVT group, and 14, 8 and 1, respectively, in the SMT group) before stroke onset. Antithrombotic therapy was more frequently initiated within 24 hours after randomization in the SMT group than in the alteplase group (86% vs. 12%, p<0.0001). Both any intracranial hemorrhage (26% in the alteplase group vs. 14% in the SMT group) and favorable outcome (47% vs. 48%) were comparable between the two treatment groups. There was a significant treatment-by-cohort interaction for favorable outcome between patients with prior antithrombotic medication and those without (p=0.006). Favorable outcome was more common in the alteplase group than in the SMT group in patients with prior antithrombotic medication (59% vs. 26%; RR 2.25, 95% CI 1.02 to 4.99), but it tended to be less common in the alteplase group than in the SMT group in those without prior antithrombotic medication (43% vs. 63%; RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.46 to 1.03). The frequency of any intracranial hemorrhage did not differ significantly between the two treatment groups in any dichotomized patients.

Conclusions: Alteplase at 0.6mg/kg appears more beneficial in patients with prior antithrombotic medication.

Abstract MP6: Thrombolysis for Acute Wake-Up And Unclear Onset Strokes With Alteplase at 0.6mg /kg in Clinical Practice: THAWS2 Study

Background and Purpose: IV alteplase at 0.6 mg/kg for acute wake-up and unclear onset strokes was recommended in Japanese stroke guidelines in March 2019. We determined the safety and effectiveness of this newly recommended thrombolysis in clinical practice.

Methods: This is a multicenter observational study, enrolling acute ischemic stroke patients with a time last-known-well >4.5 h who have a mismatch between DWI and FLAIR treated with intravenous alteplase. The safety outcomes are intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) with neurological deterioration within 36 h after thrombolysis, all cause deaths within 90 days, and adverse events. The efficacy outcomes are functionally independence defined as a mRS score of 0-1 at 90 days, and NIHSS change at 24h from baseline.

Results: Between 2019 March and 2020 March, 63 patients (33 females; age, 74±11y; premorbid functionally independence, 50 (82%); median NIHSS on admission, 11) were enrolled at 14 hospitals. Of them, 40 patients (63%) recognized stroke symptoms at wake-up time, and median time between last-known-well and admission was 6.5 h. Baseline MRA showed any vessel occlusion in 52 patients (88%). IV alteplase was disrupted in one patient. Two patients (3%) had symptomatic ICH (≥4 increase in NIHSS) within 36 h. NIHSS change was -5.1±8.1. Twenty-one patients (36%) had functionally independence at discharge and there was no death during acute hospitalization. Of the overall 63 patients, 22 also underwent mechanical thrombectomy (36%, 72±9y, median NIHSS 16), showing no symptomatic ICH, mean NIHSS change of -8.9±7.5, and 8 patients (42%) had functionally independence at discharge.

Conclusions: In clinical practice, IV alteplase for wake-up and unclear onset stroke patients with DWI-FLAIR mismatch seemed to be safe and effective compared with previous randomized control trials. Mechanical thrombectomy could be combined with alteplase safely and effectively.

Thrombolysis With Alteplase at 0.6 mg/kg for Stroke With Unknown Time of Onset: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

We assessed whether lower-dose alteplase at 0.6 mg/kg is efficacious and safe for acute fluid-attenuated inversion recovery-negative stroke with unknown time of onset.

Secretory IgA accumulated in the airspaces of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and promoted VEGF, TGF-β and IL-8 production by A549 cells

Secretory IgA (SIgA) is a well-known mucosal-surface molecule in first-line defense against extrinsic pathogens and antigens. Its immunomodulatory and pathological roles have also been emphasized, but it is unclear whether it plays a pathological role in lung diseases. In the present study, we aimed to determine the distribution of IgA in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) lungs and whether IgA affects the functions of airway epithelial cells. We performed immunohistochemical analysis of lung sections from patients with IPF and found that mucus accumulated in the airspaces adjacent to the hyperplastic epithelia contained abundant SIgA. This was not true in the lungs of non-IPF subjects. An in-vitro assay revealed that SIgA bound to the surface of A549 cells and significantly promoted production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and interleukin (IL)-8, important cytokines in the pathogenesis of IPF. Among the known receptors for IgA, A549 cells expressed high levels of transferrin receptor (TfR)/CD71. Transfection experiments with siRNA targeted against TfR/CD71 followed by stimulation with SIgA suggested that TfR/CD71 may be at least partially involved in the SIgA-induced cytokine production by A549 cells. These phenomena were specific for SIgA, distinct from IgG. SIgA may modulate the progression of IPF by enhancing synthesis of VEGF, TGF-β and IL-8.

Histopathologic features of an autopsied patient with cerebral small vessel disease and a heterozygous HTRA1 mutation

Cerebral autosomal recessive arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CARASIL) is a hereditary cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) caused by homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations of the high temperature requirement A serine peptidase 1 gene (HTRA1). Affected patients suffer from cognitive impairment, recurrent strokes, lumbago and alopecia. Recently, clinical studies have indicated that some patients with heterozygous mutations in HTRA1 may also suffer CSVD. Here, we report the histopathologic features of an autopsied 55-year-old male patient who had shown cognitive impairment and multiple cerebral infarcts, and was found to have a heterozygous missense mutation (p.R302Q) in the HTRA1 gene. Histologically, small vessels in the brain and spinal cord showed intimal proliferation, splitting of the internal elastic lamina, and degeneration of smooth muscle cells in the tunica media. Thus, although less severe, the features were quite similar to those of patients with CARASIL, indicating that patients with heterozygous mutations develop CSVD through underlying pathomechanisms similar to those of CARASIL.

[An Adult Case of Enterovirus D68 Encephalomyelitis Presenting as Bilateral Facial Nerve Palsy and Dysphagia]

A 33-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with bilateral facial nerve paralysis, dysphagia, and muscle weakness in the neck and trunk following fever, headache and throat pain. T₂-weighted brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed hyperintense lesions in the tegmentum of the brain stem and the ventral region of the superior cervical cord. Based on the characteristic findings on the brain MRI, we diagnosed the patient with enteroviral encephalomyelitis. Steroid therapy was administered; however, his bilateral facial nerve paralysis and dysphagia were refractory to this therapy. Subsequently, enterovirus D68 was detected in the serum using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. At that time, an outbreak of enteroviral D68 infection was reported in Japan. Finally, we diagnosed encephalomyelitis caused by enteroviral D68 infection. Characteristic MRI findings were very useful in narrowing down the differential diagnosis in this patient. (Received March 3, 2017; Accepted April 20, 2017; Published August 1, 2017).

The Novel Small Molecule Inhibitor, OSU-T315, Suppresses Vestibular Schwannoma and Meningioma Growth by Inhibiting PDK2 Function in the AKT Pathway Activation

Activation of PKB/AKT signaling, which requires PDK1 and PDK2 function, drives Vestibular Schwannoma (VS) and meningioma growth. PDK2 function is defined as a molecule that phosphorylates AKT-Ser473. Integrin-Linked Kinase (ILK) functions as PDK2 in PKB/AKT activation in many cancers; therefore, we hypothesized that OSU-T315, a small molecule ILK inhibitor, will inhibit the ILK-PDK2 function in PKB/AKT signaling activation in VS and meningioma cell growth. OSU-T315 decreased cell viability at IC50 < 2μM in VS (HEI193) and meningioma (Ben-Men-1) cell lines, in primary cells at < 3.5μM, while in normal primary Schwann cells at 7.1μM. OSU-T315 inhibits AKT signaling by decreasing phosphorylation at AKT-Ser473, AKT-Thr308, ILK-Ser246 and ILK-Thr173. In addition, OSU-T315 affected the phosphorylation or expression levels of AKT downstream proliferation effectors as well as autophagy markers. Flow cytometry shows that OSU-T315 increased the percentage of cells arrested at G2/M for both, HEI193 (39.99%) and Ben-Men-1 (26.96%) cells, compared to controls (21.54%, 8.47%). Two hours of OSU-T315 treatment increased cell death in both cell lines (34.3%, 9.1%) versus untreated (12.1%, 8.1%). Though longer exposure increased cell death in Ben-Men-1, TUNEL assays showed that OSU-T315 does not induce apoptosis. OSU-T315 was primarily cytotoxic for HEI193 and Ben-Men-1 inducing a dysregulated autophagy. Our studies suggest that OSU-T315 has translational potential as a chemotherapeutic agent against VS and meningioma.

[An autopsy case of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with prominent muscle cramps, fasciculation, and high titer of anti-voltage gated potassium channel (VGKC) complex antibody]

The patient was a 55-year-old male who had prominent fasciculation and muscle cramps. Muscle weakness and atrophy of the trunk, respiratory system, and extremities gradually progressed. On the basis of these features, we diagnosed this patient as having amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), however, the upper motor neuron signs were not significant. Following the detection of the anti-voltage gated potassium channel (VGKC) complex antibody at 907.5 pM (normal < 100 pM) and repetitive discharge in a nerve conduction study, immunotherapy with intravenous immunoglobulin, methylprednisolone (mPSL), double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP), ciclosporin, and rituximab was introduced. mPSL and DFPP showed only tentative effectiveness for fasciculation and muscle cramps, respectively. Thereafter, muscle weakness progressed. The patient died of type II respiratory failure at the age of 57 years, about 2 years after the onset of the disease. At autopsy, a histopathological diagnosis of ALS with lower-motor-predominant degeneration was made. Characteristic cellular features, including Bunina bodies in the remaining lower motor neurons and phosphorylated TAR DNA-binding protein 43-kDa (pTDP-43)-immunopositive inclusions in both upper and lower motor neuron systems, were evident. At present, an immunological role of the anti-VGKC complex antibody in the development of cramp-fasciculation syndrome has been speculated. In this ALS patient, the antibodies might be associated with pathomechanisms underlying the characteristic symptoms.

Coexistence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with neuro-Behçet's disease presenting as a longitudinally extensive spinal cord lesion: clinicopathologic features of an autopsied patient

We report the clinical and autopsy features of a 65-year-old Japanese man who clinically exhibited overlap of both neuro-Behçet's disease (NBD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The patient had a HLA-B51 serotype, a recent history of uveitis and had suffered paraparesis, sensory and autonomic disturbance, frontal signs and tremor. A brain and spine MRI study revealed a longitudinally extensive thoracic cord (Th) lesion, but no apparent intracranial abnormalities. The lesion extended ventrally from Th4 to Th9, exhibiting low intensity on T1-weighted images, high intensity on T2-weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images and gadolinium enhancement. The patient's upper and lower motor neuron signs and sensory disturbance worsened and he died 16 months after admission. At autopsy, the spinal cord and brain exhibited characteristic histopathological features of both NBD and ALS, including chronic destruction of the ventral thoracic white and gray matter, perivascular lymphocytic infiltration, binucleated neurons, lower and upper motor neuron degeneration, Bunina bodies and skein-like inclusions. Although incidental coexistence of these rare disorders could occur in an individual, this case raises the possibility of a pathomechanistic association between NBD and ALS.

Predictors of outcome in hypoglycemic encephalopathy

AIMS

The aim of this study was to investigate factors predicting poor prognosis in patients with hypoglycemic encephalopathy.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed data on 165 consecutive patients with hypoglycemic encephalopathy. We evaluated their outcome 1 week after hypoglycemia onset using the Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) and compared the clinical features of patients with good outcomes (GOS = 5) and poor outcomes (GOS ≤ 4).

RESULTS

The poor-outcome group included 38 patients (23%). The initial blood glucose level in the poor-outcome group was lower than that in the good-outcome group (p = 0.002). The duration of hypoglycemia in the poor-outcome group was longer than that in the good-outcome group (p < 0.001). Body temperature during hypoglycemia in the poor-outcome group was higher than that in the good-outcome group (p < 0.001). Furthermore, lactic acid level in the poor-outcome group was lower than in the good-outcome group (p = 0.032). There was no significant difference in the frequency of posttreatment hyperglycemia between the good-outcome and poor-outcome groups (p = 0.984).

CONCLUSION

Profound and prolonged hypoglycemia, normal or higher body temperature, and a low lactic acid level during hypoglycemia may be predictors of a poor outcome in patients with hypoglycemic encephalopathy.

[Amyloid beta-related angiitis: brain lesions showing leptomeningeal gadolinium enhancement on MRI and characteristic surgical pathologic features]

Amyloid-β-related angiitis (ABRA) of the CNS occurs in association with vasculitis of small-and medium-sized leptomeningeal arteries. Here, we describe the clinicopathological features of a 76-year-old man with ABRA. The patient suffered progressive truncal oscillation, aphasia, and recent memory disturbance with a subacute disease onset. His cerebrospinal fluid showed a mild increase in protein levels (101 mg/dL) and pleocytosis (8/mm(3)). High-intensity brain lesion were detected on T(2)-weighted and FLAIR MRI scans, and prominent spread of gadolinium enhancement spreading was observed through the sulci of the left occipital and temporal lobes and left cerebellar hemisphere. A biopsy of the left temporal lesion showed a granulomatous and angiodestructive inflammation with infiltration of many CD4(+) T-lymphocytes and multinucleated giant cells and with fibrinoid necrosis of the arterial walls in the subarachnoid space. Immunolabeling for Aβ(1-40) revealed the abundant deposition of this protein in the affected arteries. On the basic of the diagnosis of ABRA, immunosuppressive therapy was conducted, and it ameliorated the clinical course.

[Case of Lemierre syndrome associated with infectious cavernous sinus thrombosis and septic meningitis]

A 33-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of right exophthalmos, diplopia and left neck pain. Neurological examination revealed lateral and inferior disturbance of his right eye movement and the meningeal irritation sign. Cerebrospinal fluid showed elevated polynuclear cells. Enhanced CT and MRI revealed thrombophlebitis of the left internal jugular vein and bilateral cavernous sinuses. On the basis of these findings, he was diagnosed as having Lemierre syndrome associated with cavernous sinus thrombophlebitis and bacterial meningitis. After administration of antibiotics, his symptoms disappeared and the data of laboratory analyses also improved. However, after his discharge, he was required re-antibiotics therapy because of septic embolus- induced multiple lung abscesses. Lemierre syndrome is characterized by disseminated abscesses and thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein after infection of the oropharynx. Because Lemierre syndrome is potentially life-threatening, early diagnosis and initiation of appropriate therapy are important.

MANEJO QUÍMICO DA FERRUGEM ASIÁTICA DA SOJA, BASEADO EM DIFERENTES MÉTODOS DE MONITORAMENTO

RESUMO O objetivo do trabalho foi determinar o momento ideal da aplicação dos fungicidas de ação preventiva, (Opera + Assist)* e (PrioriXtra + Nimbus)*, baseado na detecção inicial de primeiros esporos associado às condições ambientais, monitoramento climático e monitoramento convencional (após a detecção dos primeiros sintomas), verificando sua eficiência no controle da ferrugem asiática da soja. O trabalho foi desenvolvido na fazenda Escola da Universidade Estadual de Londrina, onde foram instalados coletores de esporos na área para detecção dos primeiros esporos e também se fez anotação das condições climáticas obtidas em estação metereológica. As aplicações foram feitas a 1, 7, 14 e 21 dias após detecção dos primeiros esporos, seguindo o monitoramento climático e monitoramento convencional. Foram avaliadas a porcentagem da área foliar infectada, desfolha e produtividade de grãos. Observou-se uma menor porcentagem de infecção foliar, quando os produtos foram aplicados logo no início da detecção dos primeiros esporos (1, 7 e 14 dias após detecção) e seguindo o monitoramento climático e, apesar do produto (PrioriXtra +Nimbus)* ter apresentado menores porcentagens de infecção foliar e desfolha quando aplicado nos diferentes momentos, observou-se que na produtividade de grãos não houve diferença entre os produtos testados.

DANOS CAUSADOS PELA INFECÇÃO DE OÍDIO EM DIFERENTES ESTÁDIOS FENOLÓGICOS DA SOJA

RESUMO Ainda não há estudos precisos que quantifiquem os prejuízos decorrentes de infecção por oídio e/ou outras doenças foliares, para a maioria das culturas de importância econômica no Brasil. O objetivo foi quantificar as perdas causadas por oídio (Microsphaera diffusa) infectando a cultura da soja em diferentes estádios fenológicos e relacioná-las ao desenvolvimento e produtividade da cultura. O experimento foi desenvolvido em ambiente protegido, e os tratamentos foram testemunha controlada, testemunha sem controle, infecção iniciada em R1 – R2, infecção iniciada em R – R, infecção iniciada em R – R e infecção iniciada em R – R. A avaliação foi feita 345.15.25.35.4 semanalmente, considerando a porcentagem da área foliar infectada. Os resultados mostraram que, no tratamento em que houve infecções iniciadas em R1-R2 e R3-R4, a porcentagem de área foliar afetada foi maior (41% e 38%, respectivamente), com consequente menor produtividade (1.186,6 e 1.309,5 kg.ha-1 respectivamente). No tratamento em que a infecção ocorreu em R – R, houve 5.35.4 a menor média de área foliar afetada pela doença (24%) e a produtividade teve queda de 26%. Os resultados mostraram que as perdas de produtividade pelo oídio na cultivar Embrapa 48 variaram ao redor de 26 a 50%, e que a recomendação oficial para o início de controle do oídio da soja, quando esta se apresentar entre 40 e 50% de severidade, deve ser questionada e outros trabalhos neste âmbito devem ser desenvolvidos para determinação das perdas ocasionadas por esta doença na cultura.

Atypical Parkinsonism in distal myopathy with rimmed vacuoles

A patient with distal myopathy with rimmed vacuoles (DMRV) exhibited Parkinsonism with a severe writing tremor that responded poorly to levodopa. Molecular genetic analysis revealed that the patient had the D176V/V572L compound heterozygous mutation in the UDP-N-acetylglucosamine 2-epimerase/N-acetylmannosamine kinase (GNE) gene. Histopathological examination of a biopsied muscle specimen yielded findings compatible with those of DMRV, which is characterized by the presence of rimmed vacuoles without inflammatory cell infiltration in muscle fibers. The finding of normal cardiac meta-iodobenzylguanide uptake makes the possibility of incidental Parkinson's disease in this patient unlikely. These observations raise the possibility that atypical Parkinsonism is a rare complication of DMRV associated with GNE mutation.

Aprataxin, causative gene product for EAOH/AOA1, repairs DNA single-strand breaks with damaged 3'-phosphate and 3'-phosphoglycolate ends

Aprataxin is the causative gene product for early-onset ataxia with ocular motor apraxia and hypoalbuminemia/ataxia with oculomotor apraxia type 1 (EAOH/AOA1), the clinical symptoms of which are predominantly neurological. Although aprataxin has been suggested to be related to DNA single-strand break repair (SSBR), the physiological function of aprataxin remains to be elucidated. DNA single-strand breaks (SSBs) continually produced by endogenous reactive oxygen species or exogenous genotoxic agents, typically possess damaged 3′-ends including 3′-phosphate, 3′-phosphoglycolate, or 3′-α, β-unsaturated aldehyde ends. These damaged 3′-ends should be restored to 3′-hydroxyl ends for subsequent repair processes. Here we demonstrate by in vitro assay that recombinant human aprataxin specifically removes 3′-phosphoglycolate and 3′-phosphate ends at DNA 3′-ends, but not 3′-α, β-unsaturated aldehyde ends, and can act with DNA polymerase β and DNA ligase III to repair SSBs with these damaged 3′-ends. Furthermore, disease-associated mutant forms of aprataxin lack this removal activity. The findings indicate that aprataxin has an important role in SSBR, that is, it removes blocking molecules from 3′-ends, and that the accumulation of unrepaired SSBs with damaged 3′-ends underlies the pathogenesis of EAOH/AOA1. The findings will provide new insight into the mechanism underlying degeneration and DNA repair in neurons.

A sphingosine-1-phosphate type 1 receptor agonist inhibits the early T-cell transient following renal ischemia-reperfusion injury

T cells are thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI); however, earlier studies have not found significant T-cell numbers in the kidney following injury. In this study we test the hypothesis that T cells transiently infiltrate the kidney following reperfusion and leave behind T-cell-derived cytokines such as interferons and interleukins, thus triggering an inflammatory reaction. An early rise of infiltrating T cells was coupled with a decrease in both circulating lymphocytes and CD4+ cells of periarterial lymphocyte aggregates. The renal expression of several chemokines was rapidly and markedly increased by ischemia-reperfusion (IR). Sphingosine-1-phosphate type 1 receptor agonists have been shown to protect kidneys from injury. One of these agonists given before IR significantly reduced histologically assessed renal injury, circulating lymphocyte numbers, and renal T-cell infiltration. This pretreatment did not, however, affect the increase in T-cell chemokines but caused an increase in CD4+ cells in the renal lymphatic system. We conclude that T-cell infiltration is an early event after IRI and is mediated by several chemokines. Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor agonists reduce renal injury and T-cell infiltration in spite of chemokine generation by inhibiting T-cell mobilization from both renal and extra-renal lymphoid tissue.

Long-term therapeutic efficacy and safety of low-dose tacrolimus (FK506) for myasthenia gravis

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate the long-term therapeutic efficacy and safety of low-dose FK506 (tacrolimus) in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We treated nine patients with MG (all women: age range: 35-83 years (mean: 51.1 years); MGFA classification: 4 type IIa, 4 type IIb, and 1 type IVb patients) with FK506 for more than 24 months (observation period: 24-46 months). All the patients had undergone extended thymectomy before FK506 treatment; two patients (22.2%) had noninvasive thymoma and six (66.7%) had thymic hyperplasia. We evaluated total Quantitative MG (Q-MG) score, anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody titer in the blood, interleukin 2 (IL-2) production in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), administration dosage of prednisolone (PSL), and adverse effects of FK506.

RESULTS

A reduction in steroid dosage of 50% without worsening of the symptoms was observed 1 year after FK506 administration in three out of six steroid-dependent MG patients (50.0%). The total Q-MG scores (range: 0-39 points) at 6 months and 1 year after FK506 administration improved by 3 points or more in six (66.7%) and seven (77.8%) out of nine patients, respectively. The efficacy of FK506 was maintained for more than 2 years. Although adverse effects were observed in three patients (33.3%), these were not serious.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study indicates that low-dose FK506 treatment may be efficacious not only in controlling intractable myasthenic symptoms, but also in reducing steroid dosage, and that FK506 is safe as an adjunctive drug to PSL for MG treatment for a maximum of 3 years.

Prognostic value of clinicopathological factors in operated stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

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Background: Recently adjuvant chemotherapy has improved survival in resected stage I, especially stage IB NSCLC. While some cases with stage IA NSCLC have poor prognosis, there are no reliable clinicopathological markers to predict cancer related death. This study was conducted to identify the prognostic factors for resected stage IA and IB patients. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 318 cases that were diagnosed with pathological stage I NSCLC from 1986 to 2000 at Tochigi Cancer Center. Various clinical and pathologic factors were reviewed, and the risk of a cancer related death was investigated. Analyzed factors were as follows: sex, age, smoking status, preoperative serum CEA level, tumor histological type, pathological differentiation, tumor size, lymphatic invasion (ly), vascular invasion (v), and pleural invasion (p). Results: The cancer specific 5-year survival rate for each stage were estimated to be 91% foe stage IA (n = 198) and 66% for stage IB (n = 120). In the stage IA subset, the univariate analysis revealed the following five factors to be poor prognostic factors: age 65 < (p = 0.008, Risk Ratio = 1.76), high CEA level (p < 0.001, RR = 2.09), tumor size 2 cm < (p = 0.008, RR = 1.75), ly (+) (p = 0.007, RR = 1.87), and v (+) (p = 0.003, RR = 1.77). The 5-year survival rate for stage IA patients that have three or more factors was 67% (n = 43). In the stage IB subset, the univariate analysis of clinicopathological factors revealed tumor size 4 cm < (p = 0.004, RR = 1.53), v (+) (p = 0.02, RR = 1.45), and no pleural invasion (p0) (p = 0.004, RR = 0.64) to be prognostic factors. The 5-year survival rate for stage IB patients that have all the good prognostic factors (tumor size 4 cm ≥, v(-), and p0) was 96% (n = 26). Conclusion: Our analysis suggests that the combination of prognostic factors revealed the poor prognostic group equal to stage IB patients in stage IA group. On the other hand, combination of prognostic factors revealed the good prognostic group in stage IB patients. It should be considered to do adjuvant chemotherapy with poor prognostic stage IA patients and avoid with good prognostic stage IB patients.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

New HSN2 mutation in Japanese patient with hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type 2

The authors report a Japanese patient with hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type 2 (HSAN2) who has a new mutation of the HSN2 gene. The pathologic findings of the patient matched those of Canadian patients. They identified a homozygous 1134-1135 ins T mutation, resulting in a frameshift, and the subsequent premature stop codon at residue 378. These observations support the hypothesis that HSN2 is a causative gene for HSAN2.

S1P1-selective agonist, SEW2871, ameliorates ischemic acute renal failure

The pathogenesis of renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury involves activating several signal transduction cascade systems in endothelial cells. Sphingosine 1-phospate (S1P) maintains endothelial cell integrity and inhibits lymphocyte egress via the specific S1P(1) receptor, and may play a role in reducing ischemic renal injury. We examined the protective effects of a newly identified S1P(1)-selective agonist, SEW2871, on mouse renal I/R injury. Kidneys were harvested 1-4 days after I/R injury for histopathology, immunofluorescence studies, and quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analyses to assess the change in gene expression profiles of inflammation-associated cytokines and adhesion molecules. SEW2871 improved renal function with a 40% reduction in plasma creatinine levels (P<0.01) and a significant reduction in tubular necrosis scores (I/R only: 4.3+/-0.2 vs I/R+SEW2871: 2.5+/-0.4, P<0.05) 24 h after ischemia. These changes were accompanied by 69% reduction in circulating lymphocytes, and 77 and 66% reduction in infiltrating neutrophils and macrophages in renal outer medulla, respectively (all P<0.01). The mRNA abundance of tumor necrotic factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), P-selectin, E-selectin, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) was markedly increased by I/R injury (3.5-, 4.1-, 3.5-, and 4.8-folds, respectively, all P<0.05 vs sham). SEW2871 treatment partially reversed the upregulation of TNF-alpha, P-selectin, and ICAM-1 (47, 59, 54%, respectively, vs I/R control: 100%, all P<0.05). The reduction in protein expression of TNF-alpha, P-selectin, and ICAM-1 was further confirmed with immunofluorescence studies. These results suggest that SEW2871 ameliorates renal I/R injury by inhibiting lymphocyte egress and reducing pro-inflammatory molecules. This new class of renoprotective agent shows promise as a novel approach in preventing/treating ischemic acute renal failure.

Compounds blocking mutant huntingtin toxicity identified using a Huntington's disease neuronal cell model

Neuronal cell death in HD is believed to be largely a dominant cell-autonomous effect of the mutant huntingtin protein. We previously developed an inducible PC12 cell model which expresses an N-terminal huntingtin fragment with an expanded poly Q repeat (N63-148Q) under the control of the tet-off system. In order to evaluate the ability of compounds to protect against mutant huntingtin toxicity in our model, we measured LDH released by dead cells into the medium. We have now screened the library of 1040 compounds from the NINDS Custom Collection as part of a National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) collaborative project. Each positive compound was tested at 3-8 concentrations. Five compounds significantly attenuated mutant huntingtin (htt)-induced LDH release without affecting the expression level of huntingtin and independent of effect on aggregates. We also tested a broad spectrum caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-fmk and previously proposed candidate compounds. This cell model can provide a method to screen potential therapeutic compounds for treating Huntington's disease.

Effects of short-term folic acid and/or riboflavin supplementation on serum folate and plasma total homocysteine concentrations in young Japanese male subjects

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of short-term folic acid and/or riboflavin supplementation on serum folate and plasma plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) concentrations in young Japanese male subjects.

DESIGN

In a double blind, randomized controlled trial.

INTERVENTION

Subjects were randomly assigned to one of four groups and received a placebo (control group), 800 microg/day folic acid (FA group), 8.4 mg/day riboflavin (R group), or both (FAR group) for 2 weeks.

SETTING

Tokyo, Japan.

SUBJECTS

In total, 32 healthy male volunteers aged 20-29 years.

RESULTS

At the end of the 2 week supplementation period, the tHcy concentration decreased significantly in the FA group. Serum folate concentrations had increased between 2.7 and 2.0-fold in the FA and FAR groups, respectively, but the mean within-group changes in serum folate and plasma tHcy concentrations did not differ between these two groups. At the end of the study, alanine amino transferase was decreased in the R and FAR groups, while alanine amino transferase was increased in the FA group.

CONCLUSION

Supplementation with folic acid, 800 microg/day, for 2 weeks, increased the serum and red blood cell folate concentrations and decreased the plasma tHcy concentrations in healthy young male subjects. Riboflavin supplementation may have blunted the effect of folic acid, which resulted in a diminished reduction of tHcy in our subjects.

Selective silencing of a mutant transthyretin allele by small interfering RNAs

Familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP) is a hereditary systemic amyloidosis caused by dominantly acting missense mutations in the gene encoding transthyretin (TTR). The most common mutant TTR is of the Val30Met type, which results from a point mutation. Because the major constituent of amyloid fibrils is mutant TTR, agents that selectively suppress mutant TTR expression could be powerful therapeutic tools. This study has been performed to evaluate the use of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) for the selective silencing of mutant Val30Met TTR in cell culture systems. We have identified an siRNA that specifically inhibits mutant, but not wild-type, TTR expression even in cells expressing both alleles. Thus, this siRNA-based approach may have potential for the gene therapy of FAP.