Fabrication of Y2O3-Doped Zirconia/Gadolinia-Doped Ceria Bilayer Electrolyte Thin Film SOFC Cells of SOFCs by Single-Pulsed Laser Deposition Processing

An 8 -mol. % Y₂O₃-doped zirconia/10-mol. % GdO₂-doped ceria (YSZ/GDC) bilayer electrolyte and a Gd_0.5Sr_0.5CoO₃ (GSCO) cathode were deposited by a single-processing, pulsed laser deposition (PLD) method to fabricate anode support cells. No additional heat treatment was needed. Laser frequencies of 10, 20, and 100 Hz were used to deposit bilayer electrolytes between the NiO–YSZ (NiO:YSZ = 60:40 wt. %) anode substrate and the GSCO cathode thin film. The GDC thin film produced at 10 Hz was smooth, well-crystallized, and highly dense. The crystallinity of the GSCO cathode on the GDC was also improved. We concluded the GDC crystallinity affected the crystallinity of the cathode thin film. The resistivity of the YSZ single layer (5.7 μm thickness) was 1.4 times higher than that of the YSZ/GDC bilayer (YSZ 3.0 μm thickness, GDC 2.7 μm thickness) at 600 °C and that of the YSZ-GDC interface became low. The optimum YSZ thickness was found to be approximately 3.0 μm, at which thickness there was effective blocking of the passage of hydrogen molecules and electrons. A cell with a YSZ (3.0 μm thickness, fabricated at 20 Hz)/GDC (5.0 μm thickness, fabricated at 10 Hz) bilayer and GSCO cathode thin film exhibited a maximum power density of 400 mW·cm^–2 at a comparatively low temperature of 600 °C.

Transporters in the brain endothelial barrier

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) not only impedes the influx of intravascular substances from blood to brain, but also promotes transport of substances from blood to brain or from brain to blood through several transport systems such as carrier-mediated transport, active efflux transport, and receptor-mediated transport systems. The multidrug resistance transporter P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is an ATP-dependent efflux pump and contributes to efflux of undesirable substances such as amyloid-beta:(Abeta) proteins from the brain into the blood as well as many drugs such as anti-cancer drugs. The inhibition of P-gp has favorable and unfavorable effects on living bodies. P-gp deficiency at the BBB induces the increase of Abeta:deposition in the brain of an Alzheimer disease mouse model. It is also known that the Abeta:deposition is inversely correlated with P-gp expression in the brains of elderly non-demented humans. However, the transient inhibition of P-gp by antidepressants enables medicines such as anti-cancer drugs to enter the brain. Concerning Abeta:clearance in the brain, the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) is a major efflux transporter for Abeta, while the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is a major influx transporter for Abeta:across the BBB. Dysfunction of the BBB with efflux and influx transporters may contribute to the pathogenesis of some degenerative neuronal disorders. This review will focus on several transporters and discuss how medicines pass the BBB to reach the brain parenchyma.

The expression of P-glycoprotein is increased in vessels with blood-brain barrier impairment in a stroke-prone hypertensive model

AIMS

We previously reported that the blood-brain barrier (BBB) function was impaired in vessels in the hippocampus in 3-month-old stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP). In this study, we examined gene and protein expressions of P-glycoprotein, a representative efflux transporter of cerebral vessels, in the BBB-damaged hippocampal vessels of SHRSP and in the vessels of Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats as controls, to clarify roles of the efflux transporter in the BBB-damaged vessels.

METHODS

The expression of P-glycoprotein in hippocampal and cortical samples was examined by real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blotting and immunoelectron microscopic techniques.

RESULTS

Real-time RT-PCR and Western blotting analyses revealed that the gene and protein expressions of P-glycoprotein were increased in the hippocampal samples of 3-month-old SHRSP compared with hippocampal samples of 3-month-old WKY rats or with cortical samples of SHRSP. The gene expression of P-glycoprotein was also increased in the hippocampal samples of 4-week-old SHRSP. Immunoelectron microscopic examination revealed that immunosignals of P-glycoprotein were seen in the luminal and ab-luminal cytoplasmic membranes of endothelial cells and the basal lamina, that the labelling density of P-glycoprotein in the vessel wall was higher in the hippocampus of 3-month-old SHRSP than in other groups and that the immunosignals of P-glycoprotein were occasionally co-located with those of albumin.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that the expression of P-glycoprotein is increased in BBB-damaged hippocampal vessels in hypertensive SHRSP compared with those in WKY rats.

Possible role of REG Ialpha protein in ulcerative colitis and colitic cancer

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Although regenerating gene (REG) Ialpha protein may be involved in the inflammation and carcinogenesis in the gastrointestinal tract, its pathophysiological role in ulcerative colitis (UC) and the resulting colitic cancer remains unclear. We investigated expression of the REG Ialpha gene and its protein in UC and colitic cancer tissues. We examined whether cytokines are responsible for REG Ialpha gene expression and whether REG Ialpha protein has a trophic and/or an antiapoptotic effect on colon cancer cells.

METHODS

Expression of REG Ialpha mRNA and its gene product in UC tissues was analysed by real time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry, respectively. The effects of cytokines on REG Ialpha promoter activity were examined in LoVo cells by luciferase reporter assay. The effects of REG Ialpha protein on growth and H(2)O(2) induced apoptosis were examined in LoVo cells by MTT and TUNEL assays, respectively.

RESULTS

REG Ialpha protein was strongly expressed in inflamed epithelium and in dysplasias and cancerous lesions in UC tissues. The level of REG Ialpha mRNA expression in UC tissues correlated significantly with severity of inflammation and disease duration. REG Ialpha promoter activity was enhanced by stimulation with interferon gamma or interleukin 6. REG Ialpha protein promoted cell growth and conferred resistance to H(2)O(2) induced apoptosis in LoVo cells. REG Ialpha protein promoted Akt phosphorylation and enhanced Bcl-xL and Bcl-2 expression in LoVo cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The REG Ialpha gene is inducible by cytokines and its gene product may function as a mitogenic and/or an antiapoptotic factor in the UC-colitic cancer sequence.

Methylation of the oestrogen receptor gene in non-neoplastic epithelium as a marker of colorectal neoplasia risk in longstanding and extensive ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND

Surveillance colonoscopy is widely recommended in patients with longstanding and extensive ulcerative colitis (UC) in order to detect colorectal neoplasia at an early stage. However, it still remains questionable whether surveillance colonoscopy effectively enables early detection of UC associated neoplasia. There is a great need for sensitive markers to identify individuals at increased risk of neoplasia. The oestrogen receptor (OR) gene shows age related methylation in the colorectal epithelium and is methylated frequently in sporadic colorectal neoplasia, suggesting that OR methylation may predispose to colorectal neoplasia.

AIM

To clarify whether analysis of methylation of the OR gene in non-neoplastic epithelium can contribute to prediction of increased neoplasia risk in UC patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 165 non-neoplastic colorectal epithelia from 30 patients with longstanding and extensive UC, including 13 UC patients with neoplasia and 17 patients without, were evaluated. Methylation specific polymerase chain reaction was performed to determine the methylation status of the OR gene.

RESULTS

Methylation of the OR gene was detected in 54 of 70 (77.1%) non-neoplastic colorectal epithelia in UC with neoplasia but in only 23 of 95 (24.2%) without neoplasia. Methylation of the OR gene was significantly more frequent in non-neoplastic epithelium from UC with neoplasia than in chronic colitic epithelium from UC without neoplasia. Furthermore, in UC with neoplasia, the OR gene was extensively methylated in non-neoplastic epithelia throughout the colorectum compared with those in UC without neoplasia.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that analysis of OR gene methylation may have potential as a useful marker for identifying individuals at increased risk of neoplasia among those with longstanding and extensive UC.

Cerebral distribution of cardiac output in newborn infants

Cerebral blood flow and output of the left ventricle were simultaneously investigated in 17 infants using multichannel near infrared spectroscopy and pulse dye densitometry with indocyanine green. Cardiac output and cerebral blood flow were positively related. The control of cardiac output is important in the regulation of cerebral blood flow in infants.

Development of colonic neoplasia in p53 deficient mice with experimental colitis induced by dextran sulphate sodium

BACKGROUND

Several animal models for human ulcerative colitis (UC) associated neoplasia have been reported. However, most neoplasias developed in these models have morphological and genetic characteristics different from UC associated neoplasia.

AIMS

To establish a new colitis associated neoplasia model in p53 deficient mice by treatment with dextran sulphate sodium (DSS).

METHODS

DSS colitis was induced in homozygous p53 deficient mice (p53(-/-)-DSS), heterozygous p53 deficient mice (p53(+/-)-DSS) and wild-type mice (p53+/+-DSS) by treatment with 4% DSS. Numbers of developed neoplasias were compared among the experimental groups, and macroscopic and microscopic features of the neoplasias were analysed. Furthermore, K-ras mutation and beta-catenin expression were assessed.

RESULTS

p53(-/-)-DSS mice showed 100% incidence of neoplasias whereas the incidences in p53(+/-)-DSS and p53+/+-DSS mice were 46.2% and 13.3%, respectively. No neoplasias were observed in the control groups. The mean numbers of total neoplasias per mouse were 5.0 (p53(-/-)-DSS), 0.62 (p53(+/-)-DSS), and 0.2 (p53+/+-DSS). The number of neoplasias per mouse in the p53(-/-)-DSS group was significantly higher than that in the other DSS groups. The incidences of superficial type neoplasias were 91.7% in p53(-/-)-DSS mice, 75.0% in p53(+/-)-DSS mice, and 33.3% in p53+/+-DSS mice. The K-ras mutation was not detected in any of the neoplasias tested. Translocation of beta-catenin from the cell membrane to the cytoplasm or nucleus was observed in 19 of 23 (82.6%) neoplasias.

CONCLUSIONS

The p53(-/-)-DSS mice is an excellent animal model of UC associated neoplasia because the morphological features and molecular genetics are similar to those of UC associated neoplasia. Therefore, this model will contribute to the analysis of tumorigenesis related to human UC associated neoplasia and the development of chemopreventive agents.

Dedifferentiation and decreased expression of adhesion molecules, E-cadherin and ZO-1, in colorectal cancer are closely related to liver metastasis

Carcinoma cells with high metastatic potential often show a dedifferentiated phenotype at the primary site. In this study, a total of 48 cases (24 primary tumors of colorectal cancer (Pr-CRC) with liver metastasis, 24 without) were examined for E-cadherin and ZO-1 expression by immunohistochemical staining, and for their dedifferentiated phenotype. The expression levels of E-cadherin and ZO-1 were markedly decreased in the cancer cells of tumors with liver metastasis. Moreover, dedifferentiation of cancer cells, which was evaluated by the modified Gleason score, was also related to liver metastasis. However, none of the conventional clinicopathologic parameters of invasion, except lymph node metastasis, showed any relationship with liver metastasis. These results indicate that dedifferentiation and a decreased expression of E-cadherin and ZO-1 are closely related to liver metastasis.

Decreased expression of E-cadherin and Yamamoto-Kohama's mode of invasion highly correlates with lymph node metastasis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

A reduction in cell-cell adhesion in cancer cells is an essential step in the progression from localized malignancy to metastatic disease. E-Cadherin is an important component of cell-cell adhesion molecules and may be a crucial determinant of tumor invasion and metastasis. E-Cadherin expression is reported to be correlated with lymph node metastasis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The objective of this experiment is to examine the factors that are associated with invasion and metastasis of esophageal SCC.

METHODS

Forty-six cases of esophageal SCC were examined by immunohistochemical staining for E-cadherin. The relationship between E-cadherin-staining patterns, conventional clinicopathological parameters and Yamamoto-Kohama's (Y-K's) mode of invasion were examined.

RESULTS

The expression of E-cadherin on the cell membrane was reduced or lost in some of the esophageal SCC. Lymph node metastasis was highly correlated with the expression pattern of E-cadherin (p = 0.0002) and also highly correlated with Y-K's mode of invasion (p = 0.0078). However, lymph node metastasis was not correlated with any conventional clinicopathological parameters for invasion.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that E-cadherin plays a crucial role in invasion and metastasis in esophageal SCC, and that Y-K's mode of invasion highly reflects the invasiveness and metastatic potentials of esophageal SCC cells. Therefore, examination of the expression of E-cadherin and Y-K's mode of invasion would be helpful in predicting lymph node metastasis in esophageal SCC.

Cerebral metabolism and regional cerebral blood flow during moderate systemic cooling in newborn piglets

BACKGROUND

Clinical trials of hypothermic therapy in asphyxiated infants have started recently. However, clinical studies have been delayed by the difficulty in selecting infants with a bad neurological prognosis and by the concern regarding adverse effects of hypothermia. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of systemic cooling on cerebral metabolism (CMR) and the regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in newborn piglets.

METHODS

The rCBF in the seven parts of the brain were measured with colored microspheres. The blood samples for the measurement of cerebral oxygen consumption (CMRO2) and cerebral glucose consumption (CMRglc) was collected from the umbilical artery and the superior sagittal sinus.

RESULTS

Reductions of cerebral cortex temperature to 32 degrees C decreased blood flow in all brain regions. In particular, blood flow in the brainstem decreased more significantly than in any other region. The total cerebral blood flow (CBF), CMRO2 and CMRglc, respectively, decreased to 32.3+/-3.9 mL/100 g per min, 2.8+/-1.0 mLO2/100 g per min and 22+/-12 mmol/100 g per min at 32 degrees C (41, 53 and 46% of the initial value). The CBF decreased in parallel with CMRO2 and CMRglc down to 35 degrees C, but CBF decreased to a greater extent than CMRO2 and CMRglc at below 35 degrees C.

CONCLUSIONS

The indication of hypothermic therapy and the degree of cooling have to be performed very carefully. Systemic cooling is especially dangerous for the total asphyxiated infants who might have damage to the brainstem because the blood flow in the brainstem has significantly decreased during hypothermia.

Characterization of specific [3H]nociceptin binding in rat brain and spinal cord

The present study was undertaken to characterize simultaneously [3H]nociceptin binding to opioid receptor-like 1 (ORL1) receptors in the rat brain and spinal cord. Specific binding of [3H]nociceptin to crude membranes from the rat brain and spinal cord at 25 degrees C was saturable, reversible and of high affinity, and it also exhibited a pharmacological specificity involving the ORL1 receptor. The Kd and Bmax values for [3H]nociceptin in the spinal cord were significantly lower than those in the brain. At 4 degrees C, there was a significant increase in the dissociation constant (Kd) for [3H]nociceptin in the brain and spinal cord with little change in the maximal number of binding sites (Bmax) compared with that at 25 degrees C. Nociceptin and its analogue, [Phe1 psi(CH2-NH)-Gly2]nociceptin(1-13)NH2 were found to be potent inhibitors of [3H]nociceptin binding to crude membranes from the brain and spinal cord, while opioid ligands such as naloxone-benzoylhydrazone, naltrindole and nor-binaltorphimine, exhibited an inhibitory effect only at high concentrations. The Ki values for nociceptin, its analogue and opioid ligands in the spinal cord were significantly lower than those in the brain. There were regional variations in the specific [3H]nociceptin binding to crude membranes from the rat brain: a relatively high density of [3H]nociceptin binding in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, thalamus and midbrain, moderately dense binding in the corpus striatum and pons/medulla oblongata, and the lowest density of binding in the cerebellum. In conclusion, the present study has shown that [3H]nociceptin binds selectively to ORL1 receptors in the rat brain and spinal cord.

Alcohol consumption and frontal lobe shrinkage: study of 1432 non-alcoholic subjects

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the influences of chronic alcohol consumption on brain volume among social drinkers, as it is well known that alcohol misusers have a high risk of brain shrinkage.

METHODS

Frontal lobe volumes on MRI were compared with the current alcohol habits of consecutive 1432 non-alcoholic subjects.

RESULTS

After adjusting for other variables, age was found to be the most powerful promoting factor for the shrinkage with a odds ratio of 2.8 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.23-3.06) for each 10 years of age. Regarding alcohol habit, 667 of the subjects were abstainers, and 157, 362, and 246 of the subjects were light (average 88.2 g ethanol/week), moderate (181.2 g/week), and heavy (418.1 g/week) drinkers, respectively. Moderate alcohol consumption did not increase the incidence of frontal lobe shrinkage (odds ratio 0.98; 95% CI 0.73-1.33), whereas heavy drinkers were at a higher risk compared with abstainers (1.80; 1.32-2.46). The contributory rate of alcohol consumption for frontal lobe shrinkage was 11.3%.

CONCLUSION

The brain tends to shrink physiologically with age. Heavy alcohol consumption seems to exaggerate this shrinkage in social drinkers. Moderate alcohol consumption does not seem to affect brain volume.

Time of closure of ductus venosus in term and preterm neonates

AIM

To investigate the relation between gestational age, birth weight, and antenatal corticosteroid administration and the time of ductus venosus closure.

METHODS

Ninety eight neonates of 30-41 weeks gestational age were studied by daily ultrasonography until ductus venosus closure.

RESULTS

In neonates of 30-33 weeks gestational age, the ductus venosus closed at 6.0 (2.4)days (mean (SD)); in those of 34-36 weeks gestational age, it closed at 6.1 (2.8) days; and in those of 37-41 weeks gestational age, it closed at 4.2 (2.1) days. The effect of antenatal administration of corticosteroids on the time of closure was also investigated in neonates of 30-34 weeks gestational age. Closure occurred by 5.5 (2.4) days in the group given corticosteroids compared with 7.5 (2.1) days in the remainder.

CONCLUSIONS

The ductus venosus closed sooner after birth in neonates of greater gestational age or higher birth weight. Antenatal corticosteroid administration had a significant effect in promoting closure.

Genetic analysis of a local recurrent tumor after colonic polypectomy

After polypectomy, the cut end of the polyp is usually examined by light microscopy to assess the risk of recurrent cancer. Here, we report a recurrent tumor that appeared in the colon 6 years after polypectomy, although cancer cells were not observed in hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections of the cut end of the primary polyp. Retrospectively, the primary polyp and the recurrent tumor were analyzed for mutations of the p53 gene. We detected p53 mutations in the primary polyp, even in the cut end of the polyp. The same set of two p53 mutations was detected in the recurrent tumor. These observations indicate a common origin of the primary tumor and the recurrent tumor. We conclude that it is important to analyze p53 mutations in colonic polyps, especially when the cut end of the polyp is difficult to evaluate histologically, in order to predict recurrence.

Relationships between serum (ZZ)-bilirubin, its subfractions and biliverdin concentrations in infants at 1-month check-ups

In 150 infants, including those with breast milk jaundice, who were brought to our hospital for their 1-month check-ups, the serum concentrations of (ZZ)-bilirubin, its subfractions and biliverdin were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography and the relationships among them investigated. (ZZ)-Bilirubin was found to have the highest serum concentration, followed by (ZE)-bilirubin, accounting for 14.0 (geometric mean) % of (ZZ)-bilirubin. Biliverdin had a serum concentration of 0.95% of (ZZ)-bilirubin. There was only a small amount of total (di- and mono-) glucuronosyl bilirubin, 0.42% of (ZZ)-bilirubin. (ZE)-Bilirubin, (EZ)-bilirubin, (EZ)-cyclobilirubin. biliverdin, diglucuronosyl bilirubin and monoglucuronosyl bilirubin (C-8 and C-12) showed positive logarithmic correlations with (ZZ)-bilirubin (R2=0.16 or above, P<0.05). (ZE)-Bilirubin showed a significant positive logarithmic correlation with (ZZ)-bilirubin (R2=0.863, P<0.0001). Furthermore, (EZ)-cyclobilirubin, the most important photoisomer in phototherapy for neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia, was detected in very small amounts in approximately half of the neonates (84 of 150) when they were in conditions of only weak ambient light. The relationship between total glucuronosyl bilirubin and (ZZ)-bilirubin concentrations fitted a model of saturation kinetics of bilirubin UDP-glucuronosyltransferase.

Estimation of regional cerebral blood flow distribution in infants by near-infrared topography using indocyanine green

Near-infrared topography with indocyanine green was used to measure regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in the temporal lobes of infants. The mean rCBF in infants without neural abnormality was 14.5 +/- 3.1 ml/100 g/min, and the rCBFs in the fronto-temporal, temporal, and occipito-temporal regions were 15.1 +/- 3.9, 15.4 +/- 3.3, and 14.6 +/- 3.3 ml/100 g/min, respectively. Moreover, in one asphyxiated infant with infarction and one infant with subdural and intracerebellar hemorrhage, it was demonstrated that the area of defective blood flow could be detected as well as it can by SPECT. This technique makes it possible to estimate rCBF distribution in infants at the bedside. Thus, in the future, evaluation of various neonatal illnesses should be feasible.

Functional imaging of the brain in sedated newborn infants using near infrared topography during passive knee movement

Near infrared topography was used for functional imaging of the sensorimotor cortex of newborn infants during passive knee movement under sedated sleep. Contralateral knee movement caused a marked increase in oxyhemoglobin and total hemoglobin from the baseline values at almost all locations in the primary sensorimotor area of all neonates and a decrease in local deoxyhemoglobin in six of seven neonates. During ipsilateral knee movement, oxyhemoglobin and total hemoglobin showed slighter changes at a few locations, equal to 30% (mean) and 29% (mean) of the changes that occurred with contralateral stimulation, respectively. The mean times corresponding to maximal changes were 11.9 s for oxyhemoglobin and 19.1 s for deoxyhemoglobin, demonstrating that oxyhemoglobin has a much faster response than does deoxyhemoglobin.

Differences in transcutaneous bilirubin readings in Japanese term infants according to feeding method

BACKGROUND

Controversy has existed for many years over whether infant feeding methods are related to serum bilirubin concentrations during the first few days of life. Differences in initial jaundice patterns according to the feeding method until 72 h after birth have not been elucidated hitherto. The difference may become clear in Japanese neonates because jaundice shows a much higher peak bilirubin concentration and a later peak in Japanese neonates than in Caucasian neonates.

METHODS

In the present study, we investigated variations in the transcutaneous bilirubin reading (TcB) obtained within 72 h after birth among 177 breast-fed and 494 formula-fed healthy Japanese term neonates.

RESULTS

There was no difference between TcB in formula-fed and breast-fed infants until the first 30 h, after which time the rate of increase in TcB was lower in formula-fed infants. Among breast-fed neonates, a good linear regression between time after birth and TcB was maintained. Similarly, weight losses in breast-fed infants at 24-48 h and 48-72 h after birth were greater than those in formula-fed infants.

CONCLUSIONS

The jaundice pattern in Japanese neonates from 30 to 72 h after birth according to the feeding method was different from that in Caucasian neonates.

Relationship between cyclooxygenase-2 expression and K-ras gene mutation in colorectal adenomas

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 has a trophic effect on gastrointestinal epithelial cells and is associated with the progression of colorectal adenomas. Mutation of the K-ras gene is also associated with the progression of colorectal adenomas and has recently been suggested to play an important role in the induction of COX-2. In the present study, we investigated the relationship between COX-2 expression and K-ras mutation in colorectal adenomas.

METHODS

Twenty-nine colorectal adenomas were obtained from specimens resected by the use of surgery or endoscopic mucosal resection and analyzed clinicopathologically. Immunohistochemistry was performed to analyze COX-2 expression in the adenoma specimens. The K-ras codon 12 mutations were detected by using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method.

RESULTS

An increase of COX-2-positive cells in adenoma was observed in 11 (37.9%) lesions, 10 (90.9%) of which had a K-ras gene mutation, suggesting a significant correlation between COX-2 expression and K-ras gene mutation in colorectal adenomas. Morphologically, COX-2-positive adenomas (13.8 +/- 2.6 mm) were significantly larger than COX-2-negative ones (5.8 +/- 0.9 mm). In addition, the increase of COX-2-positive cells in the lesion was observed more frequently in tubulovillous (63.6%) than in tubular (36.4%) adenoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Cycloxygenase-2 expression in colorectal adenoma cells is strongly correlated with K-ras gene mutation, suggesting that COX-2 and mutated K-ras are connectively associated with the progression of colorectal adenoma.

Analysis of K-ras codon 12 mutations and p53 overexpression in colorectal nodule-aggregating tumors

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Morphologically, colorectal nodule-aggregating tumors are quite different from polypoid-type colorectal tumors that develop via the adenoma-carcinoma sequence. Although polypoid-type colorectal tumors are well known to have a high incidence of K-ras gene mutation and p53 overexpression, colorectal nodule-aggregating tumors have not been examined in terms of genetic changes and clinicopathological features. In the present study, therefore, we analysed the clinicopathological features, genetic changes in K-ras codon 12, and p53 overexpression in colorectal nodule-aggregating tumors.

METHODS

A total of 18 colorectal nodule-aggregating tumors were surgically resected and then analysed clinicopathologically. Immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction-single stranded conformational polymorphism were performed to analyse p53 abnormalities in the tumors. K-ras codon 12 mutations were screened out by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method and analysed by fluorescence direct sequencing.

RESULTS

p53 overexpression was observed in six lesions (33%). p53-overexpressing cells were observed in parts of carcinoma or adenoma showing high-grade atypia. Four of the 10 (40%) samples had a p53 gene mutation. Nine of the 18 (50%) samples had a K-ras codon 12 point mutation. In eight cases (89%), the mutations of the K-ras codon 12 were of the same type: GGT (glycine) to GTT (valine).

CONCLUSIONS

The colorectal nodule-aggregating tumor has distinctive characteristics showing a morphological phenotype of the superficial-type tumors and genotype of the polypoid tumors in terms of K-ras gene mutation and p53 overexpression.

[Histopathological diagnosis in reflux esophagitis]

We reviewed the histopathological features for the diagnosis of reflux esophagitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD) including carcinogenesis of the esophagus. Histologically, the presence of capillary dilatation, elongation of papillary, hyperplasia of basal layer, inflammatory cells-infiltration, balloon cells in the epithelium, and ulceration were evaluated in GERD cases. Although, histopathological changes were not clear in endoscopic-negative GERD cases, immunohistochemical examination with cell cycle protein(PCNA, p21, and p27) revealed the same abnormalities with GERD cases. In Japan, the majority cases of GERD are evaluated in grade according to Los Angeles system, therefore the prevalence of Barrett's esophagus and cancer is very low. We hypothesize that esophageal squamous cell carcinoma arising from GERD different from Barrett's cancer sequence, and clinicopathological long-term follow up will be required to assess the carcinogenesis including gene analysis.

Prevention of lymphocyst formation following systematic lymphadenectomy

BACKGROUND

The occurrence of pelvic lymphocysts is an important complication following systematic lymphadenectomy for gynecological malignancies. We employed a procedure to prevent vaginal shortening following radical hysterectomy and we examined whether this procedure could be effective in preventing pelvic lymphocyst formation.

METHODS

We studied the incidence of lymphocysts in 190 patients with 84 cervical cancers, 74 endometrial cancers and 32 ovarian cancers, using computed tomographic examination at 3 and 6 months subsequent to the surgery. The surgery included radical hysterectomy and a procedure to prevent vaginal shortening (101), modified radical hysterectomy (79) and simple hysterectomy (7), with systematic lymphadenectomy.

RESULTS

There was a significant difference in the incidence of pelvic lymphocysts between cervical cancer (4.8%) and ovarian cancer (18.8%). The postoperative incidence of lymphocyst formation in patients undergoing radical hysterectomy with the procedure to prevent vaginal shortening (5.9%) was significantly lower than in those who underwent modified radical hysterectomy (15.2%).

CONCLUSION

Our procedure to prevent vaginal shortening could be effective in preventing not only the shortening of the vagina but also the occurrence of pelvic lymphocysts in patients undergoing radical hysterectomy with systematic lymphadenectomy for gynecological malignancies.

Changes in cerebral hemoglobin concentration and oxygen saturation immediately after birth in the human neonate using full-spectrum near infrared spectroscopy

Using full-spectrum near infrared spectroscopy (fsNIRS), we measured changes in oxy- and deoxyhemoglobin (HbO2 and Hb), total hemoglobin (T-Hb) concentration, and hemoglobin oxygen saturation (SbO2) in the brain tissue of seven neonates immediately following birth. It was found that HbO2 rose rapidly within 2-3 min after birth. During the same time, there was a transient increase in T-Hb concentration, after which it decreased together with Hb. SbO2 increased rapidly after birth, from 18% at 1.5 min to about 55% at 5-6 min, followed by a gradual increase of about 10%. Oxygenation in the brain occurred much sooner in three subjects given oxygen for a short time immediately after birth than in those who did not receive oxygen. This preliminary study indicated that dynamic changes occur in cerebral circulation and oxygenation as part of the physiological changes taking place soon after birth.

Effects of bilirubin and its photoisomers on direct bilirubin measurement using bilirubin oxidase

We examined the reactivity of human serum albumin-bound bilirubin and its photoisomers as substrates for a direct bilirubin assay using bilirubin oxidase. The reduction of (EZ)-cyclobilirubin reached 100% 5 min after addition of the enzyme at any pH tested (3.5-7.4) in 0.1 mol/L phosphate buffer, whereas the reduction of (ZE)-bilirubin or (ZZ)-bilirubin reached 100% only below pH 4.5 or 5.5, respectively. (ZZ)-Bilirubin and its photoisomers did not react in citrate-lactate buffer at pH 3.7. The circular dichroism spectrum of (ZZ)-bilirubin in this buffer did not show a positive Cotton effect. These results indicate that a three-dimensional structure surrounding the reaction site of bilirubin is important for the reactivity with bilirubin oxidase.

Isolation, identification and determination of a magenta subsidiary colour in food blue no. 1 (brilliant blue FCF)

A magenta subsidiary colour was isolated from commercial Food Blue No. 1 (B-1; Brilliant Blue FCF). The absorption maximum for this subsidiary colour at 580 nm is outside of the range of 614-628 nm found for other subsidiary colours and m,m-B-1. On the basis of MS and NMR analyses, the structure of the subsidiary colour was elucidated as the disodium salt of 2-[[4-[N-ethyl-N-(3-sulphophenylmethyl)amino]phenyl][4-oxo- 2,5-cyclohexadienylidene]methyl]benzenesulphonic acid. HPLC analyses revealed that 24 batches of commercial Food Blue No. 1 (three manufacturers) contain 0.1-0.8% (average: 0.5%) of the magenta subsidiary colour.

Activation of non-primary motor areas during a complex finger movement task revealed by functional magnetic resonance imaging

We examined the brain activation induced by a complex finger movement task using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) with echo planar imaging (EPI). Imaging planes were set up for the observation of non-primary motor areas. Among five normal males examined, four subjects naive to the task showed activations in contralateral primary and supplementary motor areas and the ipsilateral superior anterior part of the cerebellar hemisphere. Also, the bilateral premotor areas and the contralateral ventrolateral nucleus of thalamus were occasionally activated. No changes were observed in the putamen and globus pallidus. The subject accustomed to the task showed activation in the narrow areas of the contralateral primary motor and supplementary motor and premotor areas but not in the cerebellum. These results suggest that fMRI has nearly the same degree of detectability to that of positron emission tomography (PET) in regard to motor functions.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging during recognition of written words: Chinese characters for concrete objects versus abstract concepts

An attempt was made to apply functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to reveal cortical areas activated upon presentation of two groups of Chinese characters in six normal right-handed, male, Japanese subjects. Presentation of the characters representing 'abstract concepts' activated the bilateral occipital region without a significant difference between the bilateral occipital and temporal regions. Presentation of the characters representing 'concrete objects' resulted in significantly stronger activation in the left occipital and temporal regions. These results suggest that recognition of concrete characters involves a stronger initial process in the left occipital temporal cortices than recognition of abstract characters.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging during recognition of written words: Chinese characters for concrete objects versus abstract concepts

An attempt was made to apply functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to reveal cortical areas activated upon presentation of two groups of Chinese characters in six normal right-handed, male, Japanese subjects. Presentation of the characters representing 'abstract concepts' activated the bilateral occipital region without a significant difference between the bilateral occipital and temporal regions. Presentation of the characters representing 'concrete objects' resulted in significantly stronger activation in the left occipital and temporal regions. These results suggest that recognition of concrete characters involves a stronger initial process in the left occipital temporal cortices than recognition of abstract characters.

Effect of calcium antagonist, nicardipine, on cerebral blood flow in postasphyxial newborn piglets

An experiment was carried out in nine piglets within 24 h after birth (control group: four, nicardipine group: five) for the purpose of evaluating the effects of a calcium antagonist, nicardipine, on cerebral blood flow changes induced by asphyxia neonatorum. Under respiratory control with a mechanical ventilator, the animals were exposed to hypoxia. The inspiratory oxygen level was lowered at 15 min intervals from 0.08 to 0.06 and then to 0.05. When bradycardia (heart rate; 60/min or less) was observed, 100% oxygen, adrenaline, and sodium bicarbonate were administered for resuscitation. Nicardipine was administered at a dosage of 10 micrograms/kg via bolus injection 30 min after the resuscitation. It was administered thereafter at a rate of 10 micrograms/kg per h. The cerebral blood flow was measured using a laser Doppler velocimeter. The cerebral blood flow, electroencephalograph (EEG), blood pressure, and heart rate were continuously measured for 120 min after the resuscitation. In the control group, the mean arterial pressure 35 min after the resuscitation was 60 mmHg or more. However, the cerebral blood flow was lower than the prehypoxia value in the animals with a mean arterial pressure of 75 mmHg or less. In the nicardipine group, the mean arterial pressure was lower, but the cerebral blood flow was higher than the prehypoxia value and cerebral ischemia was not induced. The mean arterial pressure 120 min after the resuscitation was 72.0 +/- 8.2 mmHg in the control group, while it was 56.7 +/- 7.5 mmHg in the nicardipine group. It was significantly lower in the latter.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Characterization of the DNA-binding state of the rat uterine estrogen receptor by UV cross-linking

Characterization of the DNA-binding state of the rat uterine estrogen receptor was examined by UV cross-linking using [32P]5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine-substituted 25-base pair synthetic oligonucleotide containing a Xenopus vitellogenin A2 estrogen response element (BrdUVRE). After UV irradiation of the receptor-BrdUVRE complexes, they were analyzed by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. In the nuclear estradiol-, ICI164, 384- and 4-hydroxytamoxifen-receptor complexes, the bands corresponding to the mobility of the receptor homodimer were observed. In a molybdate stabilized soluble receptor, we observed the bands with the slower mobility than the receptor homodimers.

[Cerebrospinal fluid fistula following an operation of mediastinal schwannoma: a case report]

A 33-year-old man was operated for the mediastinal schwannoma. During the operation, the 9 th intercostal nerve was avulsed and revealed liquorrhea. Lyodura and fibrin glue was applied for sealing the site of dural defect. But post-operative course was not successful. So, we used the external cerebrospinal fluid drainage system. After this procedure, thoracic fluid from the chest tube was reduced and we could remove the chest tube in the 20th post operative day. This case indicates that in case of thoracotomy, it is difficult to expect easy closure of cerebrospinal fluid fistula under conservative therapy. Therefore it was considered that specific repair during the operation and spinal drainage in the post-operative early phase should be performed.

[A cardiodynamic study on cardio-assistive effect of the assist device: evaluation on left ventricular dehematizing system]

Of late years, assist artificial heart device has been more and more investigated with subsequent reports being made of its clinical application. Dehematization of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is divided into two systems, i.e., left atrial dehematization and left ventricular dehematization according to the location of the canula's tip. At present in our country, the former system is being adopted for the majority of LVADs and is generally regarded as preferably acceptable. However, because of low survival rate of LVAD in spite of its comparatively good rate of break-away, not a few cases appear to exist beyond the limit of the former system's effects. Then, compared with the left atrial dehematizing system, LVAD according to the left ventricular dehematizing system was examined for its cardio-assistive effect both blood circulatorily and cardiodynamically. A pneumatically-driven diaphragm type pump was implanted between the left ventricular apex and the descending aorta of a dog and was driven by ECG-synchronous counterpulsation method with heart rate versus pump beating number ratios of 1:1, 2:1 and 4:1 and fixed beating number method with beating number of 60 and 80 beats/min (bpm). In order to measure the left ventricular diameter and myocardial length, 7 pairs of ultrasonic sonomicrometers were embedded intra-left ventriculomurally. Ischemia was prepared by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). Bulk mechanical work and regional mechanical work were calculated from these dimensions and the left ventricular pressure. The following results were obtained: 1) In all driving modes but that of 4:1, compared with non-driven pumping, heart rate, peak left ventricular pressure, mean left atrial pressure and total peripheral resistance showed low values, and mean aortic pressure and total blood flow showed high values. Moreover, in the above driving modes, total bypass was obtained. 2) In the above driving modes, bulk and regional mechanical works were practically null with a de-loading effect of 100% or so being obtained. 3) Compared with the left atrial dehematizing system, peak left ventricular pressure showed remarkably low value with increases in mean aortic pressure and total blood flow, and with remarkable decreases in bulk and regional mechanical works. 4) In driving modes of 2:1, 1:1, I60 and I80, little difference in the effect according to the driving mode was noted.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry of hydroxy and non-hydroxy fatty acids as amide derivatives

A useful method for analyzing fatty acids by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry with an atmospheric-pressure chemical-ionization interface system has been developed. The sensitivity of six kinds of palmitamide derivatives monitored by a single ion of [M+H]+ was, in decreasing order: N-n-propylamide greater than anilide greater than N,N-diethylamide, amide greater than N,N-diphenylamide greater than N-1-naphthylamide. Individual fatty acids were identified from a mixture of amide derivatives of authentic fatty acids from C16:0 to C30:0 on a mass chromatogram. This method was used to detect both hydroxy and non-hydroxy fatty acids. Many kinds of fatty acid, including hydroxy fatty acids of the rat brain, were detected in a single run.

[A case of middle lobar bulla associated with severe bronchial asthma]

We experienced a case of middle lobar bulla associated with severe bronchial asthma. Bulla occurs favoritely at apical area and S6, and middle lobar bulla which is very rare has been reported to cause higher ventilatory disorder compared with superior lobar bulla, when it becomes giant. The pathogenesis of the present middle lobar bulla remains unknown, but steroid administration to bronchial asthma may possibly have influenced pleura and/or lung parenchyma. We would like to make its further observation, paying attention to its possible recurrence and its occurrence at other sites.

[A case of intrathoracic chest wall type lipoma]

Intrathoracic lipoma is a comparatively rare disease. We have recently experienced a case of intrathoracic chest wall type lipoma associated with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. The case was a 16-year-old man, in whom preoperative examination of his foot-drop due to Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease pointed out an abnormal chest shadow. Image diagnosis led to intrathoracic chest wall type lipoma. The tumor was easily resectable and was lipoma pathohistologically as well. The literature presented us with 22 cases of such lipoma, which appeared to be predominant for age not more than 10 and age 41-60 and to occur favorably in postero-superior chest wall. Preoperative diagnosis of the present disease became possible to a certain extent by means of CT, MRI. However, in view of imperfect differentiation between lipoma and liposarcoma, surgical resection should be considered, if possibly. No case of intrathoracic lipoma associated with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease had been reported in the literature, and the causal relationship there between also remains unknown, but to be further examined.

[Analysis of dysanapsis in healthy twins and sons of patients with chronic obstructive lung disease]

Pulmonary function tests and tracheal cross-sectional area (X-SA) measured on chest roentgenograms were analyzed in 72 healthy pairs of twins and in 34 healthy sons of patients with chronic obstructive lung disease. In the twin study, genetic influence was positive on most pulmonary function tests, including VC, FEV1/FVC, V25, but not so on X-SA. The ratio of X-SA to VC, which represents dysanapsis, had no relation to sex nor height. However, the ratio of X-SA/VC showed marked sex-associated differences, when expressed as a function of VC, and had a negative correlation with VC both in men and women. The ratio of X-SA/VC was significantly lower in sons of patients with COPD than in normal controls, which was caused by significantly larger VC in the former group. The relatively low ratio of tracheal size to lung size may partly explain the susceptibility to the possible future development of COPD in those subjects.

Covalent immobilization of the estrogen receptor to an electrostatically neutral N-hydroxysuccinimide ester derivative of agarose

Immobilization of the estrogen receptor to the N-hydroxysuccinimide ester of succinylethylenediaminocarboxymethyl agarose (Reagent B) is described and compared with that to the charged N-hydroxysuccinimide ester derivative (Reagent A), previously described. The time course for immobilization was examined. Thirty-six percent of the input receptor was immobilized within 1 h. The optimum pH in immobilization is 7.0-7.4. The dissociation rate of [3H]estradiol(3,17 beta-1,3,5(10)-estratriene) from the [3H]estradiol-receptor complex immobilized to Reagent B was similar to that in Reagent A. The receptor immobilized to Reagent B was saturated with estradiol at 5 h. The [3H]estradiol concentration necessary for saturation was 10 nM. The dissociation constant (KD) for the receptor immobilized to Reagent B was 0.95 X 10(-9) M.

Hexacosanoate contents in Japanese common foods

Recently, a diet enriched in oleate and moderately restricted in hexacosanoate (C26:0) was found effective to reduce the plasma very long chain fatty acid (VLCFA) levels in patients with adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), an X-linked disorder characterized by demyelination of the adrenal cortex and cerebral white matter, and accumulation of saturated VLCFA, particularly C26:0, in tissues of the demyelination. The information about the C26:0 content in Japanese food was, however, almost nil except for one report about foods in the USA, but this did not include some Japanese common foods. With the hope of treating an ALD patient in our hospital, C26:0 contents in Japanese common foods (42 items) were measured. In our case, a one-hour direct transesterification method was used to obtain methylesters of total fatty acids in foods and they were applied directly to a selected ion monitoring gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for the quantitative C26:0 analysis. The C26:0 content in nuts and seeds as well as in fats and oils was found to be significantly higher than in other foods; the content was highest in peanuts. The content in almost all kinds of examined fishes, the common protein foods in Japan, was relatively low. From these data and that in the national nutrition survey in 1986, the daily intake of C26:0 from the average Japanese diet could be estimated to be 12-36 mg. It can be recommended, therefore, that nuts and seeds as well as fats and oils should be restricted as severely as possible from the diet of ALD patients in Japan in order to keep daily C26:0 intake below 10 mg as recommended in the USA.

Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry of fatty acids as their anilides

The mass spectra of a series of saturated (C16:0-C30:0) and unsaturated (C16:1, C18:1, C18:2, C18:3) fatty acids have been recorded as their anilides using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry with the atmospheric-pressure-ionization interface system. The spectra show an intense peak for (molecule + H)+ ion in each case. The liquid chromatographic/mass spectrometric separation was performed on a reverse phase column using a solvent system of methanol alone or methanol + 2-propanol. This method seemed promising for application to both qualitative and quantitative micro-analysis of fatty acids including very long chain fatty acids.

Covalent immobilization of the estrogen receptor to a cationic N-hydroxysuccinimide ester derivative of agarose

Covalent immobilization of the soluble estrogen receptor from a rabbit uterus to N-hydroxysuccinimide ester derivative of agarose is shown. At first, the condition for the immobilization reaction was examined. The non-immobilized receptor was extracted with 0.4 M NaCl-containing medium. Sixty seven to 80% of the input receptor were immobilized within 30 min at 0 degrees C in 0.1 M HEPES (N-2-hydroxyethylpiperazine-N'-2-ethanesulfonic acid, pH 7.4). The immobilized [3H]estradiol(3,17 beta-dihydroxy-1,3,5(10)-estratriene)-receptor complex was stable for at least 24 h. The optimum pH for immobilization was 7.4. Ca2+ or Na+ ions in the reaction media decreased the yields in immobilization of the receptor to the reagent with an electrostatically positive spacer arm. Next, influences of immobilization on the receptor were examined. The dissociation rate of [3H]estradiol from the immobilized receptor was a little slower than that from the native receptor. The estrogen-free immobilized receptor was saturated by incubating with 10 nM [3H]estradiol for 10 h at 0 degrees C in 0.1 M HEPES (pH 7.4). From Scatchard plot analysis, it was found that the hormone binding affinity in the immobilized receptor decreased to approximately one-fourth of that in the native receptor.