Source efficiency of alpha-emitters applied to the skin surface

Skin surface contamination by alpha-emitters is in itself not hazardous, but it would cause significant internal exposure in the case of injured skin as well as misjudgment in direct in vivo measurements (e.g. lung counting). The present study determined the source efficiency of alpha-emitters (241Am) applied to swine skin samples by analysing the observed alpha-particle energy spectra using advanced alpha-spectrometric simulation. Based on our results, the source efficiency was determined to be 0.365 (alpha-particle s-1 per Bq) on average (c.f. 0.5 in the case of no self-absorption in the source). The decrease in source efficiency would be attributed primarily to the radionuclide entering hair follicles or deep wrinkles. The degradation of the measured spectra from the skin samples indicates the penetration of some radionuclides into the upper layers of the stratum corneum. Although this study was limited to results obtained from swine skin samples, it suggests that irregularities in the skin surface may affect direct alpha measurements.

Double-pulsed wave packets in spontaneous radiation from a tandem undulator

We verify that each wave packet of spontaneous radiation from two undulators placed in series has a double-pulsed temporal profile with pulse spacing which can be controlled at the attosecond level. Using a Mach–Zehnder interferometer operating at ultraviolet wavelengths, we obtain the autocorrelation trace for the spontaneous radiation from the tandem undulator. The results clearly show that the wave packet has a double-pulsed structure, consisting of a pair of 10-cycle oscillations with a variable separation. We also report the characterization of the time delay between the double-pulsed components in different wavelength regimes. The excellent agreement between the independent measurements confirms that a tandem undulator can be used to produce double-pulsed wave packets at arbitrary wavelength.

Usefulness of lead delivery catheter system for true right ventricular septal pacing

Background

Right ventricular (RV) septal pacing is often selected to preserve a more physiologic ventricular activation. But the pacing leads are not always located in true septal wall, rather in hinge or free wall in some cases with the conventional stylet-guided lead implantation. In recent years, new guiding catheter systems has attracted attention as a solution to that problem.

Objective

The aim of this study is to investigate that true ventricular sepal pacing can be achieved by use of the new guiding catheter system for pacing lead.

Methods

We enrolled 198 patients who underwent RV septal lead implantation and computed tomography (CT) after pacemaker implantation. 16 cases were used delivery catheter (Delivery), and 182 cases were used stylet for targeting ventricular septum (Conventional). We analyzed the lead locations with CT, and evaluated capture thresholds, R-wave amplitudes, lead impedances and 12-lead electrocardiogram findings one month after implantation.

Results

All cases of delivery catheter group had true septal lead positions (Delivery; 100% vs Conventional; 44%, p<0.01). Capture thresholds and lead impedances had not significant differences between between two groups (0.65±0.15V vs 0.60±0.15V, p=0.21, 570±95Ω vs 595±107Ω, p=0.39, respectively). R-wave amplitudes were significantly higher in delivery catheter group (13.0±4.8mV vs 10±4.6mV, p<0.01). Paced QRS durations were shorter in delivery catheter group (128±16ms vs 150±21ms, p<0.01).

Conclusions

The delivery catheter system designated for pacing lead can contribute to select the true ventricular septal sites and to attain the more physiologic ventricular activation.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

AB0089 THE ANALYSIS FOR THE INHIBITION OF ANGIOGENESIS BY JAK INHIBITOR

Background:

Many blood vessels are generated in the hyperplastic synovial tissue of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and lead to chronic tissue inflammation and joint destruction [1]. Janus kinase (JAK) family consisting of JAK1, JAK2, JAK3 and tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) are chain receptors which phosphorylate signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) and mediate inflammatory diseases including RA [2]. Nowadays, several JAK inhibitors such as Tofacitinib (TOF), Baricitinib (BAR) and Peficitinib (PEF) have been developed and demonstrated to have the inhibitory effects on inflammatory arthritis [3-5]. However, there were few reports concerning their effects on angiogenesis in vitro.

Objectives:

The purpose of the present study is to investigate the influence of JAK inhibitors on angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) activated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).

Methods:

The cell line of HUVECs were used for this study. The activity of proliferation and tube formation were analyzed by counting assay and tube formation assay, respectively.

In counting assay, HUVECs (5 × 104cells/ml) were seeded onto 96-well cell culture plate with 20 ng/ml VEGF including various doses (0.1µM, 1µM, 5µM) of TOF, BAR or PEF. After 48 hours incubation at 37°C in a humidified atmosphere containing 5% CO2, cell proliferation of each groups was assessed using cell counting kit. In tube formation assay, HUVECs (5 × 104cells/ml) were treated with 20ng/ml VEGF including various dose (0.1µM, 1µM, 5µM) of TOF, BAR or PEF for 00 hours, then seeded onto 48-well plate applied with Matrigel. After 24 hours incubation on Matrigel, the capillary-like tube formation of each well was photographed using phase contrast microscopy. Tube formation were quantitated by measurement of the length of branch.

Results:

HUVECs were activated in proliferation and tube formation by VEGF treatment. And, the proliferation and tube formation of HUVECs activated by VEGF were suppressed by All of TOF, BAR and PEF. In particular, TOF and PEF could suppress them highly.

Conclusion:

This study showed the inhibitory effect of JAK inhibitors on proliferation and tube formation of HUVECs activated by VEGF. In particular, the angiogenesis of HUVECs activated by VEGF was highly suppressed by TOF and PEF. VEGF is reported to regulate the angiogenesis through multi JAK-STAT signaling pathways [6]. The inhibitory effects on angiogenesis of TOF, BAR and PEF might depend on the differences in their affinity for JAKs. VEGF has been shown to a have a central involvement in the angiogenic process in RA [7]. JAK inhibitors might suppress the angiogenesis in RA synovial tissues by inhibiting VEGF signaling.

References:

[1]Scott DL, et al. Rheumatoid arthritis. Lancet. 2010.

[2]Banerjee S, et al. JAK-STAT signaling as a target for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases: current and future prospects. Drugs. 2017.

[3]William D, et al. JAK inhibitors in dermatology: the promise of a new drug class. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2017.

[4]Dhillon S. Tofacitinib: A Review in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Drugs. 2017.

[5]Markham A, et al. Peficitinib: First Global Approval. Drugs. 2019.

[6]Zhang HY, et al. Three important components in the regeneration of the cavernous nerve: brain-derived neurotrophic factor, vascular endothelial growth factor and the JAK/STAT signaling pathway. Asian journal of andrology. 2011.

[7]Paleolog EM. Angiogenesis in rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis research. 2002.

Acknowledgments:

none

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

SAT0019 HISTOPATHOLOGICAL CHANGES OF SYNOVIAL TISSUE IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS TREATED WITH TNF INHIBITORS

Background:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by hyperplasia of synovial tissues [1]. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α is one of the pro-inflammatory cytokines that play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of RA synovitis, and TNF inhibitors (TNFi) were reported to force the RA to go into remission or low disease activity and have brought revolutionary impacts on RA treatment [2]. TNFi have been shown to act on inflammatory cells and form the discoid fibrosis in the sublining layers [3,4]. However, the changes of synovial tissue and the cause of discoid fibrosis in RA patients treated with TNFi has not been determined in detail.

Objectives:

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the histological changes and the types of cells around discoid fibrosis in RA synovium treated with TNFi.

Methods:

Synovial tissues were obtained from 30 patients with RA during joint surgeries. 6 patients were treated with TNFi (1 patient with golimumab, 3 patients with etanercept, 2 patients with infliximab). As a control, synovial tissues were obtained from 6 patients who were treated only with csDMARDs (6 patients with MTX). The frozen sections were stained by hematoxylin and eosin (HE). To detect the apoptosis, TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) was performed. The immunohistochemical characterization of the synovial cells was performed by using following antibodies: CD20 and CD3 for detecting B and T lymphocytes respectively, CD163 and CD86 for detecting M1 and M2 macrophage respectively.

Results:

In the sections stained with HE, the formation of discoid fibrosis and the other characteristic changes including hydropic degeneration, vacuolation, sclerosis of small vasculature, and the number of multilayered synovial cells was decreased in synovium from RA patients treated with TNFi. In the sections with TUNEL stain, apoptosis of lining cells around the discoid fibrosis was detected in RA synovium treated with TNFi (Figure 1a, 1b). In the sections with immunohistochemistry stain, CD86 expression increased in lining layer of RA synovium treated with TNFi. CD163 positive cells showed diffuse expression in RA synovium treated with TNFi. In contrast, CD20 and CD3 positive cells decreased around discoid fibrosis compared to control sections. These results showed indicated that the types of cells in lining and sublining layers were mainly macrophages and that the apoptosis of macrophages might form the discoid fibrosis in lining layers.

Conclusion:

This study showed the apoptosis of lining cells derived from macrophages resulted in the formation of the discoid fibrosis. These findings indicated TNFi might induce apoptosis of macrophage leading to the suppression of RA synovitis.

References:

[1] Scott Dl, et al. Progression of radiological changes in rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis. 1984.

[2]van der Heijde D,et al. Comparison of etanercept and methotrexate, alone and combined, in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: two-year clinical and radiographic results from the TEMPO study, a double-blind, randomized trial. Arthritis Rheum. 2006.

[3] Hirohata S,et al. TNF inhibitors induce discoid fibrosis in the sublining layers of the synovium with degeneration of synoviocytes in rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatol Int. 2013.

[4] Yamanaka H,et al. Scoring evaluation for histopathological features of synovium in patients with rheumatoid arthritis during anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy. Rheumatol Int. 2010.

Acknowledgments :

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Angular Momentum of Twisted Radiation from an Electron in Spiral Motion

We theoretically demonstrate for the first time that a single free electron in circular or spiral motion emits twisted photons carrying well-defined orbital angular momentum along the axis of the electron circulation, in adding to spin angular momentum. We show that, when the electron velocity is relativistic, the radiation field contains harmonic components and the photons of lth harmonic carry lℏ total angular momentum for each. This work indicates that twisted photons are naturally emitted by free electrons and are more ubiquitous in laboratories and in nature than ever thought.

A specific Streptococcus mutans strain aggravates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

OBJECTIVE

Streptococcus mutans, a major dental caries pathogen, has shown to be associated with the aggravation of cerebral hemorrhage and inflammatory bowel diseases. In this study, we evaluated the effects ofS. mutans on the development of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in a mouse model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Streptococcus mutans oral strain MT8148 (serotype c) and a blood isolate TW871 (k) were used. C57BL/6J mice (6 weeks old)were fed a high-fat diet for 4 weeks; the test strains or phosphate-buffered saline was then intravenously administered. Mice were euthanized after 8 or 12 weeks. Whole body, extirpated liver, and visceral fat weights were determined, and histopathological evaluations of the liver specimens were performed.

RESULTS

Mice infected with TW871 showed significantly greater body and liver weights than those administered MT8148 or phosphate-buffered saline. Histopathological analyses revealed prominent infiltration of inflammatory cells and adipocellular deposition in livers extirpated 8 weeks after an infection with TW871; fibrosis was also observed in livers extirpated after 12 weeks.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that a specific strain of S. mutans could induce NASH.

Contribution of glucan-binding protein A to firm and stable biofilm formation by Streptococcus mutans

Glucan-binding proteins (Gbps) of Streptococcus mutans, a major pathogen of dental caries, mediate the binding of glucans synthesized from sucrose by the action of glucosyltransferases (GTFs) encoded by gtfB, gtfC, and gtfD. Several stress proteins, including DnaK and GroEL encoded by dnaK and groEL, are related to environmental stress tolerance. The contribution of Gbp expression to biofilm formation was analyzed by focusing on the expression levels of genes encoding GTFs and stress proteins. Biofilm-forming assays were performed using GbpA-, GbpB-, and GbpC-deficient mutant strains and the parental strain MT8148. The expression levels of gtfB, gtfC, gtfD, dnaK, and groEL were evaluated by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Furthermore, the structure of biofilms formed by these Gbp-deficient mutant strains was observed using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Biofilm-forming assay findings demonstrated that the amount formed by the GbpA-deficient mutant strain (AD1) was nearly the same as that by the parental strain, while the GbpB- and GbpC-deficient mutant strains produced lower amounts than MT8148. Furthermore, RT-qPCR assay results showed that the expressions of gtfB, dnaK, and groEL in AD1 were elevated compared with MT8148. CLSM also revealed that the structure of biofilm formed by AD1 was prominently different compared with that formed by the parental strain. These results suggest that a defect in GbpA influences the expression of genes controlling biofilm formation, indicating its importance as a protein for firm and stable biofilm formation.

Microbunching instability in relativistic electron bunches: direct observations of the microstructures using ultrafast YBCO detectors

Relativistic electron bunches circulating in accelerators are subjected to a dynamical instability leading to microstructures at millimeter to centimeter scale. Although this is a well-known fact, direct experimental observations of the structures, or the field that they emit, remained up to now an open problem. Here, we report the direct, shot-by-shot, time-resolved recording of the shapes (including envelope and carrier) of the pulses of coherent synchrotron radiation that are emitted, and that are a "signature" of the electron bunch microstructure. The experiments are performed on the UVSOR-III storage ring, using electrical field sensitive YBa2Cu3O(7-x) thin-film ultrafast detectors. The observed patterns are subjected to permanent drifts, that can be explained from a reasoning in phase space, using macroparticle simulations.

Topical drug delivery to retinal pigment epithelium with microfluidizer produced small liposomes

Drug delivery from topically instilled eye drops to the posterior segment of the eye has long been one of the greatest challenges of ocular drug development. We developed methods of liposome preparation utilizing a microfluidizer to achieve adjustable nanoparticle size (even less than 80 nm) and high loading capacity of plasmid DNA. The microfluidizing process parameters were shown to affect the size of the liposomes. Higher operating pressures and passage for at least 10 times through the microfluidizer produced small liposomes with narrow size distribution. The liposomes were physically stable for several months at +4°C. In vivo distribution of the optimized liposome formulations in the rat eyes was investigated with confocal microscopy of the histological specimens. Transferrin was used as a targeting ligand directed to retinal pigment epithelium. Size dependent distribution of liposomes to different posterior segment tissues was seen. Liposomes with the diameter less than 80 nm permeated to the retinal pigment epithelium whereas liposomes with the diameter of 100 nm or more were distributed to the choroidal endothelium. Active targeting was shown to be necessary for liposome retention to the target tissue. In conclusion, these microfluidizer produced small liposomes in eye drops are an attractive option for drug delivery to the posterior segment tissues of the eye.

Inhibitory effects of Oenothera biennis (evening primrose) seed extract on Streptococcus mutans and S. mutans-induced dental caries in rats

BACKGROUND

Oenothera biennis (evening primrose) seed extract (OBSE) is known to contain polyphenols, which may possess antioxidant activities. Polyphenols extracted from several plants are reported to exhibit cariostatic activities by inhibiting mutans streptococcus growth and glucosyltransferase activities. The purpose of the present study was to examine the inhibitory effects of OBSE on the development of dental caries, both in vitro and in vivo.

METHODS

OBSE was investigated for its inhibitory effects on cellular aggregation, hydrophobicity, sucrose-dependent adherence and insoluble glucan synthesis. Furthermore, biofilm formation was examined in the presence of OBSE, using confocal microscopic imaging. An animal experiment was also performed to examine the in vivo effects.

RESULTS

OBSE induced a strong aggregation of Streptococcus mutans MT8148 cells, while cell surface hydrophobicity was decreased by approximately 90% at a concentration of 0.25 mg/ml. The sucrose-dependent adherence of the MT8148 cells was also reduced by addition of OBSE, with a reduction rate of 73% seen at a concentration of 1.00 mg/ml. Additionally, confocal microscopic observations revealed the biofilm development phase to be remarkably changed in the presence of OBSE. Furthermore, insoluble glucan synthesis was significantly reduced when OBSE was present at concentrations greater than 0.03 mg/ml. In an animal experiment, the caries scores in rats given OBSE (0.05 mg/ml in drinking water) were significantly lower than those in rats given water without OBSE.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that OBSE has inhibitory activity on dental caries.

The development of peripheral cold neural circuits based on TRPM8 expression

Afferent nerve fibers of the somatosensory system are a molecularly diverse cell population that detects a varied range of environmental stimuli, converting these external cues ultimately into a sensory percept. Afferents mediating detection of thermal stimuli express a repertoire of temperature sensitive ion channels of the TRP family which endow these nerves with the ability to respond to the breadth of temperatures in the environment. The cold and menthol receptor TRPM8 is responsible for detection of cold and, unlike other thermosensors, detects both innocuous and noxious temperatures. How this single molecule can perform such diverse functions is currently unknown, but expression analyses in adult tissues shows that TRPM8 neurons are a molecularly diverse population and it is likely that this diversity underlies differential functionality. To determine how this phenotype is established, we examined the developmental time course of TRPM8 expression using a mouse transgenic line in which GFP expression is driven by the TRPM8 transcriptional promoter (Trpm8(GFP)). We find that Trpm8(GFP) expression begins prior to embryonic day 15.5 (E15.5) after which expression reaches levels observed in adult neurons. By E18.5, central axons of Trpm8(GFP) neurons reach the spinal cord dorsal horn, but anatomical localization and in vivo measurements of neural activity suggest that fully functional cold circuits are not established until after the first postnatal week. Additionally, Trpm8(GFP) neurons undergo a transition in neurochemical phenotype, ultimately reaching adult expression of markers such TRPV1, CGRP, peripherin, and NF200 by postnatal day 14. Thus, based on immunochemical, anatomical and functional criteria, active cold neural circuits are fully established by the second week postnatal, thereby suggesting that important extrinsic or intrinsic mechanisms are active prior to this developmental stage.

Transverse-longitudinal coupling effect in laser bunch slicing

We report turn-by-turn observation of coherent synchrotron radiation (CSR) produced by the laser bunch slicing technique at an electron storage ring operated with a small momentum compaction factor. CSR emission was intermittent, and its interval depended strongly on the betatron tune. This peculiar behavior of the CSR could be interpreted as a result of coupling between the transverse and longitudinal motion of the electrons. This is the first observation of such an effect, which would be important not only for controlling the CSR emission but also for generating and transporting ultrashort electron bunches or electron bunches with microdensity structures in advanced accelerators.

Extremely low frequency magnetic fields and the promotion of H2O2‐induced cell death in HL‐60 cells

PURPOSE

To test whether exposure to an extremely low frequency magnetic field (60 Hz, 5 mT) affects hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced cell death in human leukaemia HL-60 cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cells were treated with H2O2 with or without exposure to an extremely low frequency magnetic fields. Viable cells, apoptotic and necrotic cells were determined by annexin V flow cytometry assay. The levels of apoptosis-related proteins (caspase-3, caspase-7, Bcl-2 and Bax) and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase were detected using Western blotting.

RESULTS

Simultaneous treatment with exposure to the magnetic field and H2O2 (85 or 100 microM) for 24 h increased the number of apoptotic and necrotic cells significantly, and significantly decreased the number of viable cells compared with cells treated with H2O2 alone. The protein levels of Bax and Bcl-2 showed no differences between H2O2-treated cells and those treated with both H2O2 and an extremely low frequency magnetic field. Exposure to the magnetic field also had no effect on H2O2-induced caspase-3 activation. However, the protein levels of active caspase-7 in cells simultaneously exposed to an extremely low frequency magnetic field and H2O2 for 2 and 8 h was higher than that of H2O2 treatment alone. In addition, simultaneous exposure to an extremely low frequency magnetic field and H2O2 caused poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage and induced early inactivation at 2 h, while H2O2 treatment alone did not produce this effect until 4 h.

CONCLUSIONS

The data suggest that although the magnetic field itself cannot induce apoptosis and necrosis, it exerts a promoting effect on H2O2-induced cell death, and it demonstrates that caspase-7 as well as poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase might be involved in this process.

Inhibition of UV‐induced G1 arrest by exposure to 50 Hz magnetic fields in repair‐proficient and ‐deficient yeast strains

PURPOSE

To assess the possibility that extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields obstruct the damage repair process, the gene conversion frequency and cell cycle kinetics in a DNA repair-proficient and nucleotide excision repair (NER)-deficient strain of diploid yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

DNA repair- or NER-deficient cells were irradiated with sublethal doses of ultraviolet light (UV) radiation followed by exposure to 50 Hz magnetic fields up to 30 mT for 48 h. After exposure, colony-forming ability was scored as revertants in which gene conversion had restored the functional allele of the ARG4 gene conversion hotspot. Cell cycle analysis was performed using flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Gene conversion rate was increased by the combined exposure in DNA repair-proficient cells, whereas it remained unchanged between UV alone and the combined exposure in NER-deficient cells. The UV-induced G1 arrest was inhibited by exposure to 30 mT ELF magnetic fields in both repair-proficient and -deficient cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that exposure to high-density (30 mT) ELF magnetic fields decreases the efficiency of NER by suppressing G1 arrest, which in turn led to enhancement of the UV-induced gene conversion.

[Tracheostenosis caused by blunt thoracic trauma]

Blunt thoracic trauma rarely implicate retropharyngeal hematoma obstructing trachea. 85-year-old woman being struck on her cheek and anterior chest, visited our emergency room. She was nearly suffocated following stridor and dyspnea. Tracheal intubation relieved her dyspnea Chest computed tomography (CT) showed retropharyngeal hematoma obstructing trachea. 5 days conservative management reduced the hematoma and tracheal tube was extubated through an uneventful course.

Locomotor networks are targets of modulation by sensory transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 and transient receptor potential melastatin 8 channels

It is well recognized that proprioceptive afferent inputs can control the timing and pattern of locomotion. C and Adelta afferents can also affect locomotion but an unresolved issue is the identity of the subsets of these afferents that encode defined modalities. Over the last decade, the transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels have emerged as a family of non-selective cation conductances that can label specific subsets of afferents. We focus on a class of TRPs known as ThermoTRPs which are well known to be sensor receptors that transduce changes in heat and cold. ThermoTRPs are known to help encode somatosensation and painful stimuli, and receptors have been found on C and Adelta afferents with central projections onto dorsal horn laminae. Here we show, using in vitro neonatal mouse spinal cord preparations, that activation of both spinal and peripheral transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) and transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) afferent terminals modulates central pattern generators (CPGs). Capsaicin or menthol and cooling modulated both sacrocaudal afferent (SCA) evoked and monoaminergic drug-induced rhythmic locomotor-like activity in spinal cords from wild type but not TRPV1-null (trpv1(-/-)) or TRPM8-null (trpm8(-/-)) mice, respectively. Capsaicin induced an initial increase in excitability of the lumbar motor networks, while menthol or cooling caused a decrease in excitability. Capsaicin and menthol actions on CPGs involved excitatory and inhibitory glutamatergic mechanisms, respectively. These results for the first time show that dedicated pathways of somatosensation and pain identified by TRPV1 or TRPM8 can target spinal locomotor CPGs.

Effects of menstrual cycle on gene transfection through mouse vagina for DNA vaccine

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections mainly occur through the vaginal and rectal mucosal membranes. In the present study, to develop a DNA vaginal vaccine against viral and bacterial infections, the effects of the menstrual cycle on DNA transfection through the vaginal mucosa in female mice and transfection enhancement by electroporation, a chelating agent, cell-penetrating peptides (CPP) and nuclear localizing signals (NLS) were investigated. The transfection efficiencies of a marker plasmid DNA (pDNA), pCMV-Luc, on the vaginal mucosal membrane in mice at the stages of metestrus and diestrus were significantly higher than those at the stages of proestrus and estrus. The gene expression was markedly enhanced by electroporation and by pretreatment with the chelating agent. The highest level of expression was obtained by 2h pretreatment with 5% citric acid solution combined with electroporation with 15 pulses at 250 V/cm for 5 milliseconds (ms). Furthermore, a synergistic promoting effect on pDNA transfection was obtained by co-administration of CPP, the Tat peptide analog, and NLS, the NF-kappaB analog. These results indicate that effective DNA vaccination administered through the vaginal tract is possible by selecting the menstrual stage and overcoming the mucosal barrier using a combination of methods that promotes uptake.

Topological and chronological features of the impairment of glucose metabolism induced by 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+) in rat brain slices

1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP(+)) was added directly to fresh rat brain slices and the dynamic changes in the cerebral glucose metabolic rate (CMRglc) were serially and two-dimensionally measured with [(18)F]2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose as a tracer. MPP(+) dose-dependently increased CMRglc, reflecting enhanced glycolysis compensating for the decrease in aerobic metabolism. While the CMRglc enhancement induced by MPP(+) (<10 microM) was restricted to the striatum, MPP(+) (>or=10 microM) induced a significant CMRglc enhancement in all brain regions. MPP(+) at high concentration (1 mM) eventually initiated rapid metabolic collapse, with failure to sustain anaerobic glycolysis.

[A case of pulmonary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma detected on medical checkup]

A 51-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of bilateral multiple nodular shadows detected on a medical checkup chest X-ray film. Video-assisted thoracoscopic biopsy and hematoxylin eosin staining showed protrusion of the polypoid tumor tissue into the alveolar lumina, and the centers of nodules were occupied by hyalinized matrices. Immunohistochemical stain demonstrated that tumor cells were positive for factor VIII-related antigen, CD-34, and vimentin. The tumor was therefore diagnosed as pulmonary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (PEH). PEH usually grows slowly. Standard therapy for PEH has not yet been established. We have followed the patient for 2 years without any treatment, but no symptoms have appeared.

Effects of exposure to a 1950 MHz radio frequency field on expression of Hsp70 and Hsp27 in human glioma cells

Human glioma MO54 cells were used to investigate whether radio frequency (RF) field exposure could activate stress response genes. Cells were exposed to continuous wave 1950 MHz or sham conditions for up to 2 h. Specific absorption rates (SARs) were 1, 2, and 10 W/kg. For the cell growth experiment, cell numbers were counted at 0-4 days after exposure. Expression of Hsp27 and Hsp70, as well as the level of phosphorylated Hsp27 (78Ser) protein, was determined by Western blotting. It was found that sham exposed and RF exposed cells demonstrated a similar growth pattern up to 4 days after RF field exposure. RF field exposure at both 2 and 10 W/kg did not affect the growth of MO54 cells. In addition, there were no significant differences in protein expression of Hsp27 and Hsp70 between sham exposed and RF exposed cells at a SAR of 1, 2, or 10 W/kg for 1 and 2 h. However, exposure to RF field at a SAR of 10 W/kg for 1 and 2 h decreased the protein level of phosphorylated Hsp27 (78Ser) significantly. Our results suggest that although exposure to a 1950 MHz RF field has no effect on cell proliferation and expression of Hsp 27 and Hsp70, it may inhibit the phosphorylation of Hsp27 at Serine 78 in MO54 cells.

Natural IgM antibodies in sera from various animals but not the cat kill Toxoplasma gondii by activating the classical complement pathway

Sera from swine, rabbit, and dog, that had never been exposed to Toxoplasma gondii, demonstrated significant killing of T. gondii tachyzoites in vitro, while cat serum did not. Swine and rabbit sera contained natural IgM antibody against the tachyzoites, and the classical complement pathway was activated by the binding of natural IgM antibody to the tachyzoites, leading to lysis. Anti-T. gondii antibodies, induced in swine or cat infected with T. gondii, had no killing effect by themselves but killed the tachyzoites in the presence of swine complement. However, the anti-T. gondii antibodies of swine or cat demonstrated a very low killing effect in the presence of cat complement. This suggests that T. gondii tachyzoites have an evasion mechanism to prevent lysis which is specific for cat complement.

Longevity-associated mitochondrial DNA 5178 A/C polymorphism and blood pressure in the Japanese population

It has been reported that the mitochondrial DNA 5178 adenine/cytosine (mt5178 A/C) polymorphism, also called NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2-237 methionine/leucine (ND2-237 Met/Leu) polymorphism, may be associated with longevity in Japanese individuals, and that the mt5178A genotype may have an antiatherogenic influence. To determine whether mt5178 A/C polymorphism influences blood pressure, we genotyped 412 healthy Japanese individuals and performed a cross-sectional study investigating the relationship between genotype and blood pressure. In women with mt5178A, the mean diastolic blood pressure was higher than in those with mt5178C by 3.2 mmHg (P=0.040). In men, no statistically significant difference in systolic or diastolic blood pressure was observed between mt5178 A/C genotypes. However, a significant correlation between mt5178 A/C genotypes and the effects of habitual drinking on blood pressure was found. After adjustment for several factors, in men carrying mt5178C, both systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly higher in daily drinkers than in occasional (P=0.002 and 0.002, respectively) as well as nondrinkers (P<0.001 and 0.001, respectively), whereas in men carrying mt5178A, no significant differences in blood pressure were detected, irrespective of alcohol consumption. These results suggest that mt5178 A/C (=ND2-237 Met/Leu) polymorphism may influence both diastolic blood pressure in Japanese women and the blood-pressure-increasing effect of drinking in Japanese men.

Percutaneous and laparoscopic approaches of radiofrequency ablation treatment for liver cancer

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and microwave coagulation therapy (MCT) have been gaining acceptance as a standard method in the management strategy of liver cancer, for reasons of minimally invasive techniques and effective results. We present our experience of RFA and MCT in patients with liver cancer, and analyze retrospectively the advantages and disadvantages of both of the percutaneous and laparoscopic approaches.

METHODS

Thirty-two consecutive patients (23 men and 9 women) with 19 hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC), 12 metastatic liver cancers, and recurrent cholangiocellular carcinoma (CCC), were enrolled in this study. Out of these 32 patients, as a prior laparotomy, 19 underwent hepatectomy, colectomy, gastrectomy or cholecystectomy, and 15 were treated with the laparoscopic approach, 17 treated with the percutaneous approach, and 2 treated with the combined approach of those two. All of these procedures were carried out under general anesthesia with ultrasound guidance. Seven and 30 days after these procedures, an assessment helical computed tomography was done.

RESULTS

No sign of the residual tissues was noted in all patients except only one case.

CONCLUSIONS

The percutaneous approach was thought to be a more practical and less invasive method regardless previous laparotomy. For the laparoscopic approach, tumors located at the hepatic surface or margin were preferable candidates.

[Successful treatment with cyclosporine in a case of progressive interstitial pneumonia associated with systemic sclerosis]

A 55-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with dyspnea on effort and sclerodactyly. The chest radiograph showed reticulonodular shadows in both lower lung fields. A diagnosis of systemic sclerosis was made based on the characteristic skin lesions, interstitial pneumonia and the positivity for anti-Scl-70 antibody. Surgical biopsies were performed, which showed various features characteristic of organizing pneumonia and non-specific interstitial pneumonia. Prednisolone and cyclophosphamide were given to the patient, but clinical symptoms and chest radiographic findings worsened. After cyclophosphamide was replaced with cyclosporine, his symptoms, chest radiographic findings and pulmonary function improved and stabilized. It is suggested that cyclosporine is useful for the treatment of progressive interstitial pneumonia associated with systemic sclerosis.

Quantitative MRI findings and cognitive impairment among community dwelling elderly subjects

OBJECTIVES

To study the factors which influence cognitive impairment among elderly subjects living in a local community, based on both MRI and clinical findings, to further elucidate the causes of dementia, and also to help develop strategies for its prevention.

METHODS

Cranial MRI and other medical examinations were performed on non-demented elderly subjects who resided in one rural community. A total of 254 subjects aged from 60 to 91 years of age, with a mean age of 73.9 (SD 6.8) were examined. The mini mental state examination (MMSE) was used to identify cognitive impairment. White matter lesions and cerebral atrophy on MR images were measured quantitatively. A multivariate analysis was also performed with the existence of cognitive impairment as the dependent variable, and the MRI findings and clinical observations were used as the independent variables.

RESULTS

Cognitive impairment was present in 46 subjects (18.1%). They were older, had a lower educational level, and more frequent hypertension compared with those without cognitive impairment. The packed cell volume was lower in the impaired group. In addition, their MRI findings showed significantly larger quantities of white matter lesions and cerebral atrophy, as well as more infarcts. A logistic regression analysis demonstrated a significant relation among such factors as white matter lesions (odds ratio (OR) 1.575, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.123-2.208), cerebral atrophy (OR 0.761, 95%CI 0.587-0.987), and lower education (OR 0.682, 95%CI 0.544-0.855) for subjects with a cognitive impairment.

CONCLUSIONS

White matter lesions and cerebral atrophy are factors which induce a cognitive impairment in community dwelling elderly subjects without dementia. It is important to carefully watch for any abnormalities in these factors, and to perform cohort studies to check for the above risk factors, to both prevent and make an early diagnosis of dementia.

Association of the mitochondrial DNA 5178 A/C polymorphism with serum lipid levels in the Japanese population

As one approach to exploring whether the mitochondrial DNA 5178 adenine/cytosine (mt5178 A/C) polymorphism is associated with atherosclerosis, we genotyped 461 healthy Japanese individuals and studied the relationship of mt5178 A/C genotypes to serum lipid levels. Blood specimens were obtained after at least a 12-h fasting period from the subjects. The mt5178 A/C was genotyped by the polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphism method. The relative frequency of mt5178 A was 41.6% (192/461) and of mt5178 C was 58.4% (269/461). After adjustments for age and body mass index, the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration in males carrying mt5178 A was significantly higher than that in males carrying mt5178 C ( P=0.026). The tryglyceride (TG) concentration in females carrying mt5178 A was significantly lower than that in females carrying mt5178 C ( P=0.012). This difference in the TG level between the two genotypes was more evident in postmenopausal females than in premenopausal females. Mt5178 A seems to have an antiatherogenic effect. This is the first genetic epidemiological report on the association of mt5178 A/C polymorphism with serum lipid levels in the Japanese population.

Age-specific prevalence of open-angle glaucoma and its relationship to refraction among more than 60,000 asymptomatic Japanese subjects

To clarify the prevalence of open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and its relationship to refraction among a Japanese population with a broad range of ages including children and adolescents, an 1-year epidemiological survey was conducted. The subjects of this study were 64,394 asymptomatic individuals who had attended the glasses and contact lens center in Yokohama, Japan from February 15, 1999 to February 14, 2000 and had been subjected to several optical examinations. The results of this study showed that the overall prevalence of OAG was 1.19% (1.14% for men, and 0.98% for women). Prevalence for children aged 6 to 14 of both sexes was approximately 0.5%. There were significant positive associations between the strength (diopter) of myopic refraction and OAG prevalence among all the examined subjects.

[Chylothorax as the initial manifestation of malignant pleural mesothelioma--a case report]

A case of chylothorax associated with diffuse malignant pleural mesothelioma in a 53-year-old woman was reported. Chest radiography in a mass examination revealed right pleural effusion. A thoracentesis yielded fluid with characteristics consistent with chyle. In spite of our suggestion that thoracoscopy for further examination was necessary, the patient and her husband had refused the operation for months. Chest CT scanning revealed a nodule behind the xiphoid process. Lymphoscintigraphy suggested an obstruction of the right parasternal lymphatic vessel. Repeated thoracentesis did not yield a diagnosis. As bilateral pleural effusion and chylous ascites appeared, dyspnea worsened. About 2 years after the mass examination thoracoscopy was performed. On thoracoscopic exploration, a nodule was found in the anterior mediastinum and a biopsy was performed. Histological analysis revealed that the patient had the epithelial subtype of malignant pleural mesothelioma. Thoracoscopic pleural biopsy is a useful means of establishing the nature of a chylous effusion. In adult patients with chylothorax, thoracoscopic exploration should be performed as soon as possible to rule out malignancy.

Pneumatosis intestinalis in the small bowel of an adult: report of a case

We present the case of a 70-year-old man found to have pneumatosis of the small intestine. An abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan detected massive intramural air in the entire circumference of the small intestine without any venous gas. During emergency surgery, 80 cm of the small bowel was removed. The pathological findings of thrombi in the resected specimen thus indicated that surgical intervention should be immediately performed in patients with pneumatosis throughout the small intestine. CT was useful for confirming the presence of intramural gas in pneumatosis of the small intestine. The presence of a massive amount of intramural gas in the entire small intestine circumference on the CT findings is thus considered to be an early indication of bowel infarction.

Degradation of bisphenol A by purified laccase from Trametes villosa

Degradation of bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine-disrupting chemical, was studied with a purified laccase from the basidiomycete Trametes villosa. SDS--polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the purified laccase gave one single band with a mobility corresponding to MW 65 kDa. The absorption spectrum showed the characteristics of a blue copper protein with a maximum peak at 600 nm. HPLC analysis revealed that 2.2 micromol BPA were degraded by incubation with 1.5 units of the purified laccase in a total volume of 1.0 ml at pH 6.0 and 60 degrees C for 3 h. The enzyme reaction proceeded rapidly without requirement of mediators for the electron transfer. Isolation and identification of several reaction products are in progress, in which one product was identified as 4-isopropenylphenol by a gas chromatography--mass spectrophotometer.

The magnitude of variation in temperature within a year has an effect on the seasonal variations of chickenpox incidence in Japan

We investigated the epidemic pattern of chickenpox incidence among 47 prefectures in Japan. There were two peaks in chickenpox incidence in all prefectures. The first peaks appear at almost the same time in a year, while the second peaks occur at different times with relatively different types of size and shape. The feature of the second peak might characterize the epidemic pattern of chickenpox. We first introduced the second peak index, that is, the ratio of the difference between the incidence at the point of the second peak and the minimum incidence between the first and second peaks to the difference between the incidence at the point of the second peak and the minimum incidence in the year. There was a close correlation between the second peak index and the magnitude of variation in temperature within a year corresponding to the difference between the maximum and the minimum of the monthly mean of the highest daily temperature. This is the first article focusing on the close relationship between the second peak of epidemic pattern of chickenpox incidence and the variation of temperature within a year.

Involvement of eddy currents in the mutagenicity of ELF magnetic fields

Possible carcinogenic and/or mutagenic activity of extremely low frequency magnetic fields was examined using somatic mutation and recombination test system of Drosophila melanogaster. An X-linked semi-dominant DNA repair defective mutation mei-41(D5) was introduced into the conventional mwh/flr test system to enhance mutant spot frequency. Virgin females of w mei-41(D5)/FM6; flr/TM6 were crossed with w mei-41(D5)/Y; mwh jv; spa(pol) males. The F(1) third instar larvae were exposed to a 50Hz, 20mT sinusoidal AC magnetic field for 24h. After moulting from pupal cases, their wings were examined under a bright field microscope to detect hair spots with mwh or flr mutant morphology. The exposure caused a statistically significant enhancement in somatic recombination spot frequency. Mutant spots arising due to chromosomal non-disjunction or terminal deletion also increased but the frequency of spots resulting from point mutation was not altered. The enhancement in the recombination spot frequency was suppressed to the control level when a culture medium without electrolytes was used during exposure. When larvae were exposed to a magnetic field in an annular dish, flies from the outer ring showed more mutant spots compared to those from the inner ring. These results suggest that the detected mutagenic activity was that of the induced eddy current, rather than that of the magnetic field itself.