Preferences for health information in middle-aged Japanese workers based on health literacy levels: a descriptive study

OBJECTIVES

To describe the health information preferences in middle-aged Japanese workers based on health literacy (HL) levels and presence of medications.

STUDY DESIGN

A cross-sectional study.

METHODS

We performed a web-based questionnaire survey with Japanese workers aged below 60 years. HL was assessed using the total score of communicative skills (five items) and critical skills (four items) from the 14-item Health Literacy Scale. Regarding their health information preferences, participants were asked about the health information they wanted (four items), could easily understand (six items), or easily use (two items) and answered on a 4-point scale (strongly agree/agree/disagree/strongly disagree). The percentages of the affirmative responses (strongly agree or agree) were compared among tertiles based on the HL score.

RESULTS

We obtained data from a total of 3387 volunteers, of whom 510 participants were on either antihypertensive, lipid-lowering, or antidiabetic drugs. Compared with the high HL and middle HL groups, low HL had fewer affirmative responses to most health information items. Health information items received 70% of affirmative responses even in the low HL level. They were visually shown by figures or pictures, highlighted by colors for important points, could be read in 1-2 min, and were accessed on the Internet, regardless of the presence of medications. Additionally, the explanation for mechanisms of medications or lifestyle to prevent or improve diseases showed high affinity in all HL levels, only for those on medications.

CONCLUSIONS

This result generates a hypothesis that low HL individuals have a low interest in health information. Our data showed several possible forms of health information with high affinity based on HL levels that would help plan future population approaches.

A red fluorophore comprising a borinate-containing xanthene analogue as a polyol sensor

A xanthene derivative containing a borinate moiety emitted red fluorescence with a high quantum yield. The interaction between the borinate and a sugar molecule induced a fluorescence change based on the change in the HOMO-LUMO gap. The response was pH-resistant in a wide range. In addition, catechol quenched through photoinduced electron transfer. The red fluorescence and polyol binding ability of dyes will pave the way for new biological applications of chemical sensors.

Clenbuterol changes phosphorylated FOXO1 localization and decreases protein degradation in the sartorius muscle of neonatal chicks

To investigate the intracellular signaling mechanisms by which clenbuterol reduces muscle protein degradation, we examined the phosphorylation level and intracellular localization of FOXO1 in the sartorius muscle of neonatal chicks. One-day-old chicks were given a single intraperitoneal injection of clenbuterol (0.1 mg/kg body weight). Three hours after injection, AKT protein was phosphorylated in the sartorius muscle by clenbuterol injection. Coincidentally, clenbuterol increased cytosolic level of phosphorylated FOXO1 protein, while it decreased nuclear level of FOXO1 protein in the sartorius muscle. Furthermore, clenbuterol decreased the expression of mRNAs for muscle-specific ubiquitin ligases (atrogin-1/MAFbx and MuRF1) in the sartorius muscle accompanied by decreased plasma 3-methylhistidine concentration, an index of muscle protein degradation, at 3 h after injection. These results suggested that, in the sartorius muscle of the chicks, clenbuterol changed the intracellular localization of phosphorylated FOXO1, and consequently decreased protein degradation via suppressing the expression of genes encoding muscle-specific ubiquitin ligases.

Single injection of clenbuterol into newly hatched chicks decreases abdominal fat pad weight in growing broiler chickens

The aim of the current study was to examine the effects of clenbuterol injection into newly hatched chicks on both the abdominal fat pad tissue weight and the skeletal muscle weight during subsequent growth. Twenty-seven 1-day-old chicks were divided into two groups, receiving either a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of clenbuterol (0.1 mg/kg body weight) or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were not affected by clenbuterol injection during the 5-week experimental period, while the abdominal fat pad tissue weight of the clenbuterol-injected chicks was lower than that of the control chicks at 5 weeks post-injection. Plasma non-esterified fatty acid concentrations were significantly increased in the clenbuterol-injected chicks, while plasma triacylglycerol concentrations did not differ. Additionally, the enzymatic activity of fatty acid synthase was lower in the liver of the clenbuterol-injected chicks. Conversely, the skeletal muscle weights were not affected by clenbuterol injection. These results suggest that a single clenbuterol injection into 1-day-old chicks decreases the abdominal fat pad tissue weight, but may not affect skeletal muscle weights during growth. © 2015 Japanese Society of Animal Science.

Single injection of the β2-adrenergic receptor agonist, clenbuterol, into newly hatched chicks alters abdominal fat pad mass in growing birds

Excessive energy is stored in white adipose tissue as triacylglycerols in birds as well as in mammals. Although β2-adrenergic receptor agonists reduce adipose tissue mass in birds, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. The aim of the current study was to examine the effects of a single intraperitoneal injection of the β2-adrenergic receptor agonist, clenbuterol, on the abdominal fat pad tissue development. Thirty-three chicks at 1-day-old were given a single intraperitoneal injection of clenbuterol (0.1mg/kg body weight) or phosphate-buffered saline. At 2 weeks post-dose, the weight of the abdominal fat tissue was decreased in the clenbuterol-injected chicks, and small adipocyte-like cells were observed in the abdominal fat pad tissue of the clenbuterol-injected chicks. Then, the expression of mRNAs encoding genes related to avian adipogenesis was examined in the abdominal fat pat tissue. The expression of mRNAs encoding Krüppel-like zinc finger transcription factor 5 (KLF-5), KLF-15, and zinc finger protein 423 in the abdominal fat pad tissue of the clenbuterol-injected chicks was significantly lower (P<0.05) than that of the control chicks, while the expression of mRNA encoding peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma was not affected. In addition, both mRNA expression (P<0.05) and enzymatic activity (P<0.05) of fatty acid synthase (FAS) were decreased in the abdominal fat pad tissue of the clenbuterol-injected chicks, while clenbuterol injection did not affect FAS activity in liver. These results suggested that a single injection with clenbuterol into newly hatched chicks reduces their abdominal fat pad mass possibly via disrupting adipocyte development during later growth stages.

The effects of intraperitoneal clenbuterol injection on protein degradation and myostatin expression differ between the sartorius and pectoral muscles of neonatal chicks

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of injection of the β2-adrenergic receptor agonist clenbuterol on the skeletal muscles of neonatal chicks (Gallus gallus domesticus). One-day-old chicks were randomly divided into four groups and given a single intraperitoneal injection of clenbuterol (0.01, 0.1, or 1mg/kg) or phosphate-buffered saline. Twenty-four hours after the injection, the sartorius muscles (which consist of both slow- and fast-twitch fibers) of chicks that received 0.01 or 0.1mg/kg clenbuterol were significantly heavier than those of controls, while there were no between-group differences in the weight of the pectoral muscles, which consist of only fast-twitch fibers. Muscle free N(t)-methylhistidine, regarded as an index of myofibrillar proteolysis, was decreased in the sartorius muscle of the clenbuterol-injected chicks, while it was not affected in the pectoral muscles. In the sartorius muscle of the clenbuterol-injected chicks, myostatin and atrogin-1/MAFbx mRNA expressions were decreased, while insulin-like growth factor-I was unaffected. These observations suggested, in 1-day-old chicks, clenbuterol might increase mass of the sartorius muscle by decreasing myostatin gene expression and protein degradation.

Genetic analysis of interspecific incompatibility in Brassica rapa

In interspecific pollination of Brassica rapa stigmas with Brassica oleracea pollen grains, pollen tubes cannot penetrate stigma tissues. This trait, called interspecific incompatibility, is similar to self-incompatibility in pollen tube behaviors of rejected pollen grains. Since some B. rapa lines have no interspecific incompatibility, genetic analysis of interspecific incompatibility was performed using two F(2) populations. Analysis with an F(2) population between an interspecific-incompatible line and a self-compatible cultivar 'Yellow sarson' having non-functional alleles of S-locus genes and MLPK, the stigmas of which are compatible with B. oleracea pollen grains, revealed no involvement of the S locus and MLPK in the difference of their interspecific incompatibility phenotypes. In QTL analysis of the strength of interspecific incompatibility, three peaks of LOD scores were found, but their LOD scores were as high as the threshold value, and the variance explained by each QTL was small. QTL analysis using another F(2) population derived from selected parents having the highest and lowest levels of interspecific incompatibility revealed five QTLs with high LOD scores, which did not correspond to those found in the former population. The QTL having the highest LOD score was found in linkage group A02. The effect of this QTL on interspecific incompatibility was confirmed by analyzing backcrossed progeny. Based on synteny of this QTL region with Arabidopsis thaliana chromosome 5, a possible candidate gene, which might be involved in interspecific incompatibility, is discussed.

Hypocretin/orexin and narcolepsy: new basic and clinical insights

Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder, characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), cataplexy, sleep paralysis and hypnagogic hallucinations. Both sporadic (95%) and familial (5%) forms of narcolepsy exist in humans. The major pathophysiology of human narcolepsy has been recently discovered based on the discovery of narcolepsy genes in animals; the genes involved in the pathology of the hypocretin/orexin ligand and its receptor. Mutations in hypocretin-related genes are rare in humans, but hypocretin ligand deficiency is found in a large majority of narcolepsy with cataplexy. Hypocretin ligand deficiency in human narcolepsy is probably due to the post-natal cell death of hypocretin neurones. Although a close association between human leucocyte antigen (HLA) and human narcolepsy with cataplexy suggests an involvement of autoimmune mechanisms, this has not yet been proved. Hypocretin deficiency is also found in symptomatic cases of narcolepsy and EDS with various neurological conditions, including immune-mediated neurological disorders, such as Guillain-Barre syndrome, MA2-positive paraneoplastic syndrome and neuromyelitis optica (NMO)-related disorder. The findings in symptomatic narcoleptic cases may have significant clinical relevance to the understanding of the mechanisms of hypocretin cell death and choice of treatment option. The discoveries in human cases lead to the establishment of the new diagnostic test of narcolepsy (i.e. low cerebrospinal fluid hypocretin-1 levels for 'narcolepsy with cataplexy' and 'narcolepsy due to medical condition'). As a large majority of human narcolepsy patients are ligand deficient, hypocretin replacement therapy may be a promising new therapeutic option, and animal experiments using gene therapy and cell transplantations are in progress.

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels and taste sensation

Humans have 5 basic taste sensations: sweet, bitter, sour, salty, and umami (taste of 1-amino acids). Among 33 genes related to transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, 3--including TRP-melastatin 5 (TRPM5), polycystic kidney disease-1-like 3 (PKD1L3), and polycystic kidney disease-2-like 1 (PKD2L1)--are specifically and abundantly expressed in taste receptor cells. TRP-melastatin 5 is co-expressed with taste receptors T1Rs and T2Rs, and functions as a common downstream component in sweet, bitter, and umami taste signal transduction. In contrast, polycystic kidney disease-1-like 3 and polycystic kidney disease-2-like 1 are co-expressed in distinct subsets of taste receptor cells not expressing TRP-melastatin 5. In the heterologous expression system, cells expressing both polycystic kidney disease-1-like 3 and polycystic kidney disease-2-like 1 responded to sour stimuli, showing a unique "off-response" property. Genetic ablation of poly-cystic kidney disease-2-like 1-expressing cells resulted in elimination of gustatory nerve response to sour stimuli, indicating that cells expressing polycystic kidney disease-2-like 1 function as sour taste detectors. These results suggest that polycystic kidney disease-1-like 3/polycystic kidney disease-2-like 1 may play a significant role, possibly as taste receptors, in sour taste sensation.

[Nonpenetrating traumatic injury of the thoracic aorta and left subclavian artery; report of a case]

Nonpenetrating traumatic injury of the thoracic aorta and/or its major branch is usually fatal and the treatment of this condition carries extremely high risk because of associated visceral organ injuries. Accurate diagnosis have been difficult. However, recently developed multi-slice helical computed tomography (CT) is highly sensitive in early detection of precise location of injury and associating injuries of other organs. Here we report our case with combined thoracic aortic and left subclavian artery injuries, diagnosed by 3-dimensional (3-D) CT and treated successfully.

Reproducibility of the brain perfusion index for measuring cerebral blood flow using technetium-99m compounds

We previously developed an alternative method for estimating the brain perfusion index (BPI) using technetium-99m compounds and spectral analysis (SA) for quantification of cerebral blood flow (CBF). In this study, we investigated the reproducibility of the BPI values obtained by SA (BPIS) using a double injection of technetium-99m ethyl cysteinate dimer without any intervention, and compared it with that of the BPI values obtained by graphical analysis (BPIG). The BPIS values in the first (x) and second sessions (y) correlated closely (y=0.921x+0.036; r=0.962; n=64; s.e.e.=0.058 min-1). Although the BPIG values in the first (x) and second sessions (y) also correlated (y=0.942x+0.040; r=0.916; n=64; s.e.e.=0.061 min-1), the correlation coefficient for BPIS was significantly higher than that for BPIG. The reproducibility was dependent on the injection dose ratio of the second session to the first (R). The difference in BPI between the first and second sessions tended to be smaller when 1.5<R<2.5 than when 0<R<1.5 or 2.5<R. These results suggest that the reproducibility of BPIS is satisfactory and that it can be applied to two sequential measurements of CBF using a double injection of 99mTc compounds. When applying our method to such measurements, it is recommended that R is taken as approximately 2.0.

Treatment of VX2 carcinoma implanted in the liver with arterial and intraperitoneal administration of oily anticancer agents

PURPOSE

Long-term survival and cure cannot be achieved in patients with unresectable, advanced abdominal cancer, because no chemotherapeutic treatment has definite antitumor activity for malignant solid tumor and its dissemination. In this study, arterial and intraperitoneal administration of oily anticancer agents, which have properties that permit targeted chemotherapy for VX2 carcinoma implanted in the liver, was attempted to achieve long-term survival.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rabbits bearing VX2 tumors in the liver measuring 1-2 cm in diameter received an arterial injection of 0.2 ml of nitrogen mustard N-Oxide (HN2-O) dissolved in Lipiodol (7.5 mg/ml), a newly developed oily anticancer agent, for the tumor and an intraperitoneal injection of a cocktail of oily anticancer agents for the prevention of intraperitoneal dissemination.

RESULTS

Twelve out of thirteen rabbits survived and VX2 cancer was not observed in these 12 rabbits. The controls received a sham operation, an intraperitoneal injection of the cocktail of oily anticancer agents alone, or an arterial injection of HN2-O/Lipiodol alone. In these control groups, 27 out of 29 rabbits died of cancer. To examine the dose form for arterial injection, 14 rabbits received an arterial injection of the simple mixture of HN2-O dissolved in physiological saline and Lipiodol, with an additional intraperitoneal injection of the cocktail. Eight of these 14 rabbits died of enlargement of the hepatic tumor and peritoneal dissemination.

CONCLUSION

Long-term survival and cure was achieved in almost all rabbits bearing VX2 tumor in the liver by simultaneous arterial and intraperitoneal injection of oily anticancer agents.

An actin-binding protein, CAP, is expressed in a subset of rat taste bud cells

Single cell cDNA libraries were constructed from taste bud cells of rat circumvallate papillae. Using three steps of screening, including differential hybridization, sequence analyses and in situ hybridization, a clone encoding a rat homolog of yeast adenylyl cyclase-associated protein (CAP) was identified to be highly expressed in a subset of taste bud cells.

Profilin plays a role in cell elongation, cell shape maintenance, and flowering in Arabidopsis

Profilin (PFN) is an ubiquitous, low-M(r), actin-binding protein involved in the organization of the cytoskeleton of eukaryotes including higher plants. PFNs are encoded by a multigene family in Arabidopsis. We have analyzed in vivo functions of Arabidopsis PFN by generating transgenic plants carrying a 35S-PFN-1 or 35S-antisense PFN-1 transgene. Etiolated seedlings underexpressing PFN (PFN-U) displayed an overall dwarf phenotype with short hypocotyls whose lengths were 20% to 25% that of wild type (WT) at low temperatures. Light-grown PFN-U plants were smaller in stature and flowered early. Compared with equivalent cells in WT, most cells in PFN-U hypocotyls and roots were shorter, but more isodiametric, and microscopic observations of etiolated PFN-U hypocotyls revealed a rough epidermal surface. In contrast, light-grown seedlings overexpressing PFN had longer roots and root hair although etiolated seedlings overexpressing PFN were either the same size or slightly longer than WT seedlings. Transgenic seedlings harboring a PFN-1-GUS transgene directed expression in root and root hair and in a ring of cells at the elongating zone of the root tip. As the seedlings matured PFN-1-GUS was mainly expressed in the vascular bundles of cotyledons and leaves. Our results show that Arabidopsis PFNs play a role in cell elongation, cell shape maintenance, polarized growth of root hair, and unexpectedly, in determination of flowering time.

Histopathological study of venous aneurysms in patients with dural arteriovenous fistulas

OBJECT

Of all intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs), those with cortical venous drainage associated with cortical venous ectasia or varices are predisposed to an aggressive course and produce progressive neurological symptoms or hemorrhages. The authors undertook a histological examination of venous aneurysms and arterialized veins in the proximity of these aneurysms that had been surgically removed in patients with DAVFs.

METHODS

Surgical specimens were obtained in eight patients. The excised venous aneurysms and the arterialized veins in their proximity were stained using hematoxylin and eosin, van Gieson's elastic, and Masson's trichrome stain. Immunostaining was also performed for alpha smooth-muscle actin, desmin, and factor VIII antigen. Five of the patients had presented with venous hypertension, and three had intracranial hemorrhages. The arterialized vein obtained in the proximity of the venous aneurysm exhibited local irregular intimal thickening; the internal elastic lamina (IEL) was grossly preserved. All venous aneurysms in patients with venous hypertension manifested medial thickening and local intimal thickening with loss of IEL; the thickness of the wall was relatively uniform. In contrast, the wall thickness of venous aneurysms in patients with hemorrhage was extremely irregular and there was no clear delineation between the media and the intima. In media with complete disappearance of IEL, there was scant muscle tissue.

CONCLUSIONS

Degenerative changes in venous aneurysms in patients with hemorrhage were much greater than in patients with venous hypertension, possibly because hemorrhages result from a more complicated interplay of anatomical, hemodynamic, and degenerative factors.

Asymmetric expression of antivin/lefty1 in the early chick embryo

Mammalian lefty and zebrafish antivin, highly related to lefty, are shown to be expressed asymmetrically and involved in the specification of the left body side of early embryos. We isolated a chick homologue of the antivin/lefty1 cDNA and studied its expression pattern during early chick development. We found that antivin/lefty1 is expressed asymmetrically on the left side of the prospective floorplate, notochord and lateral plate mesoderm of the chick embryo.

[Estimation of integral of input function for quantification of cerebral blood flow with N-isopropyl-p-[123I]iodoamphetamine using one-point venous blood sampling]

The present study was designed to investigate a possibility of substitution of the venous blood radioactivity counts sampled 26 min post injection for the octanol-extracted arterial blood radioactivity counts obtained at 5 min after the injection of N-isopropyl-p-[123I]iodoamphetamine (123I-IMP). Furthermore, we investigated whether the integral of input function can be estimated from the venous blood radioactivity counts sampled 26 min post injection and the whole-brain time-activity curves early after 123I-IMP injection. There was a good correlation between the arterial blood radioactivity counts sampled 5 min post injection (y) and those obtained at 26 min (r = 0.902; n = 91; y = 2.348x - 867.063). There was also a good correlation between the arterial (x) and venous blood radioactivity counts (y) sampled 26 min post injection (r = 0.954; n = 14; y = 0.761x + 924.336). The venous blood radioactivity counts sampled at 26 min (x) correlated well with the octanol-extracted arterial blood radioactivity counts sampled at 5 min (y) (r = 0.964; n = 32; y = 0.173x - 21.598). There was a good correlation between the integrals of input function obtained from the regression equation obtained above and the whole-brain time-activity curves acquired during 7 min post injection (y) and those obtained by 5-min continuous arterial blood sampling (x) (r = 0.965; n = 41; y = 0.957x + 2665.208). These results indicate that this noninvasive and simple method can estimate the integral of input function for quantification of cerebral blood flow using 123I-IMP.

An alternative approach to estimation of the brain perfusion index for measurement of cerebral blood flow using technetium-99m compounds

Cerebral blood flow (CBF) has been quantified non-invasively using the brain perfusion index (BPI) determined from radionuclide angiographic data generated by technetium-99m hexamethylpropylene amine oxime( )((99m)Tc-HMPAO) or technetium-99m ethyl cysteinate dimer( )((99m)Tc-ECD). The BPI is generally calculated using graphical analysis (GA). In the present study, BPI was measured using spectral analysis (SA), and its usefulness evaluated in comparison with GA. The BPI was calculated from the sum of spectral data obtained by SA. We applied this method to radionuclide angiographic data collected from the bilateral brain hemispheres of 20 patients with various brain diseases using (99m)Tc-HMPAO and from those of 20 patients using (99m)Tc-ECD. We also measured BPI using GA. The BPI values obtained by SA (BPI(S)) (x) and by GA (BPI(G)) (y) correlated closely (y=0.708x+0.038, r=0.945 for (99m)Tc-HMPAO and y=0.559x+0.093, r=0.931 for (99m)Tc-ECD). However, the BPI(G) values were underestimated by 22.9%+/-6.6% (mean+/-SD) for (99m)Tc-HMPAO and by 27.9%+/-7.5% for (99m)Tc-ECD as compared with the BPI(S) values. The extent of underestimation tended to increase with increasing BPI(S) values. These findings were considered to be a result of the BPI(G) values being affected by the first-pass extraction fraction of the tracer. We also compared the BPI(S) and BPI(G) values with those of CBF measured using N-isopropyl-p-[(123)I]iodoamphetamine (CBF(IMP)) in 16 patients (six for (99m)Tc-HMPAO and ten for (99m)Tc-ECD). Although both BPI(S) and BPI(G) values correlated significantly with the CBF(IMP) values, the correlation coefficient in BPI(S) was always better than that in BPI(G) (r=0.869 for (99m)Tc-HMPAO and r=0.929 for (99m)Tc-ECD in BPI(S), r=0.629 for (99m)Tc-HMPAO and r=0.856 for (99m)Tc-ECD in BPI(G)). These results suggest that SA can provide a more reliable BPI for quantifying CBF using (99m)Tc-HMPAO or (99m)Tc-ECD than the conventional method using GA. Our method will be useful especially when using a tracer with a low first-pass extraction fraction and/or when performing activation studies using pharmacological intervention.

A gustatory cyclic nucleotide-gated channels CNGgust, is expressed in the retina

Cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels are essential proteins that contribute to the intracellular signal transduction of the senses of sight and smell. Recently, we found a novel CNG channel (CNGgust) in rat taste buds, and demonstrated its possible involvement in taste signal transduction. In the present study, we used RT-PCR and immunostaining to prove that this gustatory CNG channel is expressed in the outer segments of rat cone photoreceptor cells. The study strongly suggests that the senses of taste and sight share, at least in part, a common signal transduction pathway.

Unusual gastric polyp showing submucosal proliferation of glands: case report and literature review

We report an unusual pedunculated polyp in the stomach in a 41-year-old woman. She was hospitalized because of epigastric discomfort. Endoscopy revealed a polyp with a long stalk in the fundus of the stomach. The polypectomyzed polyp measured 23 x 18 x 9 mm and was characterized by submucosal proliferation of glands and cystic dilatation. The surface of the polyp was covered with gastric mucosa of fundic or pyloric gland type. The glandular structures consisted of various types of lining cells, including pyloric or mucous-neck cell type, surface mucous (foveolar) cell type, parietal-like cells, and somatostatin-positive cells. The submucosal glandular or cystic elements were connected with the overlying gastric mucosa through a defect of the muscularis mucosa, suggesting that this polyp may have been formed by the heterotopic inverted downgrowth of mucous glands into the submucosa. We discuss the histogenesis of this rare polyp and present a review of the literature.

Targeted cancer chemotherapy for VX2 tumour implanted in the colon with lipiodol as a carrier

In this study, we examined the possibility of targeting drug delivery to tumours by dissolving the cytotoxic drug in a lipid fluid that is selectively deposited in tumours. Rabbits bearing VX2 tumour 10-20 mm in diameter in the large bowel received arterial injections of 0.2 ml of mitomycin C (MMC) dissolved in Lipiodol (MMC/Lipiodol), and the antitumour activity and adverse effects were examined. One week after treatment complete necrosis of the tumour was observed in 8 of 10 rabbits that received MMC/Lipiodol (3 mg/ml) without severe adverse effects on the surrounding caecum. In comparison 3/12 control animals that received MMC in saline and Lipiodol also showed complete necrosis. 6 of 7 rabbits killed eight weeks after the injection of MMC/Lipiodol were cured, with no viable tumour cells and with a normal appearance of the surrounding large bowel. In conclusion, MMC dissolved in Lipiodol may be adaptable for the treatment of colon cancer and may achieve antitumour activity without severe adverse effects.

Measurement of blood radioactivity for quantification of cerebral blood flow using a gamma camera

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to determine whether gamma cameras can be substituted for well-type scintillation counters in measuring blood radioactivity counts to be used as an input function for the quantitative measurement of cerebral blood flow (CBF).

METHODS

Twelve different aqueous 123I solutions were prepared by serial dilution of the original concentration of 281.9 kBq/ml, and the radioactivity count of each dilution was measured with a gamma camera with the collimator removed, and with a well-type scintillation counter. When measuring the radioactivity counts with a gamma camera, static images were acquired using a 128 x 128 matrix for 5 min, and the regions of interest with 14 x 14 pixels (21 mm x 21 mm) were defined.

RESULTS

There was a good correlation between the results obtained by these two procedures in the range of concentration between 0.008 kBq/ml and 281.9 kBq/ml (y = 4.245x-2.549, r = 1.0, n = 12, s.e.e. = 7.217 kcpm). There was good agreement between the CBF values (ml/100 g/min) obtained using the cross-calibration factor (CCF) and blood radioactivity counts measured with the two procedures (y = 0.990x + 0.552, r = 0.990, n = 231, s.e.e. = 1.340 ml/100 g/min).

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that gamma cameras can be substituted for well-type scintillation counters in the quantitative measurement of CBF, and make it unnecessary to measure CCF after routine calibration of a SPECT apparatus.

Pitx2, a bicoid-type homeobox gene, is involved in a lefty-signaling pathway in determination of left-right asymmetry

Signaling molecules such as Activin, Sonic hedgehog, Nodal, Lefty, and Vg1 have been found to be involved in determination of left-right (L-R) asymmetry in the chick, mouse, or frog. However, a common signaling pathway has not yet been identified in vertebrates. We report that Pitx2, a bicoid-type homeobox gene expressed asymmetrically in the left lateral plate mesoderm, may be involved in determination of L-R asymmetry in both mouse and chick. Since Pitx2 appears to be downstream of lefty-1 in the mouse pathway, we examined whether mouse Lefty proteins could affect the expression of Pitx2 in the chick. Our results indicate that a common pathway from lefty-1 to Pitx2 likely exists for determination of L-R asymmetry in vertebrates.

[Investigation on feasibility of using a gamma camera for the measurement of blood radioactivity]

The present study was undertaken to determine whether gamma cameras can be used to measure radioactivity in samples, e.g. in blood. Aqueous 123I solution with a concentration of 10.3 MBq/ml was infused at a volume of one ml into a blood-sampling vial having an internal diameter of 22.5 mm. Various concentrations of radioactivity were generated by leaving the vial and taking radioactive decay into account. Static images were acquired for five minutes with a gamma camera using a 64 x 64 matrix to measure radioactivity counts, and the regions of interest with 7 x 7 pixels (21 mm x 21 mm) were defined on the image. The results showed that there was a good linear correlation between the radioactivity counts measured with the gamma camera without collimator and those measured with the well-type scintillation counter in the range between 0.032 kBq/ml and 279 kBq/ml. It therefore appears that gamma cameras can be substituted for well-type scintillation counters in the measurement of radioactivities in samples.

A method for estimating the integral of the input function for the quantification of cerebral blood flow with 123I-IMP using one-point arterial blood sampling

We have developed a new method to replace the conventional method of quantitatively measuring cerebral blood flow (CBF), in which octanol-extracted radioactivity counts are measured in continuous arterial blood samples. With the new method, the whole-brain time-activity curves early after the intravenous injection of N-isopropyl-p-[123I]iodoamphetamine were first obtained by the least-squares curve-fitting method. The equation thus obtained was differentiated and the radioactivity counts were corrected by the 5-min octanol-extracted radioactivity counts of the arterial blood sample obtained at a single time point. In the present study, the value obtained by integrating the equation from 0 to 5 min, which was obtained by curve-fitting, was compared with the octanol-extracted radioactivity counts obtained by 5-min continuous arterial blood sampling in 160 patients with cerebrovascular disorders. The results showed good agreement between the values obtained by the two procedures (y = 1.049x - 1522.4; r = 0.987). Using the CBF obtained by the 5-min continuous arterial blood sampling as the standard, the errors using the present integral values of the input function were 7.1 +/- 4.9%. Measurements of the integral of the input function by the present one-point arterial blood sampling method has the potential for use in the routine measurement of CBF, because it is less invasive and more convenient than the conventional method, and it is unaffected by cardiopulmonary disease or smoking.

Correlation of wing-leg identity in ectopic FGF-induced chimeric limbs with the differential expression of chick Tbx5 and Tbx4

It has been reported that members of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family can induce additional limb formation in the flank of chick embryos. The phenotype of the ectopic limb depends on the somite level at which it forms: limbs in the anterior flank resemble wings, whereas those in the posterior flank resemble legs. Ectopic limbs located in the mid-flank appear chimeric, possessing characteristics of both wings and legs; feather buds are present in the anterior halves with scales and claws in the posterior halves. To study the mechanisms underlying the chimerism of these additional limbs, we cloned chick Tbx5 and Tbx4 to use as forelimb and hindlimb markers and examined their expression patterns in FGF-induced limb buds. We found that Tbx5 and Tbx4 were differentially expressed in the anterior and posterior halves of additional limb buds in the mid-flank, respectively, consistent with the chimeric patterns of the integument. A boundary of Tbx5/Tbx4 exists in all ectopic limbs, indicating that the additional limbs are essentially chimeric, although the degree of chimerism is dependent on the position. The boundary of Tbx5/Tbx4 expression is not fixed at a specific position within the interlimb region, but dependent upon where FGF was applied. Since the ectopic expression patterns of Tbx5/Tbx4 in the additional limbs are closely correlated with the patterns of their chimeric phenotypes, it is likely that Tbx5 and Tbx4 expression in the limb bud is involved in determination of the forelimb and hindlimb identities, respectively, in vertebrates.

[Estimation of integral value of input function for the quantification of cerebral blood flow with 123I-IMP using one-point arterial blood sampling]

Cerebral blood flow (CBF) has been measured using a microsphere model with octanol-extracted radioactivity counts (integral value of input function). We developed a new method estimating the integral value of input function. First, we fitted the whole brain time-activity curves early after intravenous injection of N-isopropyl-p-[123I]iodoamphetamine (123I-IMP) by the least-squares method. Second, we differentiated this equation. Third, we calibrated it using octanol-extracted radioactivity counts of the arterial blood sampled at 5 min. Finally, we integrated it. A significant correlation was found between the integral values obtained using a new method and those obtained using the continuous arterial blood sampling data (y = 1.048x-1206, r = 0.984). The errors between the CBF values obtained using a new method and those obtained using the 5-min continuous arterial blood sampling was 6.88 +/- 4.78%. Measurement of integral values of the input function using a new method with one-point arterial blood sampling is less invasive and convenient, and is not influenced by cardiopulmonary disease or smoking. Therefore, it would be useful for the routine measurement of CBF.

[Simplified method to quantitate regional cerebral blood flow by 123I-IMP microsphere model: validity of input counts by using the whole brain time-activity curve and one point arterial blood sampling]

We developed a new microsphere method using 123I-IMP in which arterial blood is collected at one time point early after 123I-IMP injection instead of conventional continuous arterial blood sampling, and the input count is estimated using a whole brain time-activity curve until that time point. The differential curve dCb(t)/dt of the brain time-activity curve Cb(t) early after 123I-IMP injection (when the microsphere model is established) approximates the arterial time-activity curve Ca(t) as an input function. The input count as the integral value of Ca(t) at 0-5 min was estimated using the 50 min whole brain activity Cb(5 min) and the differential value dCb(5 min/dt and the 5-min octanol-extracted count of arterial samples obtained at one time point Ca(5 min). The input counts calculated by this method were very closely correlated with measurement values obtained by continuous arterial sampling. This method is more convenient and less invasive than the continuous arterial sampling method.

Intracranial intraparenchymal schwannoma: report of three cases

Intracranial intraparenchymal schwannomas are rare. We report three patients with an intracranial intraparenchymal schwannoma and discuss the clinical and neuroradiological aspects of this particular tumour. The patients were a 21-year-old male, a 64-year-old female and a 17-year-old male. The tumours were located in cerebrum in two patients and the cerebellum in one patient. Computerized tomography (CT) scans demonstrated a slightly high density area with homogeneous enhancement by contrast medium. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed slightly low signal intensity on the T1-weighted image, high or mixed signal intensity on the T2-weighted image and homogeneous enhancement by gadolinium diethylene triamine penta-acetic acid (Gd-DTPA). Radiological studies revealed cystic components in 2 of the 3 patients. All tumours were firm, well-demarcated, and completely removed. The diagnosis of schwannoma was derived from histological and immunohistochemical studies in all 3 cases; 2 cases were also examined by electron microscopy.

Small cell carcinoma of the stomach: a case report

A case of a gastric small cell carcinoma discovered incidentally by screening ultrasonography is presented. Ultrasonography demonstrated a subcardial metastatic lymph node and multiple hepatic metastatic lesions. Upper GI series and gastroendoscopy revealed a large ulcerated tumor in the cardia of the stomach, and a Borrmann type II tumor, 4 x 2.5 cm, was found in the resected stomach. We describe the radiological findings of the upper GI series, ultrasonography, CT, and gastroendoscopy, and review the literature.

The mesenchymal factor, FGF10, initiates and maintains the outgrowth of the chick limb bud through interaction with FGF8, an apical ectodermal factor

Vertebrate limb formation has been known to be initiated by a factor(s) secreted from the lateral plate mesoderm. In this report, we provide evidence that a member of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family, FGF10, emanates from the prospective limb mesoderm to serve as an endogenous initiator for limb bud formation. Fgf10 expression in the prospective limb mesenchyme precedes Fgf8 expression in the nascent apical ectoderm. Ectopic application of FGF10 to the chick embryonic flank can induce Fgf8 expression in the adjacent ectoderm, resulting in the formation of an additional complete limb. Expression of Fgf10 persists in the mesenchyme of the established limb bud and appears to interact with Fgf8 in the apical ectoderm and Sonic hedgehog in the zone of polarizing activity. These results suggest that FGF10 is a key mesenchymal factor involved in the initial budding as well as the continuous outgrowth of vertebrate limbs.

[Compton-scatter correction using the triple energy window (TEW) method in conventional single photon emission computed tomography without TEW acquisition hardware]

We devised a method which allowed the triple energy window (TEW) method to be applied for Compton-scatter correction in conventional single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) systems without any hardware for TEW acquisition. In this method, the data within two subwindows located at both sides of the main window were acquired together. The effectiveness of this method was investigated by phantom experiments. The integral and differential uniformities measured using a flood phantom filled with 123I were minimized when the energy width of subwindows was 5 keV (5.8% and 4.2%, respectively). When this method was applied to a brain phantom filled with 123I in which the relative activities in white and gray matter were assigned as 1: 4.3, the ratio of SPECT values between them was more accurate (1:4.26) than that obtained without this method (1:208). This method appears to be useful for Compton-scatter correction in SPECT, because it can be applied to conventional SPECT systems without any hardware for TEW acquisition and is available for routine clinical use for its simplicity.

Lingual carcinoma. Correlation of MR imaging with histopathological findings

PURPOSE

To determine the utility of MR imaging in the evaluation of lingual carcinomas.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Eleven patients with lingual carcinoma were evaluated with MR imaging including dynamic study within one week before surgery. Nine patients underwent preoperative chemotherapy or irradiation, and 2 patients had no preoperative treatment. Delineation of the tumor, the contrast between tumor and surrounding tissue, and extent of the tumor were evaluated in a blinded manner. After glossectomy, MR images were correlated with pathological findings. Statistical analysis was performed on the visual assessment ratings.

RESULTS

Blinded evaluation suggested that dynamic and T2-weighted images (T2WI) were significantly superior to postcontrast T1WI in demonstrating the lesion. There were no significant differences between dynamic MR images and T2WIs. However, histopathological correlation showed that in patients with preoperative treatment, dynamic MR imaging demonstrated more accurately the size and extent of the residual tumor than did T2WI and postcontrast T1WI, which tended to demonstrate an area of signal abnormality that was more extensive than the true size of the residual lesion. In patients without preoperative treatment, dynamic MR imaging, T2WI, and postcontrast T1WI gave an equivalent depiction of the extent of the carcinoma.

CONCLUSION

In patients with no preoperative treatment, dynamic MR imaging does not appear to offer any advantage over T2WI. However, in patients with preoperative treatment, dynamic MR imaging provides a more accurate assessment of the residual tumor than do T2WI and postcontrast T1WI.

Cell proliferation in N-nitrosodiethylamine (DEN)-treated rat liver parenchyma correlated with tumor development

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The authors wanted to clarify the relationship between the cell proliferation of the liver parenchyma and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Liver specimens of 22 N-nitrosodiethylamine-treated rats and 15 normal control rats were examined using laparotomic biopsies at 30 day intervals, followed by total liver resections after sacrifice. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed to evaluate the development of hepatocellular carcinoma at each period before biopsy. Cell proliferation was determined using the thymidine analogue, bromodeoxyuridine, which is taken up by S-phase cells during DNA synthesis.

RESULTS

The cell proliferation of the liver parenchyma gradually increased by the 60th day after the initiation of nitrosodiethylamine administration. The labeling index on the 60th day was 0.33 +/- 0.10%. No abnormal mass lesions were identified in either the control rats or the nitrosodiethylamine-treated-rats within this period. By the 90th day in the nitrosodiethylamine-treated-rats, the labeling index of non-cancerous portion had rapidly increased by as much as 1.60 +/- 0.38%, and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated small high signal intensity nodules on T1-weighted images. They were either hyperplastic nodules or well-differentiated hepato-cellular carcinomas. Moderately or poorly differentiated hepatocellular carcinomas developed at the 120th day.

CONCLUSIONS

The cell proliferation of non-cancerous portion of nitrosodiethylamine-treated-rats livers increased immediately before the development of hepatocellular carcinomas. Detection of this rapid increase of cell proliferation in non-cancerous portions of the liver may suggest a high probability of development of hepatocellular carcinoma in the near future.

MR imaging of lingual carcinoma: comparison with surgical staging

The purpose of this study was to determine the usefulness of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for the preoperative staging of 18 patients with lingual carcinomas. Tumor stage as determined by MR imaging was compared with pathological stage. Conspicuity of tumors was compared among dynamic MR, T2-weighted, and postcontrast T1-weighted images. The tumor stage was evaluated correctly with MR imaging in 15/18 patients (83.3%). One patient was overstaged and two understaged due to incorrect diagnosis of size. In all T4 cases, tumor extension was diagnosed correctly. Dynamic MR and T2-weighted images were superior to postcontrast T1-weighted images in delineating and showing the extension of carcinomas. However, dynamic MR imaging showed no significant superiority to T2-weighted imaging. We conclude that MR imaging is of great value in the staging of lingual carcinoma. Dynamic study should be performed only when the lesion is undetectable or equivocal on T2-weighted imaging.

Dermatoglyphic (fingerprint) pattern in biliary atresia

The dermatoglyphic (fingerprint) patterns of 288 patients with biliary atresia (117 males and 171 females) were compared to those of normal Japanese. Arches and radial loops were seen more frequently than the normal distribution on thumb, ring- and little-fingers. Nineteen percent of the patients had abnormal fingerprint patterns.

[Epidemiological studies on enteric adenovirus gastroenteritis in children]

Enteric adenoviruses (EAd), adenovirus (Ad) types 40 and 41, have been established as causative agents of gastroenteritis. By electron microscopic (EM) survey of acute gastroenteritis in children in the Matsuyama area, Ad were detected in 275 of 6476 fecal samples obtained from 1980 to 1993. Two-hundred-thirteen Ad-positive samples were tested for serotyping by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using three monoclonal antibodies, Ad group-specific, Ad 40 type-specific and Ad41 type-specific antibody. Of 199 samples serotyped by ELISA, 65 were identified as Ad40, 73 as Ad41, 1 as double infection with Ad40 and Ad41, and 60 as Non-EAd. About 70% of Adenovirus detected by EM were suggested to be EAd. Other epidemiological feature was as follows: EAd were detected throughout the year. The predominant serotype was Ad40 during 1980-1985, while Ad41 were observed after 1986. EAd were detected most frequently from the children aged 0-3 years. The incidence of fever in EAd positive group was lower (30%) than that (67%) in the Non-EAd positive group. The incidence of vomiting, nausea and respiratory symptoms was higher in Ad41 associated infections than Ad40.

Dynamic MR imaging of hepatic adenomas with pathologic correlation

Two patients with hepatic adenomas (HAs) were evaluated using dynamic magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Findings of conventional MR imaging of HAs have varied according to reports in the literature, and dynamic MR imaging of HAs has not been previously reported. Dynamic MR imaging using Gd-DTPA showed homogeneous enhancement in the early dynamic phase and prolonged enhancement in the late phase in the typical HA of Case 2. The HA of Case 1 contained fibrosis and exhibited delayed enhancement. The opacification of contrast enhancement was homogeneous and did not occur from the peripheral region as is observed in typical hemangiomas. In addition, washout of contrast material was not as rapid as with typical hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs).

Protective effects of cyclodextrin sulphates against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in the rat

The effects of cyclodextrin sulphates on the development of rat renal dysfunction induced with gentamicin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, were studied. Daily subcutaneous injection of gentamicin (100 mg kg-1, 14 days) developed nephrotoxicity in the rat as assessed by an increase in serum urea nitrogen and histopathological changes in the renal cortex. When cyclodextrin sulphates were given intraperitoneally at 300 mg kg-1 at 6 h intervals after gentamicin administration, they protected the rat against the drug-induced renal impairment, while the parent cyclodextrins were ineffective. Since post-administration of cyclodextrin sulphates did not reduce the total amount of gentamicin accumulated in the kidney, the protection may occur through interference with intracellular events leading from the drug accumulation to nephrotoxicity. These results suggest that cyclodextrin sulphates are particularly effective in preventing renal failure associated with aminoglycoside treatment.

A monoclonal antibody disrupting cell-cell adhesion of rat ascites hepatoma cells

A cell surface-associated adhesive factor (AF) separated from differentiated rat ascites hepatoma AH136B cells (forming cell islands in vivo) has been highly purified by chromatography. AF is assumed to mediate the cell-cell adhesion essential to island formation of the hepatoma cells. A substance, immunologically cross-reactive with AF, is present in the ascites fluid or culture medium of the AH136B cells. Because the substance is almost identical to AF in molecular weight and aggregation-promoting activity, it has been concluded that AF is released into the ascites fluid where it is concentrated. Monoclonal antibodies have been raised against AF purified from ascites fluid of AH136B cells. We have obtained a monoclonal antibody, coded MoAF-6D6, that strongly abolishes the aggregation-promoting activity of AF. When AH136B cell islands are incubated in the presence of Fab fragments of MoAF-6D6, cell detachment from the islands is evident within 24 h. Cell islands following 36-h culture show a distinct dissociation and islands completely lose their organization 48 h after culture. The dissociating effect of MoAF-6D6 is neutralized by the addition of AF. These results suggest that AF plays a significant role in the maintenance of cell islands.