[Rapid diagnosis of influenza infection by PCR method--detection of influenza virus HA gene in throat swab]

We studied the detection of the HA gene of human influenza viruses in throat swabs obtained from the outbreaks of influenza in school children utilizing the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Sensitivity and specificity of the PCR method was compared to conventional virus isolation using MDCK cells. Three pairs of primers for PCR in detecting the HA genes of AH1, AH3, and B influenza viruses showed both subtype and type specificity. The dilution experiments showed that influenza viruses, as few as 1.1-3.5 plaque-forming units per 50 microliters, were sufficient for the detection of HA genes by PCR method and the detection rate by PCR method was 2-3 fold higher than that by conventional method. Our results showed that the PCR method was a fast, sensitive and reliable method for the diagnosis of influenza infections.

[The mechanism of neutrophil-induced lung injury--autoregulation of superoxide generation in cells]

Neutrophils which are isolated in the lung adhere to endothelial cells due to chemotactic factors, and release various proteases, superoxide anions and prostanoids in inflammatory processes. However, this host defense mechanism can cause tissue damage. Excessive adherent neutrophils are not always derived from lung injury. We have previously reported that an increase in cell density in human neutrophils attenuates superoxide anion generation by cell to cell communication (autoregulation). Autoregulation of the protein kinase c stimulator, phorbol myristate acetate, and also of the cell membrane receptor stimulator, N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenyl-alanine was observed. The autoregulation was not related to the presence of extracellular Ca2+ not to a change of [Ca2+]i induced by stimulants. These results suggest that neutrophils accumulated in the lung tissue have a built-in defense mechanism induced by membrane to membrane contact of neutrophils, which protects tissues from an excessive inflammatory response.

[Family-acquired hepatitis A--prevalence of hepatitis A among the family in Aichi Prefecture, 1990]

We studied the transmission of hepatitis A virus (HAV) in 45 families, which members were diagnosed as hepatitis A in 8 hospitals in 1990. Feces and sera from 50 patients and their 126 family members were tested for HAV-specific antigen and IgM antibody by ELISA or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology. From the interval of the onset of hepatitis or detection of HAV antigen in feces, HAV transmission was recognized in 11 (24.4%) of 45 families. The transmission was found to be concerned with contacts of the children and that from children to parents was found in 4 families and the reverse in 2. HAV antigen was detected from feces of 4 family members before onset of icterus by ELISA and furthermore, 3 by PCR. It was indicated that these methods would be used to prevent the transmission in a family, day-care centers, or institutions for the mentally retarded.

Adenovirus infection and specific secretory IgA responses in the intestine of infants

We investigated adenovirus (Ad) infection of the intestine and Ad group-specific fecal IgA antibody responses in seven infants who were followed up from birth to 16 months to seven years of age. We isolated in tissue culture from fecal samples not only enteric Ad type 41 but also other Ads (types 2, 3, 5, 6, and 12). We also detected Ad antigens in the feces by ELISA at the times of infection with even non-enteric Ads, suggesting that a large amount of antigens were produced in the intestine. We found that repeated Ad infections with different serotypes were occurring and there were good fecal IgA antibody responses at each time. The infection seemed usually mild or asymptomatic: only one out of 23 occasions of the detected infections required hospitalization.

Central cholinergic agents. III. Synthesis of 2-alkoxy-2,8- diazaspiro[4.5]decane-1,3-diones as muscarinic agonists

A series of 2-alkoxy-2,8-diazaspiro[4.5]decane-1,3-diones and related compounds were synthesized and tested for muscarinic receptor binding affinity using [3H]pirenzepine and [3H]oxotremorine M as ligands. They were also evaluated for agonistic activities in the guinea pig ileum assay. 2-Methoxy- 2,8-diazaspiro[4.5]decane-1,3-dione (1i) was found to be a relatively M1 selective agonist. It reversed CO2-induced impairment of passive avoidance response with long duration of action, but also displayed peripheral effects at low doses. To minimize these side effects, we proposed the idea of conjugation of 1i with a muscarinic antagonist. The carbamate linked conjugate (1u) of 1i with methylatropine was therefore examined.

Administration of α1-Proteinase Inhibitor Ameliorates Bleomycin-induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in Hamsters

The effect of alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor (alpha 1Pi) administration on the acute lung injury and subsequent fibrosis induced by bleomycin (BLM) was examined in hamsters. Pulmonary lesions were quantitatively reduced in alpha 1Pi-administered BLM-treated (BLM-alpha 1Pi) animals compared with animals treated by BLM alone (BLM-control) at both 7 days (acute stage) and 30 days (fibrotic stage) after BLM treatment. Analysis of intraalveolar cells from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid revealed that neutrophils and lymphocytes were significantly decreased in the BLM-alpha 1Pi animals at 7 days after BLM treatment and that 30 days after BLM treatment macrophages as well as neutrophils and lymphocytes were remarkably decreased in the BLM-alpha 1Pi animals. The elastase activity in supernatants of BAL fluid during 7 days following BLM treatment was detected, but there was no difference between the two groups. In vitro studies on neutrophil responsiveness to stimulation of BAL fluid at 3 days after BLM treatment revealed noticeable chemotaxis and generation of superoxide anion of isolated neutrophils, but alpha 1Pi did not show any inhibitory effects on neutrophil responsiveness. We suggest that alpha 1Pi administration ameliorates pulmonary fibrosis preceded by acute lung injury induced by BLM treatment in hamsters and that the inhibitory effects of alpha 1Pi on lung injury may not be brought about by altered elastase activity, chemotaxis, or superoxide generation in neutrophils. Alternative mechanisms are discussed.

[Effects of surgical stress on peripheral venous functions]

Postoperative changes in peripheral venous functions were determined by Ga-In strain gauge plethysmography in 28 surgical patients, and central venous functions and urine catecholamine levels were also measured. The results were as follows: 1. The maximum venous outflow (MVO) and arterial blood inflow volume (AF) of the healthy arms tended to increase with age, but showed no sex or right-to-left difference. 2. MVO, AF and venous distensibility were decreased postoperatively, and the decreases were greater in the patients with major surgery than in those with minor surgery. 3. MVO in the patients with high urine levels of adrenaline and noradrenaline showed a greater decrease than those in normal subjects, and the majority of these patients were found to have had major surgery. There was a negative correlation between the urine noradrenaline level and MVO. 4. The decrease in peripheral venous functions preceded the decrease in central venous functions. 5. The postoperative decrease in peripheral venous functions was considered to be the result of active vasoconstriction due to hypersecretion of catecholamines caused by surgical stress and increase in the extravascular pressure. 6. Measurement of venous functions of the arm may be a good parameter for detecting circulatory disturbances due to surgical stress.

[Descriptive epidemiology of mushroom poisoning in Japan]

The Incidence of mushroom poisoning was surveyed statistically from 1959 to 1988 in Japan. The results are summarized as follows: 1. During the past three decades, the total number of incidents of mushroom poisoning was 2,096, which involved 10,924 patients and 72 deaths. The average number of incidents was 70 cases per year, involving 364 patients and 2.4 deaths, and the number of incidents decreased gradually every year. Mushroom poisoning usually happened most frequently in September and October. 2. Considering regional differences, the incidence of mushroom poisoning was more frequent in the northeastern part of Japan than in the southwestern part. The incidences of mushroom poisoning in the prefectures of Nagano, Hokkaido, Niigata, Iwate and Fukushima were relatively high. 3. Three species of mushrooms, L. japonicus, R. rhodopolius (R. sinuatus) and T. ustale caused the majority of all poisonings. 4. The rates of total patients and fatalities for each type of poisoning, which were classified according to the symptoms caused, were 90.3% and 10.7% in the type with cholera-like symptoms, 90.2% and 0.2% in that with gastro-intestinal irritation, and 74.1% and 0% in that with neurological symptoms, respectively.

A 2-year survey of the prevalence of enteric viral infections in children compared with contamination in locally-harvested oysters

We studied, for two years, the prevalence of indigenous human enteric viruses in wild oysters gathered each month from the bottom of Mikawa Bay, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Viruses were detected periodically in 9 out of 54 oyster pools prepared by the acid or polyethylene glycol precipitation method although all these 9 pools met current national bacteriological safety standards. Since most of the serotypes of the enteric viruses detected in the oysters were identical with those of viruses isolated from sick children living in the area, it is suggested that contamination of enteric viruses in the oysters would depend on the prevalence of enteric viral infections in the local inhabitants.

Central cholinergic agents. I. Potent acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, 2-[omega-[N-alkyl-N-(omega-phenyl-alkyl)amino]alkyl]-1H-isoindole- 1,3(2H)-diones, based on a new hypothesis of the enzyme's active site

It has been suggested that the active site of acetylcholinesterase contains a hydrophobic binding site (HBS-1), which is closely adjacent to both the anionic and the esteratic sites. In this paper, we assumed that there exists another hydrophobic binding site (HBS-2), some distance removed from the anionic site. On this assumption, a new working hypothesis was proposed for the design of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. A series of 2-[omega-[N-alkyl-N-(omega-phenyl-alkyl)amino]alkyl]-1H- isoindole-1,3(2H)-diones was designed based on this hypothesis and tested for its inhibitory activities on acetylcholinesterase. Some in this series were revealed to be more potent than physostigmine. Optimum activity was found to be associated with a five carbon chain length separating the benzylamino group from the 1H-isoindole-1,3(2H)-dione (phthalimide) moiety. Quantitative study of substitution effect on the phthalimide moiety revealed that hydrophilic and electron-withdrawing groups enhance the activity.

Central cholinergic agents. II. Synthesis and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities of N-[omega-[N-alkyl-N-(phenylmethyl)amino]alkyl]-3-arylpropenamides

A series of N-[omega-[N-alkyl-N-(phenylmethyl)amino]alkyl]-3-arylpropenamides was prepared and tested for its inhibitory activities on acetylcholinesterase. Some in the series were found to be potent inhibitors. The structure-activity relationships were discussed in detail.

Isolation of cytopathic small round viruses with BS-C-1 cells from patients with gastroenteritis

Fecal extracts from 12 subjects in outbreaks of oyster-associated nonbacterial gastroenteritis were inoculated with BS-C-1 cells for isolation of the causative viruses. Cytopathic agents were isolated from 3 patients. No cross-neutralizing reactions were observed between the isolates and prototypes of human enteroviruses. The isolates were approximately 30 nm in diameter and had a distinct ultrastructure resembling that of astroviruses. Four polypeptide bands with molecular sizes of 42, 28, 27, and 22 kDa were seen on SDS-PAGE analyses. Seroconversion against the isolate was observed in 18 (31.6%) of 57 patients involved in five of seven outbreaks examined by neutralization test. A protein band characteristically reactive with the paired serum samples was detectable at 42 kDa by immunoblot assay. These results suggested that some small round viruses resembling astroviruses might show cytopathic effect in BS-C-1 cells and may be associated with an oyster-related gastroenteritis.

Alcohol intake and nonfatal acute myocardial infarction in Japan

The relation between alcohol and nonfatal acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was examined in a case-control study of 89 male patients and 271 control subjects in Fukuoka, Japan. Patients admitted for the first AMI at 2 hospitals in Fukuoka City were aged 40 to 69 years, and control subjects were recruited based on the telephone directory of the city. Information on alcohol drinking and potential coronary risk factors was obtained by using a self-administered questionnaire, and past drinkers were separated from lifelong abstainers in the analysis. After adjustment for age, occupation, cigarette smoking, strenuous exercise, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and parental heart disease, the risk of AMI was progressively less with increasing levels of alcohol consumption. With those who never drank as a referent, adjusted odds ratios for current drinkers consuming less than 30, 30 to 59, and greater than or equal to 60 ml/day of alcohol were 1.11 (95% confidence interval 0.51 to 2.42), 0.31 (0.11 to 0.83), and 0.13 (0.05 to 0.36), respectively. These findings add to the body of data showing that alcohol drinkers are less likely to have AMI.

A large outbreak of gastroenteritis associated with a small round structured virus among schoolchildren and teachers in Japan

In March 1989 a large outbreak of acute gastroenteritis occurred simultaneously among schoolchildren and teachers at nine elementary schools in Toyota City, Japan. Illness was observed in 3236 (41.5%) of 7801 schoolchildren and 117 (39.4%) of 297 teachers. The main clinical symptoms were diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea and abdominal pain. Gastroenteritis was significantly associated with the consumption of school lunch served by one particular lunch preparation centre. One food handler at the centre suffered from gastroenteritis during the outbreak. Small round structured virus (SRSV) was detected in 4 of 8 stool specimens from sick persons. The school lunch contaminated by the infected food handler is the most probable source of this outbreak due to SRSV.

[Sulfuric acid submicron aerosols induce morphological changes in the central airways in the guinea pig]

We examined the airway injury of the guinea pig exposed to sulfuric acid submicron aerosols (1 mg/m3). The animals were exposed to filtered air (sham control) or to submicrometer-sized sulfuric acid aerosols for 4 hr/day, 6 days/week, with sacrifices after 4 hours, 3 days, 1, 2, and 4 weeks of acid exposure. Light and electron microscopic examinations revealed that epithelial injury such as disappearance of cilia in the central airways was observed and the severity of the injury increased with exposure duration. This experimental study shows that submicrometer particles of sulfuric acid induces significant alterations in the central airways and may be involved in the incidence of asthma attack.

Role of interleukin-1 and prostaglandin in in vitro bone resorption induced by Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans lipopolysaccharide

Lipopolysaccharide (Y4 LPS) isolated from Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans strain Y4 induced bone resorption in BALB/c mouse calvaria organ culture. The calcium release from LPS-low responsive C3H/HeJ mouse calvaria by Y4 LPS was very low. Indomethacin almost completely inhibited prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production by Y4 LPS-stimulated BALB/c mouse calvaria, but did not suppress interleukin-1 (IL-1) release from the calvaria, and partially suppressed the bone resorption. Dexamethasone strongly inhibited the PGE2 and IL-1 production by Y4 LPS-stimulated BALB/c mouse calvaria, as well as Y4 LPS-induced bone resorption. Dexamethasone inhibited expression of membrane IL-1 on osteoblastic cells stimulated with Y4 LPS, but indomethacin did not. Furthermore, anti-IL-1 serum partially suppressed the calcium release from Y4 LPS-stimulated BALB/c mouse calvaria. These results suggest that both PGE2 and IL-1 participate in Y4 LPS-induced bone resorption in vitro.

Suckling stimulates the expression of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide gene in rats

The effect of suckling on vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) gene expression in the hypothalami was studied during the postpartum period in rats. Female rats were divided into two groups immediately after delivery. In one group, a mother was housed with 8 pups, and in the other, without any pups. The former group was named S(+) and the latter S(-). On days 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 after delivery, the mothers were killed by decapitation. Hypothalamic VIP mRNA was measured by RNA dot hybridization. Although the VIP mRNA level showed no significant change after delivery in the S(-) group, VIP mRNA in the S(+) group on days 6, 9 and 12 increased to 1.6, 3.5 and 2.1 times higher than the level observed on day 0, respectively. These results suggest that suckling induces the synthesis of VIP after 6 postpartum days.

Pharmacokinetics of vitamin K in mothers and children in the perinatal period: transplacental transport of vitamin K2 (MK-4)

In order to examine the pharmacokinetics of vitamin K2, vitamin K2 (MK-4) was intravenously injected into mothers, and its transfer to placental tissue and the fetuses was examined. While incorporation of vitamin K2 into placental tissue was relatively active, transfer of vitamin K2 to fetal blood (cord blood) was small. So it was indicated that vitamin K2 incorporated into placental tissue from maternal blood is initially stored in the placenta and then gradually released into the fetal blood. Since vitamin K deficiency has been pointed out, release of vitamin K2 into milk was also examined. When vitamin K2 (MK-4) was injected into mothers, the release of vitamin K2 into milk increased with time even after the plasma vitamin K2 concentration in maternal blood decreased. So the presence of a vitamin K2 concentrating mechanism in the mammary tissue was indicated.

Melanostatin, a new melanin synthesis inhibitor. Production, isolation, chemical properties, structure and biological activity

Melanostatin, a new antibiotic with melanin synthesis inhibitor activity, was isolated from the fermentation broth of Streptomyces clavifer No. N924-2. Its structure was determined by spectral analysis and degradation experiments. Melanostatin strongly inhibited melanin formation in Streptomyces bikiniensis NRRL B-1049 and B16 melanoma cells.

[Microbiological and chemical analyses of indoor swimming pools and virucidal effect of chlorine in these waters]

Virological and bacteriological examinations and chemical analysis were made of 24 water samples from 6 public indoor swimming pools in Aichi Prefecture. In 3 of these swimming pools, sodium hypochlorite was used as a disinfectant and in the remainder trichloroisocyanurates. All samples were negative for adenovirus per 20 liters. Coliform group was detected in one sample with 26.7 mg/l cyanuric acid. Total plate counts ranged from 0 to 1 per ml in the swimming pools treated with sodium hypochlorite and 0 to 51 in those with trichloroisocyanurates. Turbidity, pH and potassium permanganate concentrations in the samples were within allowable limits. Seven of 24 samples did not meet the recommended value of 0.4 mg/l for free chlorine residuals. Ammonium nitrogen was detected in one pool water with trichloroisocyanurates. In 11 of 12 water samples of swimming pools using sodium hypochlorite, poliovirus 1 (2 x 10(4) PFU/0.2 ml) was inactivated within 1 min under the condition of 1.0 mg/l free available chlorine and 25 degrees C. In 11 of 12 water samples of 3 swimming pools using trichloroisocyanurates, poliovirus type 1 survived after 2 min contact while in 5 samples poliovirus type 1 survived after 5 min contact. This shows that the risk of viral infection is greater in swimming pool water treated with chlorinated isocyanurics than that with sodium hypochlorite. The operator of the swimming pool should pay special attention to the control of water quality and free residual chlorine value.

Synthesis of isoindolo[2,1-a]quinoline derivatives and their effects on N2-induced hypoxia

A variety of isoindolo[2,1-a]quinoline derivatives as well as the following related heterocycles have been prepared: 11b,12-dihydro-5H-isoindolo[2,1-b][2]benzazepine-7,13-dione (8a), 7,8,14,14a-tetrahydroisoindolo[2,1-c][3]benzazocine-5, 13-dione (8b), 6a,7-dihydroisoquinolino[2,3-a]quinoline-5,12-dione (12), 2,3,3a-4-tetrahydropyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoline-1,5-dione (14), and pyrido[2',3':3,4]pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoline-5,11(5H)-dione (17). The key synthetic step involves an intramolecular Friedel-Crafts reaction of acid chlorides such as isoindole-1-acetyl chlorides (4), the acids (3) of which were prepared starting with 2-arylisoindole-1,3(2H)-diones (2-arylphthalimides) (1). The protective effects of isoindolo[2,1-a]quinoline derivatives (19 and 20) against N2-induced hypoxia were examined. Among them, 6-(diethylaminomethyl)isoindolo[2,1-a]quinoline-5,11(5H)-dio ne (19b) showed the most potency.

Interstitial deletion of long arm of chromosome 2(q31q33)

We describe the case of a 4-month-old girl with interstitial deletion of the long arm of chromosome 2(46,XX,del(2) (q31q33]. Clinical features included intrauterine growth retardation, psychomotor delay, antimongoloid slanting of the palpebral fissures, hypertelorism, low set ears, cleft palate, micrognathia, luxatio coxae and pes varus. It is suggested that the gene for soluble isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH1) is located on 2q33.3. The activity of serum IDH1 was in the normal range in this patient.