[Molecular biological diagnosis]

Biological behavior of lung cancer was evaluated by basic study. Malignancy Associated Change is the concept that the nuclear features of normal cells in the vicinity of cancer show subtle morphological difference from those of healthy individuals. The difference was recognized by high resolution cytometry and the expression of MAC cells was correlated with the degree of abnormality of chest diseases. Comparative genomic hybridization and fluorescence in situ hybridization were performed to investigate genetic abnormality of. Multiple genetic abnormalities and chromosomal instability showed poor prognosis. Two dimensional electrophoresis was employed to detect the expression of the specific protein of lung cancer. TAO2 was proved to be specific to well differentiated adenocarcinoma. Also, metabolic analysis will be employed for cell analysis.

TAK1 participates in c-Jun N-terminal kinase signaling during Drosophila development

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta)-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) is a member of the MAPKKK superfamily and has been characterized as a component of the TGF-beta/bone morphogenetic protein signaling pathway. TAK1 function has been extensively studied in cultured cells, but its in vivo function is not fully understood. In this study, we isolated a Drosophila homolog of TAK1 (dTAK1) which contains an extensively conserved NH(2)-terminal kinase domain and a partially conserved COOH-terminal domain. To learn about possible endogenous roles of TAK1 during animal development, we generated transgenic flies which express dTAK1 or the mouse TAK1 (mTAK1) gene in the fly visual system. Ectopic activation of TAK1 signaling leads to a small eye phenotype, and genetic analysis reveals that this phenotype is a result of ectopically induced apoptosis. Genetic and biochemical analyses also indicate that the c-Jun amino-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway is specifically activated by TAK1 signaling. Expression of a dominant negative form of dTAK during embryonic development resulted in various embryonic cuticle defects including dorsal open phenotypes. Our results strongly suggest that in Drosophila melanogaster, TAK1 functions as a MAPKKK in the JNK signaling pathway and participates in such diverse roles as control of cell shape and regulation of apoptosis.

[Antihypertensive substance in the leaves of kumis kucing (Orthosiphon aristatus) in Java Island]

The water decoction of leaves of kumis kucing, Orthosiphon aristatus (BL.) MIQ (Lamiaceae) which has been prescribed in Javanese traditional medicine (jamu) for the treatment of hypertension etc., was partitioned into a mixture of chloroform and water. The chloroform-soluble portion showed an inhibitory effect on the contractile responses on rat thoracic aorta smooth muscle stimulated with KCl beforehand, while the water-soluble portion showed no effect. The chloroform-soluble portion was separated to afford a new benzochromene [orthochromene A (7)], two new isopimarane-type diterpenes [orthosiphonone A (10), orthosiphonone B (11)], and two novel migrated pimarane-type diterpenes [neoorthosiphol A (12), neoorthosiphol B (13)], together with eight known compounds (1-6, 8, 9). Among those thirteen substances, it was found that a major constituent in the water decoction of leaves, methylripariochromene A (5), exhibited a continuous decrease in systolic blood pressure after subcutaneous administration in conscious stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP).

Takayasu arteritis: diagnosis with breath-hold contrast-enhanced three-dimensional MR angiography

The purpose of the study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of breath-hold contrast-enhanced three-dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance (MR) angiography in Takayasu arteritis. Thirty patients suspected of having Takayasu arteritis were examined with MR angiography and conventional angiography. Takayasu arteritis was diagnosed in 20 of these patients. MR angiography was performed using a 1.5-T system after bolus injection of 0.1 mmol/kg of gadodiamide. MR angiography clearly depicted various vascular lesions in the aorta and its major branches in all 20 patients with Takayasu arteritis. It also depicted pulmonary artery lesions in 10 (50%) of the 20 patients. MR angiography accurately depicted 323 (98%) of 330 arteries, but 7 (2%) stenotic arteries were overestimated as occluded. The sensitivity and specificity of MR angiography for the diagnosis of Takayasu arteritis were both 100%. Breath-hold contrast-enhanced 3D MR angiography clearly depicts various vascular lesions in both the systemic and pulmonary arteries in Takayasu arteritis, thus allowing a definitive diagnosis of Takayasu arteritis.

Anisotropic diffusion in kidney: apparent diffusion coefficient measurements for clinical use

The purpose of this study was to evaluate anisotropy of the kidney by measurements of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) using commercially available magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Fifty-one consecutive patients underwent diffusion-weighted echoplanar MR imaging of the upper abdomen with five different strengths of motion probing gradients (b = 1.51, 55.3, 36.6, 317, and 932 sec/mm2) applied along the z-axis. Four ADC values for the upper pole and central portion of the kidney were calculated from four different b-value ranges and compared. The ADCs for the kidney calculated in the lower b-value ranges were significantly higher than those in the higher ranges. The ADCs for the upper pole portion were significantly higher than those for the central portion except for one in the highest b-value range. Diffusion in the kidney is anisotropic, probably due to the kidney's radially oriented structures such as renal vessels and tubules.

Anisotropic diffusion in kidney: apparent diffusion coefficient measurements for clinical use

The purpose of this study was to evaluate anisotropy of the kidney by measurements of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) using commercially available magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Fifty-one consecutive patients underwent diffusion-weighted echoplanar MR imaging of the upper abdomen with five different strengths of motion probing gradients (b = 1.51, 55.3, 36.6, 317, and 932 sec/mm2) applied along the z-axis. Four ADC values for the upper pole and central portion of the kidney were calculated from four different b-value ranges and compared. The ADCs for the kidney calculated in the lower b-value ranges were significantly higher than those in the higher ranges. The ADCs for the upper pole portion were significantly higher than those for the central portion except for one in the highest b-value range. Diffusion in the kidney is anisotropic, probably due to the kidney's radially oriented structures such as renal vessels and tubules.

Hierarchical model in multiphase flow

A hierarchical model for two-phase flow is constructed. The model has two layered systems one corresponding to the macroscopic hydrodynamics described by the Navier-Stokes equation and the other to the interfacial dynamics described by the Cahn-Hilliard-type equation. Numerical simulations in some simple cases are carried out to examine the validity of the model. As an application of the model simulations of two colliding droplets under shear flow are presented.

Primary malignant lymphoma of the maxillary sinus: CT and MRI

We reviewed the CT and MRI of seven patients with primary malignant lymphoma of the maxillary sinus to find if there are characteristic imaging findings suggestive of the disease. The images were analysed for appearance, size, signal, internal characteristics, extent of tumour, bone change and lymph node enlargement. In two patients, the tumour first presented with mucosal thickening. In the remaining five, the tumours were an expansile mass 4-6 cm in diameter at the time of detection. Although it was difficult to distinguish tumour from mucosa or obstructed fluid on CT, T2-weighted MRI enabled us to separate tumour from normal mucosa or fluid. In two patients, the tumours were heterogeneous. Calcification and haemorrhage were observed in one patient. Periantral soft-tissue infiltration was always present, even when tumour appeared as slight mucosal thickening. Posterior extension was seen in all patients. Permeative and lytic bone destruction accompanied most cases of periantral soft-tissue infiltration; mixed destruction and sclerosis was also observed. Mucosal thickening with periantral soft-tissue infiltration may suggest malignant lymphoma of the maxillary sinus in its early form. Various types of bone change may accompany the periantral soft-tissue infiltration.

Radiotherapy for primary localized (stage I and II) non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the oral cavity

PURPOSE

To assess the role of radiation therapy in the treatment of primary localized (Stage I: 24 cases and Stage II: 13 cases) non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL) of the oral cavity.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

In total, 37 patients (27 male, 10 female) with primary localized NHL of the oral cavity have been treated with radiotherapy alone (23 cases) or radiation with chemotherapy (14 cases). The age range was 29 to 86 years (median: 65). Clinical and treatment variables with potential prognostic significance for survival were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analysis. Of the 37 patients, 31 (84%) had intermediate-grade lymphomas and six (14%) had high-grade lymphomas. Four patients showed necrotic ulcer in the central portion of the hard palate.

RESULTS

The 5-year actuarial survival rate for all cases was 73%. The 5-year survival rates for intermediate-grade and high-grade lymphoma were 85% and 14%, respectively. Significant prognostic factors identified by the multivariate analysis were histologic grade of malignancy (p = 0.02) and central necrotic ulcer in the tumor (p = 0.02). Chemotherapy did not improve survival (p = 0.41).

CONCLUSIONS

Our analysis suggests that radiotherapy alone may be approved as the treatment for localized oral NHL with no ulceration and intermediate histology. However, patients with high-grade lymphoma and/or necrotic ulcer are difficult to cure with radiation alone and aggressive treatment should be advocated to improve survival.

TAB2, a novel adaptor protein, mediates activation of TAK1 MAPKKK by linking TAK1 to TRAF6 in the IL-1 signal transduction pathway

The TAK1 MAPKKK mediates activation of JNK and NF-KB in the IL-1-activated signaling pathway. Here we report the identification of TAB2, a novel intermediate in the IL-1 pathway that functionally links TAK1 to TRAF6. Expression of TAB2 induces JNK and NF-kappaB activation, whereas a dominant-negative mutant TAB2 impairs their activation by IL-1. IL-1 stimulates translocation of TAB2 from the membrane to the cytosol where it mediates the IL-1-dependent association of TAK1 with TRAF6. These results define TAB2 as an adaptor linking TAK1 and TRAF6 and as a mediator of TAK1 activation in the IL-1 signaling pathway.

Indonesian medicinal plants. XXIII. Chemical structures of two new migrated pimarane-type diterpenes, neoorthosiphols A and B, and suppressive effects on rat thoracic aorta of chemical constituents isolated from the leaves of Orthosiphon aristatus (Lamiaceae)

Two novel migrated pimarane-type diterpenes named neoorthosiphols A (1) and B (2) were isolated from the water decoction of the leaves of Orthosiphon aristatus (Lamiaceae), which has been prescribed in Javanese traditional medicine (jamu) for the treatment of hypertension, etc. The absolute chemical structures have been elucidated on the basis of physicochemical properties. It has been found that two migrated pimarane-type diterpenes (1, 2), four isopimarane-type diterpenes (3, 4, 5, 6), three benzochromenes (7, 8, 9) and two flavones (12, 13) exhibit a suppressive effect on contractile responses in rat thoracic aorta, among thirteen chemical constituents (1-13) isolated from the leaves.

Renal artery lesions in patients with moyamoya disease: angiographic findings

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Renal artery lesions in moyamoya disease have been described sporadically in several case reports. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the angiographic findings of renal artery lesions in moyamoya disease and to determine the prevalence of renal artery lesions in patients with moyamoya disease.

METHODS

Eighty-six consecutive patients with idiopathic moyamoya disease were prospectively examined with both cerebral angiography and abdominal aortography. The findings of abdominal aortography were reviewed for the presence and appearance of renal artery lesions and compared with the clinical data and cerebral angiographic findings.

RESULTS

Of 86 patients with idiopathic moyamoya disease, 7 patients (8%) were found to have renal artery lesions. Six patients (7%) had stenosis in the renal artery, and 1 patient (1%) had a small saccular aneurysm in the renal artery. Two patients (2%) with a marked renal artery stenosis presented with renovascular hypertension, which resulted in an intraventricular hemorrhage in 1 patient. Furthermore, the renal artery stenosis in the 2 patients with renovascular hypertension was successfully treated with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. There was no significant correlation between the presence of renal artery lesions and cerebral angiographic findings.

CONCLUSIONS

Seven (8%) of 86 patients with moyamoya disease showed renal artery lesions, including 6 stenoses (7%) and 1 aneurysm (1%). Renal artery lesions are a clinically relevant systemic manifestation in patients with moyamoya disease.

Comparison of lung perfusion scintigraphic findings in pulmonary thromboembolism in systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE plus antiphospholipid syndrome, and primary antiphospholipid syndrome

In this study, we compared and reviewed the findings on lung perfusion scans performed in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic lupus erythematosus with associated antiphospholipid syndrome (SLE + APS), and primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS), to evaluate the prevalence of pulmonary embolism in restricted samples of the patient groups. Lung perfusion scintigraphy with 99Tc(m)-macroaggregated albumin was performed in 31 patients (SLE = 7; SLE + APS = 14; PAPS = 10). The seven patients with SLE alone and the 10 patients with PAPS had normal perfusion lung scans. Six of the 14 SLE + APS patients showed a segmental uptake defect on multi-view perfusion scans. Thus, the SLE + APS patients were found to have a higher risk of pulmonary thromboembolism than the SLE alone and primary APS patients (P<0.05). The results of our study suggest that lung perfusion scintigraphy should be performed routinely in these patients, even in the absence of pulmonary clinical manifestations, to obtain baseline data for disease outcome and management.

Association study between genetic polymorphisms in the 14-3-3 eta chain and dopamine D4 receptor genes and alcoholism

BACKGROUND

The dopaminergic system may be involved in the development of alcoholism. As part of our ongoing studies on the association between alcoholism and dopaminergic genes, we report herein a mutation analysis of the 14-3-3 eta chain gene (YWHAH) and an association study between alcoholism and the YWHAH and dopamine D4 receptor gene (DRD4) polymorphisms.

METHODS

Nucleotide mutations were investigated using single-strand conformation polymorphism methods. Associations were analyzed using a case-control design involving 185 Japanese alcoholics and 286 Japanese controls.

RESULTS

Five polymorphisms, -147G>A, -134(GCCTGCA)2-4, IVS1+31(G)7-8, IVS1+73-74ins(G), and 753A>G, were detected on the YWHAH, and three of them were novel. No significant associations were found between alcoholism and these polymorphisms or two additional polymorphisms on DRD4 exon III and DRD4 -521C/T.

CONCLUSIONS

YWHAH and DRD4 do not appear to play a major role in the development of alcoholism.

Systematic analysis of deficits in visual attention

A variety of impairments in visual attention can follow damage to the brain. The authors develop systematic methods for analyzing such impairments in terms of C. Bundesen's (1990) Theory of Visual Attention and apply these in a group of 9 patients with parietal lobe lesions and variable spatial neglect. In whole report, patients report letters from brief, vertical arrays in left or right visual field. The results show substantial, largely bilateral impairments in processing capacity, implying a major nonlateralized aspect to neglect. In partial report, arrays contain 1 or 2 letters in red and/or green. The task is to report only those letters in a specified target color. In addition to the expected bias against left-sided letters, patients show striking, bilateral preservation of top-down control, or attentional priority for targets. The results show how differentiation of attentional impairments can be informed by a theory of normal function.

Interaction between Wnt and TGF-beta signalling pathways during formation of Spemann's organizer

Members of the Wnt and TGF-beta superfamilies regulate both cell fate and proliferation during development and tissue maintenance. In the early amphibian embryo, the Wnt and TGF-beta superfamily signalling cascades are required for the establishment of a dorsal signalling centre, Spemann's organizer. Intracellular proteins of both pathways, upon activation, translocate to the nucleus to participate in transcription. Here we show that beta-catenin and Lef1/Tcf, which are downstream components of the Wnt signalling cascade, form a complex with Smad4, an essential mediator of signals initiated by members of the TGF-beta growth factor superfamily. In Xenopus, this interaction directly and synergistically affects expression of the twin (Xtwn) gene during formation of the organizer. This is, to our knowledge, the first demonstration of a physical interaction between TGF-beta and Wnt signalling components in vivo.

Anisotropic diffusion in kidney: apparent diffusion coefficient measurements for clinical use

The purpose of this study was to evaluate anisotropy of the kidney by measurements of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) using commercially available magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Fifty-one consecutive patients underwent diffusion-weighted echoplanar MR imaging of the upper abdomen with five different strengths of motion probing gradients (b = 1.51, 55.3, 36.6, 317, and 932 sec/mm2) applied along the z-axis. Four ADC values for the upper pole and central portion of the kidney were calculated from four different b-value ranges and compared. The ADCs for the kidney calculated in the lower b-value ranges were significantly higher than those in the higher ranges. The ADCs for the upper pole portion were significantly higher than those for the central portion except for one in the highest b-value range. Diffusion in the kidney is anisotropic, probably due to the kidney's radially oriented structures such as renal vessels and tubules.

Sjögren's syndrome: comparison of assessments with quantitative salivary gland scintigraphy and contrast sialography

This study compared the quantitative parameters of salivary gland scintigraphy and the sialographic stages in patients with Sjögren's syndrome.

METHODS

One hundred sixteen patients suspected of having Sjögren's syndrome were examined with salivary gland scintigraphy and contrast sialography. When contrast sialography was used as the gold standard, Sjögren's syndrome was diagnosed in 50 of these 116 patients; Sjögren's syndrome was not seen in the other 66 patients. After injection of 370 MBq 99mTc-sodium pertechnetate, dynamic salivary gland scintigraphy with lemon juice stimulation was performed for 50 min. Functional parameters for the parotid and submandibular glands were calculated, and scintigraphic and sialographic results were compared.

RESULTS

With the progression of sialographic stages from 0 to 4, the quantity of tracer accumulation decreased in the submandibular gland (P < 0.0001), and the quantity of tracer secretion decreased in the parotid gland (P < 0.0001). The sialographic stage in patients with Sjögren's syndrome was correlated with these scintigraphic parameters (P < 0.0001): sialographic stage = 3.243 - 0.337 x (submandibular gland uptake ratio) - 0.026 x (parotid gland maximum secretion).

CONCLUSION

The decreased accumulation in the submandibular gland and the decreased secretion in the parotid gland were highly sensitive indicators of salivary gland disease in Sjögren's syndrome. The sialographic stage was correlated with these scintigraphic parameters.

Identification of a polymorphism in the promoter region of DRD4 associated with the human novelty seeking personality trait

Polymorphism in the human dopamine D4 receptor gene (DRD4) exon III has been associated in some but not all studies of the human personality trait of Novelty Seeking. We searched for polymorphisms in the 5' region of DRD4 and identified six polymorphisms as follows: -1217G Ins/Del, -809G/A, -616C/G, -603T Ins/Del, -602(G)8-9, and -521C/T. Associations between these polymorphisms and personality traits measured by the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) were investigated in 86 healthy Japanese volunteers. The -521C/T polymorphism was significantly associated with Novelty Seeking (P = 0.0001). Subjects with the C/C genotype exhibited the highest Novelty Seeking scores and those with the T/T genotype exhibited the lowest. A transient expression method revealed that the T variant of the C-521T polymorphism reduces transcriptional efficiency. The present study suggests a contribution of dopamine D4 receptor availability to individual differences in Novelty Seeking behavior. Molecular Psychiatry (2000) 5, 64-69.

The 5' region of the tryptophan hydroxylase gene: mutation search and association study with alcoholism

A deficiency in the serotonergic system has been suggested as a negative reinforcer in alcoholism. Tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) is critical in the fine-tuning of serotonergic neurotransmission. We observed a significantly high frequency of the A allele of the IVS7+218A>C polymorphism in intron 7 of the TPH gene in Japanese alcoholics with histories of drinking-related antisocial behaviors compared with that of Japanese controls (p = 0.006). However, this polymorphism is intronic, and a study of TPH mRNA did not detect aberrant splice products or polymorphic nucleotides linked to this polymorphism. Therefore, we screened for variations in the promoter and 5'-untranslated region of the gene. Three novel variants/polymorphisms, -1066G>A in the 5' flanking region, IVS1B+23(GTTTT)4-5 in intron 1B, and IVS1C+50T>C in intron 1C, were identified. The -1066G>A and IVS1C+50T>C polymorphisms were in modest linkage disequilibrium with the IVS7+218A>C polymorphism. However, no significant association was found between the three novel polymorphisms and alcoholism. Although our findings reiterate that TPH may play some role in the genetic predisposition to alcoholism, the mechanism remains unknown.

Systematic analysis of deficits in visual attention

A variety of impairments in visual attention can follow damage to the brain. The authors develop systematic methods for analyzing such impairments in terms of C. Bundesen's (1990) Theory of Visual Attention and apply these in a group of 9 patients with parietal lobe lesions and variable spatial neglect. In whole report, patients report letters from brief, vertical arrays in left or right visual field. The results show substantial, largely bilateral impairments in processing capacity, implying a major nonlateralized aspect to neglect. In partial report, arrays contain 1 or 2 letters in red and/or green. The task is to report only those letters in a specified target color. In addition to the expected bias against left-sided letters, patients show striking, bilateral preservation of top-down control, or attentional priority for targets. The results show how differentiation of attentional impairments can be informed by a theory of normal function.

Dependency of dose response of five charge-coupled device-based digital intra-oral radiographic systems on tube voltage

OBJECTIVE

To compare the dependency of dose response of five CCD-based digital intra-oral radiographic systems on tube voltage.

METHODS

Characteristic curves for Sens-A-Ray (old and new generations; Regam Medical Systems, Sundsvall, Sweden), Computed Dental Radiography (Schick Technologies, Long Island City, NY, USA), CompuRay (Yoshida, Tokyo, Japan), and VIXA (Dentsply/Gendex, Des Plaines, IL, USA) were generated between 60 and 90 kVp at intervals of 10 kVp and corrected by subtraction of dark current. Their sensitivities were compared.

RESULTS

The sensitivity of the old generation Sens-A-Ray decreased with increase in tube voltage whereas in the other systems it increased.

CONCLUSION

In the newer systems using a rare earth intensifying screen as a scintillator, the sensitivity increases with increase in tube voltage, thus reducing the radiation dose to the patient.

Characterization and chromosomal mapping of a mouse ortholog of the late-infantile ceroid-lipofuscinosis gene CLN2

Late-infantile ceroid-lipofuscinosis (CLN2) is an autosomal recessively inherited, neurodegenerative disease in humans. The CLN2 locus has been mapped to Chromosome (Chr) 11p15, and its sequence and genomic organization have recently been reported. In the present study, the cDNA sequence, exon/intron organization, and chromosomal localization of a mouse ortholog of the CLN2 gene are described. The mouse cDNA contains an open reading frame that predicts a protein product of 562 amino acids. The mouse and human coding regions are 86% and 88% identical at the nucleic acid and amino acid levels, respectively. One less codon appears in the mouse cDNA when compared with the human ortholog. The mouse gene (Cln2) spans more than 6 kb and consists of 13 exons separated by introns ranging in size from 111 to 1259 bp. Length polymorphism in an (AC)(n) microsatellite in intron 3 of the mouse Cln2 gene was used to perform segregation analysis with The Jackson Laboratory DNA Panel Mapping Resource. On the basis of this analysis, the Cln2 gene was localized to a region of mouse Chr 7 that corresponds to human Chr 11p15. Characterization of the mouse Cln2 gene will facilitate generation of a mouse model for late-infantile ceroid-lipofuscinosis by gene targeting and identification of functionally important regions of the Cln2 protein.