Involvement of MyD88 in host defense and the down-regulation of anti-heat shock protein 70 autoantibody formation by MyD88 in Toxoplasma gondii-infected mice

This study investigated the influence of TLR (toll-like receptor)4, TLR2, and MyD88 in Toxoplasma gondii-infected wild-type (WT) mice and TLR4-, TLR2-, and MyD88-deficient mice. Ninety-five percent of MyD88-deficient mice died 10-16 days after intraperitoneal infection with 100 cysts of T. gondii Fukaya strain, whereas 95-100% of TLR4- and TLR2-deficient mice and WT C57BL/6 (B6) mice survived for more than 7 wk after T. gondii infection. The distribution of T. gondii in various organs of TLR4-, TLR2-, and MyD88-deficient mice and WT B6 mice was assessed 2 wk after T. gondii intraperitoneal infection using quantitative competitive polymerase chain reaction. In MyD88-deficient mice, high levels of T. gondii load were observed in the brain, tongue, heart, lungs, spleen, liver, mesenteric lymph node, and kidneys after infection. The T. gondii load was significantly increased in the lungs in both TLR4- and TLR2-deficient mice compared with WT B6 mice. High levels of anti-mouse heat shock protein (mHSP)70 autoantibody and anti-T. gondii HSP70 antibody production were detected in the sera from MyD88-deficient mice.

Content analysis of group work sessions in the context of an educational program for inpatient diabetes patients

This study investigated the changes in emotions and attitudes of diabetic patients as observed in group work sessions linked to an inpatient diabetic educational program. Using content analysis of transcripts from Sessions 1 and 3 of 8 selected groups (40 patients), in Session 1 negative emotions or attitudes such as anxiety, remorse, or self-blame, a lack of understanding of diabetes, along with a willingness to undertake self-care were frequently expressed. In Session 3, more positive emotions and attitudes towards self-care (willingness, specific plans, and resolutions), satisfaction, and relief or hope were frequently expressed. These results suggest that the patients participating in the group work sessions moved toward adaptation to diabetes, although the effects of the group work were not separated from those of the inpatient educational program.

Identification and characterization of a novel Golgi protein, GCP60, that interacts with the integral membrane protein giantin

We demonstrated previously that the integral membrane protein giantin has the Golgi localization signal at the COOH-terminal cytoplasmic domain (Misumi, Y., Sohda, M., Tashiro, A., Sato, H., and Ikehara, Y. (2001) J. Biol. Chem. 276, 6867-6873). In the present study, using this domain as bait in the yeast two-hybrid screening system, we identified a novel protein interacting with giantin. The 3.6-kilobase mRNA encoding a 528-amino acid protein of 60 kDa designated GCP60 was ubiquitously expressed and was especially abundant in the testis and ovary. Immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy confirmed that GCP60 was co-localized with giantin in the Golgi complex. GCP60 was found to be a peripheral protein associated with the Golgi membrane, where a COOH-terminal domain of GCP60 interacts with the COOH-terminal cytoplasmic domain of giantin. Overexpression of the COOH-terminal domain of GCP60 caused disassembly of the Golgi structure and blocked protein transport from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi. Taken together, these results suggest that GCP60 is involved in the maintenance of the Golgi structure by interacting with giantin, affecting protein transport between the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi.

[Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase activity in urothelial cancer--influence of UFT administration on DPD activity]

We measured the dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) activity considered to regulate the sensitivity of pyrimidine fluoride anti-cancer drugs in 50 cases of urothelial cancer (preoperative therapy group 10 cases, non-therapy group 40 cases). The association of DPD activity with pathological factors and TS activity as well as the influence of UFT oral administration on the DPD activity in tumors and blood were studied. The DPD activity in cancer tissue tended to be higher than that in the mucous membranes of the non-tumor region, but the difference was not significant. The DPD activity was high in infiltrative cancer (p < 0.05) but was not associated with atypia. The TS activity and DPD activity were manifested independently. The DPD activity in cancer tissue was significantly higher after UFT administration, with levels of 76.7 +/- 71.0 pmol/mg/min before administration and 220.6 +/- 129.1 pmol/mg/min after (p < 0.05). The DPD activity in peripheral blood was elevated after administration, but no significant difference was found. Since DPD activity is found in urothelial cancer tissue, 5-FU stable to DPD should preferably be used. It is also suggested that using a more potent DPD inhibitor in combination will produce higher anti-tumor effects.

Mn-SOD and Bcl-2 expression after repeated hyperbaric oxygenation

To clarify the mechanism of ischemic tolerance induced by HBO, we investigated the effect of HBO on immunoreactivity to Bcl-2 and Bax, apoptosis-regulating protein, or Mn-SOD, a radical scavenging system, in the CA1 sector of the gerbil hippocampus. Pretreatment comprising, five sessions at 2 ATA (atmosphere absolute) every other day, but not that comprising, ten sessions at 3 ATA every day, caused significant increases in Bcl-2 and Mn-SOD immunoreactivity in the CA1 sector compared with in the sham pretreatment group. No significant differences in Bax immunoreactivity and neuronal density in the CA1 hippocampal neurons was observed between the groups. These results suggest that protection against mitochondrial alterations after ischemia through Mn-SOD and/or Bcl-2 expression is related to the ischemic tolerance induced by repeated HBO pre-treatment.

[Laparoscopy-assisted total nephroureterectomy for renal pelvic and/or lower ureteral cancer]

PURPOSE

The usefulness of laparoscopy-assisted total nephroureterectomy for patients with renal pelvic and lower ureteral cancer is evaluated.

MATERIAL

Seven patients with renal pelvic cancer and four with lower ureteral cancer performed laparoscopy-assisted total nephroureterectomy from May 1997 to December 2000 (Ten males and one female, mean age 68.5 year-old).

METHOD

Of the 11 patients, the initial one received preoperative embolization of the renal artery. Under general anesthesia laparoscopy-assisted total nephroureterectomy underwent via transperitoneal approach in three patients and retroperitoneal approach in eight. After the kidney was completely dissected under laparoscopic procedure, it was delivered en bloc with ureter from the skin incision in the lower abdomen.

RESULT

Two patients needed conversion to open surgery. The mean operating time of nine patients except for conversion cases was 272 minutes and the mean blood loss was 313 ml. There was no major complication associated with laparoscopic procedure. There was no significant difference in both complication and recurrence rate between laparoscopy-assisted total nephroureterectomy and open surgery.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopy-assisted total nephroureterectomy is an useful procedure for the treatment of patients with renal pelvic and lower ureteral cancer because it enables us to remove out the kidney and ureter from one small lower abdominal incision.

Isolation, structure determination, and synthesis of neodysiherbaine A, a new excitatory amino acid from a marine sponge

[structure: see text] A new excitatory amino acid, neodysiherbaine A (2), was isolated as a minor constituent of the aqueous extract from the marine sponge Dysidea herbacea. The structure was deduced by spectroscopic methods and established unambiguously by the total synthesis. The present synthesis, including as a key step cross-coupling of the 6/5-bicyclic core with an amino acid residue, is useful in constructing its structural analogues.

Induction of primary root curvature in radish seedlings in a static magnetic field

Primary roots of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) seedlings were exposed to an inhomogeneous static magnetic field generated by a permanent magnet, during continuous rotation on a 0.06 rpm clinostat, thereby reducing the unilateral influence of gravity. The roots responded tropically to the static magnetic field with the tropism appearing to be negative. These roots responded significantly (P < 0.05) to the south pole of the magnet. The significant tropic response was found for a magnetic flux density of 13-68 mT, for a field gradient of 1.8-14.7 T/m, and for the product of magnetic field and field gradient of 0.023-1.0 T(2)/m. A small, but insignificant, response of the roots to the north pole has also been found.

Organ infectivity of Toxoplasma gondii in interferon-gamma knockout mice

To determine the influence of interferon (IFN)-gamma on the organ infectivity and on the genetic susceptibility of susceptible (C57BL/6) and resistant (BALB/c) strains after peroral infection with cysts of Toxoplasma gondii. IFN-gamma knockout (KO) mice in C57BL/6 and BALB/c backgrounds were utilized. The kinetics of the changes in T. gondii abundance were evaluated with a quantitative competitive polymerase chain reaction assay in various organs at different times after peroral infection. In IFN-gamma KO mice, a T. gondii-specific gene, SAG1, was detected in all organs examined, and the protozoan proliferated much more actively than in wild-type mice. The abundance of T. gondii was much higher in mesenteric lymph nodes and the heart than in other organs. In contrast, in the nervous system organs and kidneys, only a weakly detectable reaction was observed. Toxoplasma gondii grew at a more rapid rate in the organs of IFN-gamma KO C57BL/6 mice than in the organs of IFN-gamma KO BALB/c mice during the course of infection. Destruction of the IFN-gamma gene showed remarkable effects on the infectivity in both susceptible and resistant mice.

Establishment of gene-vaccinated skin grafting against Toxoplasma gondii infection in mice

Vaccine effects of in vivo gene-vaccinated skin graft were evaluated against Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection. By using a gene gun, cDNA coding T. gondii SAG1 molecule was intracutaneously vaccinated into C57BL/6 (B6; a susceptible strain), BALB/c (a resistant strain) and (C57BL/6 x BALB/c) F1 (CBF1) mice, and the gene-vaccinated skin of these strains was transplanted to CBF1 mice. Regarding the antibody production against SAG1, CBF1-recipient mice transplanted with the SAG1 gene-vaccinated B6 skin were high responders, whereas CBF1 mice skin grafted with vaccinated skin of both BALB/c and CBF1 mice were low responders. The donor-derived LC/DC migrated to the draining lymph nodes of the recipients from the skin graft within 3 days. The vaccine effect against T. gondii challenge infection was obtained in CBF1 mice which received the skin graft of the SAG1 gene-vaccinated BALB/c mice.

Toxoplasma gondii Hsp70 as a danger signal in toxoplasma gondii-infected mice

Toxoplasma gondii Hsp70, T gondii Hsp30/bag1, and surface antigen 1 messenger RNAs were shown to be useful in analyzing stage conversion of T gondii between bradyzoites and tachyzoites. The high-level expression of T gondii Hsp70 was correlated with mortality in interferon-gamma knockout mice infected with T gondii. Tgondii Hsp70 inhibited the induction of nitric oxide release by peritoneal macrophages of T gondii-infected mice. These findings identify T gondii Hsp70 as a danger signal during lethal, acute T gondii infection.

Pituitary chromophobe carcinoma with a low level of serum gonadotropin and an aspermatogenesis in a dog

A 5-year-old male Shiba dog with progressive neurologic signs was examined by computed tomography (CT). A CT image of the brain disclosed a large, spherical high-density lesion in the thalamus and diencephalon. Serum LH, FSH and testosterone levels were all low. Macroscopically the large mass was connected with the sella turcia, and it was histopathologically diagnosed as a pituitary chromophobe carcinoma. An aspermatogenesis was observed in the testes. Therefore, it was suggested that the low levels of gonadotropin secretion from the pituitary gland due to the pituitary tumor resulted in the failure of maturation of spermatozoa and spermatids.

Serum midkine levels are increased in patients with various types of carcinomas

The level of expression of midkine (MK), a heparin-binding growth factor, is increased in many types of human carcinomas. An enzyme-linked immunoassay, which utilizes a combination of rabbit and chicken antibodies revealed that serum MK level in the controls (n = 135) was 0.154 +/- 0.076 (mean +/- SD) ng ml(-1)with an apparent cut-off value as 0.5 ng ml(-1). Serum MK level was significantly elevated in the cancer patients (n = 150) (P< 0.001); 87% of the patients showed levels of more than 0.5 ng ml(-1). All ten types of cancer examined showed a similar profile of serum MK level. There was no or weak correlation between C-reactive protein level, a marker of inflammation, and serum MK level. Furthermore, in case of gastric carcinoma and lung carcinoma, patients with stage I carcinoma already showed elevated serum MK levels. The present results indicated that serum MK could serve as a general tumour marker with a good potential for clinical application.

Anti-HSP70 autoantibody formation by B-1 cells in Toxoplasma gondii-infected mice

Formation of anti-Toxoplasma gondii HSP70 (TgHSP70) antibody cross-reactive to mouse HSP70 (mHSP70) was observed in the sera of BALB/c (a resistant strain) and C57BL/6 (B6; a susceptible strain) mice after peroral infection with T. gondii cysts of the Fukaya strain. The levels of anti-mHSP70 immunoglobulin G (IgG) autoantibody production in B6 mice were higher than those in BALB/c mice. The isotype and subclass of IgG of anti-TgHSP70 monoclonal antibodies cross-reactive to mHSP70 were mu and gamma3. Anti-mHSP70 autoantibody in T. gondii-infected BALB/c and B6 mice was shown to be produced by the CD5(+) subset of B cells (B-1a cells) but not by conventional B cells (B-2 cells). The epitopes recognized by anti-mHSP70 autoantibody were located primarily in the C-terminal fragment of mHSP70.

Establishment of a parabiotic rat model by anastomosis of common carotid artery

A cross circulation model was established by replacing mutual blood between two rats by anastomoses of each common carotid artery. In this model, parabiotic rats were shown to replace their mutual blood completely without any artificial materials or instruments, such as silicon tubes or pumps. The rate of blood exchange was measured by intravenous injection of Evans blue dye without the use of the radioactive materials that were so far commonly used. The partial alteration of blood circulation through microvascular surgery may reveal the mechanisms of organ tropism of bacteria, protozoa, and parasites. Microvascular surgery is available for reconstruction and analysis of organ functions as well as for clinical use in organplasty.

The prevalence of malnutrition and geo-helminth infections among primary schoolchildren in rural Kelantan

A cross-sectional study of the nutritional status of schoolchildren aged 7-10 years from the Kuala Betis Resettlement Scheme in Gua Musang, Kelantan was done. A total of 291 schoolchildren were examined but only 183 (62.9%) fecal samples were returned for geo-helminth infection analysis. The prevalence of stunting was 40.4% and underweight was 28.4%. A total of 127 schoolchildren (69.4%) were positive for at least one of the 3 geo-helminth infections. The most common geo-helminth was Ascaris lumbricoides (62.8%), followed by Trichuris trichiura (38.9%), and hookworm infection was relatively low (12.6%). All the anthropometric indices measured were lower in the geo-helminth infected children compared to the uninfected childen, except for the weight-for-height z-score. However the differences were insignificant Geo-helminth infections may not be a significant factor in malnutrition of these schoolchildren. However, with the availability of safe, efficacious and cheap broad spectrum anthelmintics, regular mass treatment should be given in selected areas where the prevalence of geo-helminth infections is still high, so that these schoolchildren will be able to achieve their growth potential during their school years.

A role of carboxy-terminal region of Toxoplasma gondii-heat shock protein 70 in enhancement of T. gondii infection in mice

We investigated the role of recombinant Toxoplasma gondii heat shock protein (rT.g.HSP) 70-full length, rT.g.HSP70-NH2-terminal region, or rT.g.HSP70-carboxy-terminal region in prophylactic immunity in C57BL/6 mice perorally infected with Fukaya cysts of T. gondii. At 3, 4, 5, and 6 weeks after infection, the number of T. gondii in the brain tissue of each mouse was measured by quantitative competitive-polymerase chain reaction (QC-PCR) targeting the surface antigen (SAG) 1 gene. Immunization with rT.g.HSP70-full length or r.T.g.HSP70-carboxy-terminal region increased the number of T. gondii in the brain tissue after T. gondii infection, whereas immunization with rT.g.HSP70-NH2-terminal region did not. These results suggest that T.g.HSP70-carboxy-terminal region as well as T.g.HSP70-full length may induce deleterious effects on the protective immunity of mice infected with a cyst-forming T. gondii strain, Fukaya.

Toxoplasmic encephalitis in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome--four case reports

Four patients, all males aged 40-64 years, presented with toxoplasmic encephalitis associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection manifesting as nonspecific neurological deficits such as epilepsy or hemiparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging showed single or multiple lesions with ring enhancement, mimicking metastatic brain tumor or brain abscess. Marked eosinophilia was noted in three patients. Two patients who received anti-toxoplasma chemotherapy in the early stage had a good outcome. However, the other two patients suffered rapid neurological deterioration and needed decompressive surgery, resulting in a poor outcome. Toxoplasma diffusely infects the whole central nervous system from the early stage. The outcome for patients who needed emergency surgery was poor. Therefore, this rare but increasingly common infectious disease must be considered in the differential diagnosis of a patient with neuroimaging findings similar to those of metastatic tumor or brain abscess. Appropriate chemotherapy should be started immediately after HIV-positive reaction is identified in patients with single or multiple mass lesions with ring enhancement.

Nucleoside diphosphate kinase required for coleoptile elongation in rice

Although several nucleoside diphosphate (NDP) kinase genes have been cloned in plants, little is known about the functional significance of this enzyme during plant growth and development. We introduced a chimeric gene encoding an antisense RNA of NDP kinase under the control of the Arabidopsis heat shock protein HSP81-1 promoter into rice (Oryza sativa L.) plants using the Agrobacterium tumefaciens transformation system. The expression of antisense RNA down-regulated the accumulation of mRNA, resulting in reduced enzyme activity even under the standard growth temperature (25 degrees C) in transgenic plants. Following heat shock treatment (37 degrees C), NDP kinase activities in some transgenic rice plants were more reduced than those grown under 25 degrees C. The comparison of the coleoptile growth under submersion showed that cell elongation process was inhibited in antisense NDP kinase transgenic plants, suggesting that an altered guanine nucleotide level may be responsible for the processes.

[Toxoplasma pericarditis without immunosuppressant disorder detected by polymerase chain reaction of pericardial fluid: a case report]

There have been several case reports, a total of 22 up to the present, of toxoplasma pericarditis. Out of them, in only a few cases the diagnosis was properly made with a proof of the microscopic presence of Toxoplasma gondii. This is the first report of toxoplasma pericarditis in which the presence of Toxoplasma gondii was detected by polymerase chain reaction of pericardial effusion. In addition, the previous reports will be reviewed, and compared to this present case. A 29-year-old woman, without immunosuppressant disorder, suffering from fever and orthopnea was admitted to our hospital. Blood chemistry findings indicated mild liver dysfunction and inflammation. Chest radiography showed cardiac enlargement. Electrocardiography showed sinus tachycardia and ST elevation. Echocardiography revealed a massive pericardial effusion. Pericardiocentesis demonstrated 638 ml of bloody fluid. Cytologic study of the fluid was class II for malignancy, and polymerase chain reaction to tuberculosis was negative. However, a high titer of the anti-toxoplasma antibody of 1: 20,480 (passive hemagglutination) indicated pericarditis caused by Toxoplasma gondii. Subsequently, Toxoplasma gondii was identified in the pericardial effusion by polymerase chain reaction. Clinical symptoms improved after pericardiocentesis, but 2 months later pericarditis recurred. Treatment was started with 800 mg acetylspiramycin daily but failed to improve the symptoms. Because of the development of pleuritis, treatment was changed to sulfadoxine 1,000 mg/pyrimethamine 50 mg. After the treatment with them, her symptoms improved. Only 22 cases of toxoplasma pericarditis have been reported worldwide and 15 of those cases were without immunosuppressant disorder. The usual symptoms at the onset of pericarditis without immunosuppressant disorder are fever, dyspnea and chest pain. Seven patients developed cardiac tamponade. Pericardiocentesis was performed in 8 cases and the pericardial fluid was hemorrhagic in 6. Pericardial thickening was detected in 5 cases. The diagnosis of toxoplasma infection is very difficult, because asymptomatic infection of Toxoplasma gondii is very common. Pericarditis is a disease difficult to confirm the etiology. Detection of Toxoplasma gondii in pericardial effusion by the polymerase chain reaction is very useful for its diagnosis.