Behavioral evidence for internal factors affecting duration of conglobation in pill bugs (Armadillidium vulgare, Isopoda, Crustacea). Short communication

Pill bugs individually walked an experimental pathway, then were induced to conglobate with a puff of air. After recovering, they were stimulated again. Sixty of 80 pill bugs conglobated both times, first moving either antennae (A) or legs (L) during recovery. Both AA and LL groups showed a significant positive correlation between first (t1) and second (t2) conglobation times. In the AL group, pathway locomotion time (t0) was significantly positively correlated to both t1 and t2. We conclude that pill bugs determine conglobation time based partly on their previous states.

Blood pressure control in a Japanese population with chronic kidney disease: a baseline survey of a nationwide cohort

BACKGROUND

Hypertension is a key risk factor for adverse renal outcomes in chronic kidney disease (CKD), and strict blood pressure control is recommended to halt its progression. This study assessed blood pressure control in the Japanese CKD population.

METHODS

We used a nationwide database of 250,130 subjects (aged 20-88), including 45,845 CKD subjects (18.3%), participated in an annual health check, "The Specific Health Check and Guidance in Japan," and examined the relationship between CKD status and blood pressure. Blood pressures were measured in sitting position by trained staff, and target blood pressure for CKD subjects was defined as systolic (SBP)/diastolic blood pressure (DBP) <130/80 mm Hg.

RESULTS

In total population, CKD subjects had a higher prevalence of hypertension (58.0% vs. 41.8%, P < 0.001) and a higher proportion with antihypertensive medication (42.4% vs. 26.7%, P < 0.001), compared with non-CKD subjects. The proportion of subjects achieving target blood pressure was significantly lower among total CKD subjects than among total non-CKD subjects (34.6% vs. 43.8%, P ≤ 0.001). Among CKD subjects, these proportions were especially low in those with stage 4-5 (24.3-27.5%), those on antihypertensive medication (21.6%) and those with proteinuria ≥2± (21.3%). Logistic regression analysis showed that independent factors for high-blood pressure in CKD subjects were age, male gender, alcohol consumption, nonsmoking, diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, proteinuria, and antihypertensive medication.

CONCLUSIONS

Blood pressure control was inadequate in the majority of Japanese CKD subjects, despite antihypertensive treatment. More aggressive efforts to achieve target blood pressures among CKD subjects are recommended.

Spin-transfer torque in nanoscale magnetic devices

We discuss recent highlights from research at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, regarding the use of spin-transfer torques to control magnetic moments in nanoscale ferromagnetic devices. We highlight progress on reducing the critical currents necessary to produce spin-torque-driven magnetic switching, quantitative measurements of the magnitude and direction of the spin torque in magnetic tunnel junctions, and single-shot measurements of the magnetic dynamics generated during thermally assisted spin-torque switching.

Autofluorescence imaging colonoscopy for the detection of dysplastic lesions in ulcerative colitis: a pilot study

AIM

Autofluorescence imaging (AFI) is a novel technology for endoscopy, which enhances neoplastic lesions of the gastrointestinal tract. The aim of this investigation was to examine whether AFI colonoscopy can identify dysplasia in ulcerative colitis.

METHOD

We examined 48 patients with ulcerative colitis by AFI colonoscopy. Apparently flat, coarse granular mucosa and visible protruding lesions under conventional colonoscopy were observed by AFI. Those target areas were classified into low AF and high AF according to the colour under AFI colonoscopy. The grade of dysplasia was determined in the specimens obtained from the target areas.

RESULTS

About 126 sites (35 protruding lesions and 91 flat areas) were examined by AFI colonoscopy. AF was determined to be high in 42 areas and to be low in 84 areas. The positive rate of dysplasia was higher in protrusions (31%) than in flat mucosa (3.3%, P < 0.0001). The rate of positive dysplasia was not statistically different between lesions determined to be low AF (14%) and those to be high AF (5%, P = 0.09). The positive rate of dysplasia in protruding lesions was significantly higher in low AF than in high AF (45.0%vs 13.3%, P = 0.043), while the value in flat lesions was not different between low AF and high AF (8.2%vs 0%, P = 0.3).

CONCLUSIONS

Autofluorescence imaging colonoscopy seems to have a role for the detection of dysplaia in ulcerative colitis.

Some Immunochemical Properties of Dextransucrase and Invertase from Streptococcus mutans

Dextransucrase and invertase of some strains of Streptococcus mutans were examined by immunodiffusion with antisera against enzymes purified from strain HS-6 (Bratthall's serotype a). Both antisera cross-reacted with crude enzyme preparations from the other serotype a (strains HS-1 and AHT) and d organisms (strains KIR, OMZ176, and OMZ65) but not with those from serotype b (strains FA-1 and BHT) or c organisms (strains GS-5, Ingbritt, and NCTC 10449). Based upon the antiserum used, the orders of antigenic similarity of the cross-reacting enzymes to the HS-6 enzymes were HS-6 > HS-1 > AHT = KIR = OMZ176 = OMZ65 for dextransucrase and HS-6 = HS-1 > AHT = KIR = OMZ176 = OMZ65 for invertase. It was found that the enzymes from serotype a organisms were not always antigenically homogeneous, as seen between strains HS-6, HS-1, or AHT for dextransucrase, and between the HS group and strain AHT for invertase. Antiserum against the HS-6 dextransucrase markedly inhibited the heterologous dextransucrases of serotype a organisms with the exception of strain HS-1 and d organisms, with or without the addition of dextran.

Clinicopathological study of expression of lymphatic vessels in renal allograft biopsy after treatment for acute rejection

BACKGROUND

Lymph vessel expression is related to inflammatory cell infiltration, around renal tubules in acute rejection episodes (ARE) of transplanted kidneys. However, there is little information on the lymph vessels after treatment of an ARE, particularly in relation to renal function and histological findings.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We investigated 13 cases of ARE diagnosed by kidney transplant biopsy performed from 1997 to 2005 within 3 years of transplantation. Treatment of the ARE lead to an improved serum creatinine level in all cases. There was neither an ABO-incompatible nor an acute humoral rejection case. Lymphatic vessels in re-biopsies were examined using immunohistochemical staining with D2-40 antibody that detected lymphatic endothelium. Re-biopsy cases in which the baseline creatinine had increased by more than 20% despite treatment were considered the severe group; the others, as the stable group. The relation between lymphatic vessel density (LVD) and renal function was examined using Banff scores.

RESULTS

LVD was significantly higher in the severe than the stable group. The expression of lymph vessels versus the Banff score showed a direct relation: greater Banff scores showed higher expressions of lymph vessels.

CONCLUSIONS

The expression of lymph vessels in renal allograft specimens after treatment of an ARE was related to deterioration of renal function and inflammatory cell invasion. We plan a further examination of the relationship between the expression of lymph vessels and long-term prognosis.

Soybean beta-conglycinin as the main allergen in a patient with food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis by tofu: food processing alters pepsin resistance

BACKGROUND

Food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis (FDEIA) due to soybeans is a rare disorder. The allergen responsible for FDEIA due to soybeans has not yet been determined.

OBJECTIVE

We characterized the clinical features of a patient with FDEIA due to tofu, who was well tolerant to drinking soy milk. We then sought to identify the responsible soybean allergen(s) in that patient. We further studied whether different stabilities of the allergen(s) to pepsin digestion between two soybean products are related to their clinical allergenicity.

METHODS

Skin prick tests and provocation tests using soybean products were performed to detect the responsible food and other factors that induced the allergic symptoms. Specific IgE to various soybean allergens were examined by ImmunoCAP, ELISA and protein microarray assays. Immunoblotting for soybeans and soybean products using the patient's serum was also performed. Soybean products were serially digested by pepsin to disclose the stability of the allergens.

RESULTS

Provocation with ingestion of tofu and exercise induced the allergic symptoms, while ingestion of soy milk and exercise did not. Immunoblot analysis, ELISA and protein microarray assay revealed that beta-conglycinin mainly reacts with IgE antibodies in the patient's serum. By immunoblot analysis, beta-conglycinin in soy milk completely disappeared after pepsin digestion within 20 min, whereas beta-conglycinin in tofu was almost intact after more than 120 min of pepsin digestion.

CONCLUSION

We identified beta-conglycinin as the causative allergen in a patient with FDEIA induced by tofu. The difference in resistance to pepsin digestion between tofu and soy milk suggests that the presence of undigested allergens in the digestive tract is a prerequisite for the development of FDEIA.

Tunnel barrier enhanced voltage signal generated by magnetization precession of a single ferromagnetic layer

We report the electrical detection of magnetization dynamics in an Al/AlOx/Ni80Fe20/Cu tunnel junction, where a Ni80Fe20 ferromagnetic layer is brought into precession under ferromagnetic resonance conditions. The dc voltage generated across the junction by the precessing ferromagnet is enhanced about an order of magnitude compared to the voltage signal observed when the contacts in this type of multilayered structure are Ohmic. We discuss the relation of this phenomenon to magnetic spin pumping and speculate on other possible underlying mechanisms responsible for the enhanced electrical signal.

Methyl p-hydroxybenzoate causes pain sensation through activation of TRPA1 channels

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Parabens are commonly added in pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food products because of their wide antibacterial properties, low toxicity, inertness and chemical stability, although the molecular mechanism of their antibacterial effect is not fully understood. Some agonists of the transient receptor potential (TRP) A1 channels are known to have strong antibacterial activities. Therefore, a series of experiments was conducted to find out the effects of parabens on TRP channels expressed in sensory neurons, particularly the TRPA1 channels.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Effects of parabens, especially of methyl p-hydroxybenzoate (methyl paraben) on TRP channel activities were examined using Ca(2+)-imaging and patch-clamp methods. In addition, an involvement of methyl paraben in the development of pain-related behavior in mice was investigated.

KEY RESULTS

Methyl paraben specifically activated TRPA1 in both HEK293 cells expressing TRPA1 and in mouse sensory neurons with an EC(50) value of 4.4 mM, an attainable concentration in methyl paraben-containing products. Methyl paraben caused pain-related behavior in mice similar to that caused by allyl isothiocyanate, which was blocked by the TRP channel blocker, ruthenium red.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Our data indicate that methyl paraben is able to activate TRPA1 channels and can cause pain sensation. As such, methyl paraben provides a useful tool for investigating TRPA1 function and development of antinociceptive agents acting on TRPA1 channels.

Gene analysis of the calcium channel 1 subunit and clinical studies for two patients with hypokalemic periodic paralysis

Hypokalemic periodic paralysis (HypoPP) is a skeletal muscle disorder in which episodic attacks of muscle weakness occur; they are associated with decreased serum potassium (K+) levels. Recent molecular approaches have clarified that the condition is caused by mutations in the skeletal muscle voltage-gated calcium channel 1 subunit (CACNA1S). We describe two unrelated patients with HypoPP, followed by their relevant clinical studies and gene analysis. Clinical studies included an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), food-loading and insulin tolerance tests (ITT). For Case 1, serum K+ levels were extremely decreased following insulin tolerance testing compared with levels for controls. These results support the hypothesis that no efflux of K+ ion occurs in patients because of low activity of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive K+ channel (KATP) channels. Mutational analysis of the CACNA1S gene showed a duplicate insertion of 14 base pairs (bp) from 52 to 65 in intron 26, present in the heterozygous state in both patients. No other mutations were detected in the CACNA1S gene, the muscle sodium channel gene (SCN4A) or the voltage-gated K+ channel gene (KCN3) of either patient. Further analysis showed that this duplicate insertion of 14 bp in intron 26 of the CACNA1S gene was found in 23.7% of healthy subjects. K+ dynamics studies are useful for confirming this syndrome, while further gene analysis for various ion channels using amplification and direct sequencing are required to evaluate the molecular basis of the disorder in the individual patient.

High jugular bulb in the translabyrinthine approach to the cerebellopontine angle: anatomical considerations and surgical management

BACKGROUND

Evidence of a high jugular bulb position (HJBP) during the translabyrinthine approach may compromise the surgical removal of cerebellopontine angle (CPA) tumours. We report a simple surgical procedure to safely manage this frequent normal variation and comment on various alternative options.

METHODS

The translabyrinthine approach included a complete skeletonization of the sigmoid sinus and of the presigmoid dura. A thin eggshell bone was left at the jugular bulb surface. The dome of the jugular bulb was gently dissected from the jugular fossa and gradually retracted downward in a tailored way, allowing the surgeon to drill below the internal auditory meatus. A small piece of bone was wedged over the jugular dome in order to maintain its lowered position.

RESULTS

Among 178 consecutive translabyrinthine approaches performed for the removal of large CPA tumors, the use of this procedure was required in 44 cases of HJBP. Excepting minimal venous bleeding easily controlled in several cases, we never observed any complication from this procedure nor failure to expose the inferior compartment of the CPA.

CONCLUSIONS

The HJBP can be systematically diagnosed with the preoperative CT-scan using bone window imaging. Our results demonstrate that the described procedure is safe and effective to widen the operative corridor that is required for the exposure of the inferior compartment of the CPA in this anatomical situation.

[Assessment of surgery for stage IV non-small cell lung cancer]

We assessed the survival of surgery for stage IV non-small cell lung cancer. Forty-two patients were operated on lung cancer for stage IV from 1986 to 2005. Overall median survival time (MST) was 12.3 months and 5-year survival rate was 9.8%. There was significant difference in survival between pulmonary metastasis (pm2) and other sites metastasis (p<0.05). In pm2 patients there was significant difference between ipsilateral metastasis and contralateral metastasis (MST 21.9 months, 2-year survival rate 48.6%, 5-year survival rate 21.6% and MST 12.3 months, 2-year survival rate 0%) [p<0.05], and between complete resection and incomplete resection (MST 36 months, 2-year survival rate 64.8%, 5-year survival rate 28.8% and MST 12.3 months, 2-year survival rate 0%) [p<0.01]. In patients with brain metastasis, surgery of brain metastasis was better prognosis than radiation therapy (MST 12.5 months, 3-year survival rate 33.3% and MST 8.3 months, 2-year survival rate 0%) [NS].

A modified repositioning system for segmental resection of the mandible

Mandibular reconstruction is required after segmental resection of the mandible. Several techniques have been proposed but have several drawbacks. A modified system (based on Leibinger's titanium-positioning system) that can reposition the residual mandible easily and accurately without interfering with the reconstructive procedure was developed. This system has been used successfully in more than 10 patients, with no complications.

Effects of long-term treatment with mizoribine in patients with proliferative lupus nephritis

AIM

Mizoribine (MZR) is a purine antimetabolic immunosuppressant agent that has few little severe adverse events. We studied whether maintenance therapy with MZR and prednisolone (PSL) in severe proliferative lupus nephritis patients could improve immunity, reduce proteinuria, prevent renal relapse, and reduce steroid dose.

METHOD

Long-term maintenance therapy with MZR and PSL was evaluated in ten patients with biopsy-proven proliferative lupus nephritis. Patients with severe lupus nephritis, who had proteinuria of 0.5 g or more even after treatments with plasma exchange and/or pulse methyl prednisolone, were recruited. MZR at an average dose of 140 +/- 10 (100 - 200) mg was administered two to three times/day in combination with PSL. The average period for the MZR maintenance therapy was 89.7 +/- 5.5 (70 - 126) months. Urine protein excretion, serum hemolytic complement activity (CH50), C3, serum creatinine, general and biochemical blood examinations, anti-ds-DNA antibody were collected at each monthly medical examination.

RESULTS

All patients were females, mean age 43.0 +/- 3.3 years. A significant decrease in proteinuria was noted two years after the combination therapy (p = 0.0016). Five patients experienced lupus nephritis relapse. Patients who did not experience relapses had their MZR combination therapy initiated earlier (p = 0.037) when compared with the patients who experienced relapses. Serum creatinine levels remained unchanged in all patients throughout treatment and follow-up, even during renal relapses. Levels of C3 and CH50 normalized as proteinuria decreased. None of the patients developed serious side effects during MZR treatment. A significant steroid-sparing effect was observed three years after initiating MZR (p = 0.0025).

CONCLUSION

From our long-term observation, maintenance therapy with low-dose PSL combined with MZR can eliminate proteinuria and have steroid-sparing effect. Early initiation of the therapy can protect against renal relapses among severe proliferative lupus nephritis patients without serious side effects.

Diagnosis of a case of Gitelman's syndrome based on renal clearance studies and gene analysis of a novel mutation of the thiazide-sensitive Na-Cl cotransporter

Gitelman's syndrome is a recessively inherited renal tubular disorder characterized by low plasma potassium and magnesium levels, reduced calcium excretion, metabolic alkalosis, and increased plasma renin activity and plasma aldosterone concentration with normal blood pressure levels. A 23-yr-old man was referred to our department for further evaluation of hypokalemia. The patient also had hypomagnesemia and markedly reduced urinary calcium excretion. Renal clearance studies and gene analysis of the thiazide-sensitive Na-Cl cotransporter (TSC) were performed in the patient. In response to an iv injection of furosemide, chloride clearance (CCl) increased markedly, while distal fractional chloride reabsorption CH2O/(CH2O+CCl) was considerably reduced. In contrast, thiazide ingestion had no significant effects on these parameters. The patient had compound heterozygous mutations in the alleles encoding the TSC gene, one of which has not been formerly reported. Renal clearance studies and TSC gene analysis by amplification and direct sequencing are useful diagnostic tools for confirming a diagnosis of Gitelman's syndrome.

Comparison of capsule endoscopy and enteroscopy with the double-balloon method in patients with obscure bleeding and polyposis

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Video capsule endoscopy and double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) are novel methods of enteroscopy. The aim of this investigation was to compare the value of CE and DBE in the diagnosis of small-intestinal pathology.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirteen patients with gastrointestinal bleeding of obscure origin and nine patients with known gastrointestinal polyposis were examined using antegrade or retrograde DBE, and the most distal or proximal site in the explored small intestine was marked by submucosal injection of sterilized ink. The patients were then evaluated by CE. Video images obtained by CE were reviewed by an observer who was blinded to the DBE findings.

RESULTS

DBE identified positive findings in 12 patients (54.5 %). CE identified positive findings in the area explored by DBE in eight patients (36.4 %), and in the unexplored area in 11 patients (50.0 %). The overall diagnostic yield in the area explored by DBE did not differ between the two procedures. The enteroscopic findings in the area explored by DBE were concordant in 12 of 13 patients with gastrointestinal bleeding of obscure origin. In patients with polyposis, the diagnoses were discordant in three patients, in whom CE failed to detect any polyp. In two of three polyposis patients with concordant positive findings, DBE detected a larger number of polyps than CE did.

CONCLUSIONS

DBE appears to be superior to CE in the diagnosis of small-intestinal polyps, whereas the value for diagnosing gastrointestinal bleeding of obscure origin is similar in the two procedures.