Up-regulated phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and cyclic AMP-responsive element binding protein by peripheral inflammation in primary afferent neurons possibly through oncostatin M receptor

Oncostatin M (OSM), a member of interleukin-6 family cytokines, contributes to the development of nociceptive sensory neurons. However, little is known about the role of OSM in dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) of adult mice after peripheral inflammation. In the present study, we showed that OSM mRNA was highly expressed in the inflamed skin during acute inflammation induced by complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA), while the expression of oncostatin M receptor (OSMR) did not change in the ipsilateral DRG. Although peripheral inflammation induced significant increases in the number of neurons with phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK) and phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p-p38) in ipsilateral DRGs, OSMR-positive neurons exhibited neither p-ERK nor p-p38. In addition, we found significant increases in the number of neurons with phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p-STAT3) and phosphorylated cAMP-responsive element binding protein (p-CREB) in the ipsilateral DRGs. Interestingly, OSMR-positive neurons with p-STAT3 and p-CREB were significantly increased after peripheral inflammation. Thus, our results suggest that acute inflammation induce the phosphorylations of several signal molecules, including ERK, p38, cAMP-responsive element binding protein, and STAT3. Among them, the up-regulation of p-STAT3 and p-CREB may be induced possibly through OSMR.

Imaging of all dangling bonds and their potential on the Ge/Si105 surface by noncontact atomic force microscopy

High-resolution noncontact atomic force microscope (AFM) images were successfully taken on the Ge105-(1 x 2) structure formed on the Si105 substrate and revealed all dangling bonds of the surface regardless of their electronic situation, surpassing scanning tunneling microscopy, whose images strongly deviated from the atomic structure by the electronic states involved. An atomically resolved electrostatic potential profile by a Kelvin-probe method with AFM shows potential variations among the dangling bond states, directly observing a charge transfer between them. These results clearly demonstrate that high-resolution noncontact AFM with a Kelvin-probe method is an ideal tool for analysis of atomic structures and electronic properties of surfaces.

Exercise blood pressure in young adults as a predictor of future blood pressure: a 12-year follow-up of medical school graduates

It has not been fully clarified whether exercise blood pressure (BP) in young adult men and women is useful to predict future BP, especially in Asian people. A long-term prospective study was conducted in graduates of a medical school in Japan; 138 men and 76 women whose mean age was 19.8 and 19.2, respectively, at baseline. A 5-min exercise tolerance test was performed at baseline, and BP immediately after exercise was measured. BP at 50% intensity exercise was also calculated. Multiple regression analysis was carried out to clarify the relationship of exercise BP at baseline to follow-up BP after an average of 12 years. In multivariate-adjusted models, the relationship of systolic blood pressure (SBP) at follow-up was stronger to SBP immediately after exercise (F=7.7, P=0.006) than to resting SBP (F=3.7, P=0.055) in men. The models in men showed that SBP immediately after exercise was a stronger predictor of follow-up SBP than SBP at 50% intensity exercise, and the results were similar for diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in men. For SBP in women, resting SBP was the strongest predictor of follow-up SBP (F=14.3, P<0.001), and exercise SBP was not significant predictor. For DBP in women, any DBP at rest or after exercise was not significantly related to DBP at follow-up. In young adult men, SBP and DBP immediately after exercise would be a stronger predictor of future SBP and DBP rather than BP at rest. However, in young adult women, resting SBP rather than exercise SBP would be better to predict future SBP.

Foxp1 gene expression in projection neurons of the mouse striatum

The developmental processes of maturation in the CNS are the result of specific events including mitogenesis, differentiation, and cell death which occur in a precise spatial and temporal manner. It has been reported that many transcription factors, including forkhead transcription factors, play a key role in these processes. First, we examined the expression pattern of the forkhead transcription factor Foxp1 in the adult CNS. Foxp1 was highly expressed in the striatum and moderately in the cerebral cortex, CA1/2 subfields of the hippocampus, and several thalamic nuclei. In situ hybridization combined with immunohistochemistry in the striatum of adult mice revealed that Foxp1 mRNA was detected in a subset of projection neurons, not in interneurons. In addition, the expression of Foxp1 mRNA was observed in the developing basal ganglia with the exception of the globus pallidus. Thus, Foxp1 mRNA was expressed in a subset of striatal projection neurons, probably the matrix neurons. The expression pattern of Foxp1 mRNA suggests that Foxp1 may play a role in the development and formation of a circuit in the basal ganglia, which is involving the matrix neurons.

Fasting-induced activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (ERK/p38) in the mouse hypothalamus

Activity-dependent changes in neuronal plasticity depend critically on gene regulation. To understand how fasting-induced stimulation leads to gene regulation through intracellular signalling pathways, we investigated the effect of fasting on activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and the p38 MAPK (p38) in mouse hypothalamus. In the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus, phosphorylation of ERK significantly increased during fasting, spatially coincident with phosphorylation of cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), induction of c-Fos, and expression of neuropeptide Y (NPY). In the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of fasted mice, activation of p38 in addition to ERK was also observed. In the arcuate nucleus of ob/ob mice, phosphorylations of ERK and CREB were decreased during fasting, whereas the expression of NPY was increased. In the PVN, increased activation of p38 was observed in spite of decreased activation of ERK. These results suggest that ERK and p38 are differentially activated by fasting in distinct regions of the hypothalamus depending on the condition of energy balance.

Identification of human SEP1 as a glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor-inducible protein and its expression in the nervous system

Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) signals through multisubunit receptor complex consisting of RET tyrosine kinase and a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored coreceptor called GDNF family receptor alpha1 (GFRalpha1). In the current study, we cloned a human SEP1 gene as a GDNF-inducible gene using human neuroblastoma cells that express RET and GFRalpha1. The induction of the SEP1 gene showed two peaks at 0.5-2 h and 24-48 h after GDNF stimulation by Northern blotting and quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. The late induction was also confirmed at protein levels by Western blotting with anti-SEP1 antibody. Immunostaining revealed that the expression of the SEP1 protein was detected in cell body, elongated neurites and growth cone-like structure of neuroblastoma cells treated with GDNF. In addition, we found a high level of SEP1 expression in neurons of the dorsal root and superior cervical ganglia and motor neurons of the spinal cord of mice in which RET is also expressed. SEP1 was co-immunoprecipitated with alpha- and beta-tubulins from the lysate of mouse brain. These results thus suggested that SEP1 is a GDNF-inducible and microtubule-associated protein that may play a role in the nervous system.

Localization of oncostatin M receptor beta in adult and developing CNS

Oncostatin M (OSM) is a member of the interleukin-6 cytokine family, which is involved in definitive hematopoiesis, the development of liver, and local inflammation. However, little is known about the role of OSM in the murine CNS. Using Northern blot analysis, we examined the regional distribution of OSM receptor beta (OSMRbeta) mRNA in the adult CNS. OSMRbeta mRNA was observed predominantly in the olfactory bulb, and with low levels in the other regions. In situ hybridization shows that OSMRbeta gene expression was found in astrocytes of olfactory bulb, epithelial cells of choroid plexus, and meningeal cells in pia mater. In addition, we investigated the gene expression of OSMRbeta in the developing CNS at different time points. Its gene expression was first observed in large neurons of the hypoglossal nucleus at 14.5 days postcoitum, which was sustained until neonatal mice. OSMRbeta mRNA and protein were mainly localized in the ventral subnucleus of the developing hypoglossal nucleus. Our results suggest that OSM contributes to the development of specific subpopulations of both neurons and astrocytes in the murine CNS.

Congenital long QT syndrome and 2:1 atrioventricular block with a mutation of the SCN5A gene

Infants with congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS) and 2:1 atrioventricular block (AVB) have been recognized as a clinical subset of children with LQTS. However, the genotype of this disorder is not well-known. We report an infant with LQTS and 2:1 AVB with a mutation of the SCN5A gene (LQT3). In some patients with LQTS and 2:1 AVB, the disorder may be due to mutation of the SCN5A gene (LQT3).

[[Comparison of mortality rates of elderly people in China and Japan]]

"The mortality rates and causes of death among elderly people aged sixty five and over were compared between China and Japan. The data used for comparison was China's 1990 and Japan's 1990 vital statistics. It appears that the mortality rate in China was higher than Japan. Comparing the causes of death, it was found that the death rates involving cerebrovascular diseases, malignant neoplasms and heart diseases in urban districts of China [were] higher than those in Japan. Also the death rate of people with bronchitis in rural districts was significantly higher in China.... The differences in the medical systems and life styles in China and Japan were suspected as the reasons for the differences of death rates and causes of death...." (SUMMARY IN ENG)

Origin of the stability of Ge(105) on si: a new structure model and surface strain relaxation

The structure of Ge(105)-(1 x 2) grown on Si(105) is examined by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and first-principles calculations. The morphology evolution with an increasing amount of Ge deposited documents the existence of a tensile surface strain in Si(105) and its relaxation with increasing coverage of Ge. A detailed analysis of high-resolution STM images and first-principles calculations produce a new stable model for the Ge(105)-(1 x 2) structure formed on the Si(105) surface that includes the existence of surface strain. It corrects the model developed from early observations of the facets of "hut" clusters grown on Si(001).

A cross-sectional study on association of calcium intake with blood pressure in Japanese population

To investigate the association of calcium intake independently of other nutrients already known as predictors of hypertension, a cross-sectional study was carried out on the same population in Japan as used for the INTERSALT study. Dietary calcium intake was estimated from a 1-day 24-h recall. Sodium and potassium intakes were evaluated by 24-h urinary excretion. Data from 476 subjects aged 20-59 years, 230 men and 246 women, were analysed. The mean dietary calcium intake ranged from 557 to 608 mg/day among men, and from 528 to 639 mg/day among women. Among men, the pooled estimate of the regression coefficients of blood pressure (mm Hg) per 100 mg increase of calcium intake, adjusted for age and body mass index (BMI), were -0.42 mm Hg for systolic blood pressure (SBP) and -0.35 mm Hg for diastolic blood pressure (DBP), but there was no statistical significance. Among women, the pooled estimates of regression coefficients adjusted for age and BMI were -0.92 mm Hg for SBP and -0.83 mm Hg for DBP with statistical significance. After adjustment for age, BMI, alcohol intake and urinary excretion of sodium and potassium, the pooled estimate of calcium intake was -0.66 mm Hg for DBP with statistical significance and -0.70 mm Hg for SBP. A significant negative association of calcium intake with blood pressure was observed among the subjects in Osaka. Our study suggests that increased calcium intake may provide a benefit of lowering blood pressure independently of other minerals such as sodium and potassium.

Epidemiology of idiopathic cardiomyopathy in Japan: results from a nationwide survey

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the total number of patients with idiopathic cardiomyopathy in Japan and the prevalence of the disorder.

DESIGN

A nationwide epidemiological survey.

SETTING

Hospitals selected randomly from among all hospitals in Japan.

PATIENTS

Patients presenting with any of the three types of idiopathic cardiomyopathy: dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and restrictive cardiomyopathy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The total number of patients in Japan was estimated using the sampling and response rates in each stratum with respect to hospital size. The second survey was conducted for patients reported in the first survey in order to obtain detailed information, including age, sex, and specific clinical data.

RESULTS

Estimated patient totals and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were 17 700 (95% CI 16 500 to 18 800) for dilated cardiomyopathy, 21 900 (95% CI 20 600 to 23 200) for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and 300 (95% CI 250 to 350) for restrictive cardiomyopathy. Crude prevalence per 100 000 population was estimated as 14.0 for dilated cardiomyopathy, 17.3 for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and 0.2 for restrictive cardiomyopathy; crude incidence per 100 000 person-years was estimated as 3.58, 4.14, and 0.06, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The total number and prevalence of patients with idiopathic cardiomyopathy in Japan are estimated for the first time in a nationwide survey. The prevalence of dilated cardiomyopathy in Japan appears to be about half that of Western populations, while that of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is about the same.

Sickness absence and shift work among Japanese factory workers

To investigate the effect of shift work on long-term sickness absence (more than 7 calendar days), an 8-year follow-up study was carried out in a factory in Japan. The participants were male employees aged 18-54 years who were engaged in manufacturing sites. Shift patterns were classified by the number of non-daytime working days during the previous one-year. The causes of sickness absence were classified into three groups, 1) causes except injury, diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue, 2) injury, 3) diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue. The analysis of long-term sickness absences was based on the first occurrence. The age-adjusted incidence of sickness absence among shift workers who were on non-daytime shifts more than two-thirds of working days during the previous one year was significantly higher than that among other workers. After adjusting for confounding factors, a significant high risk still existed for this group of workers taking sickness absence for all causes and causes except for injury and the musculoskletal disorders. These findings suggest that shift workers who are engaged on a particular shift schedule are more likely to take leave due to sickness.

Necrotizing tracheobronchitis in patent ductus arteriosus-dependent cyanotic congenital heart disease

We report 2 patients with necrotizing tracheobronchitis (NTB) associated with patent ductus arteriosus-dependent cyanotic congenital heart disease. The pathologic findings suggest that hypotension and decreased tracheo-bronchial perfusion were the major contributing factors in the development of NTB. Necrotizing tracheobronchitis developed in infants with pulmonary atresia and Ebstein's anomaly with pulmonary stenosis. Both infants required prostaglandin E1 infusion from early infancy, and presented with sudden onset of dyspnea and hypercapnea. In one infant, NTB developed prior to mechanical ventilation. In the other infant, NTB developed after 4 days of mechanical ventilation. Care of both infants involved minimal pressures and FiO(2), adequate humidification, and optimal temperature of inspired gases; these factors probably did not play a role in the development or worsening of NTB. Both infants had hypotension and hypoxemia. These factors could have contributed to the development of NTB because of decreased perfusion pressure and tissue hypoxia. As the area of necrosis and its severity correlated with the area of blood supply served by the specific feeding arteries, we speculate that tissue hypoperfusion was the major cause of NTB.

Influence of adenine-induced renal failure on tryptophan-niacin metabolism in rats

To discover the role of the kidney in tryptophan degradation, especially tryptophan to niacin, rat kidneys were injured by feeding a diet containing a large amount of adenine. The kidney contains very high activity of aminocarboxymuconate-semialdehyde decarboxylase (ACMSD), which leads tryptophan into the glutaric acid pathway and then the TCA cycle, but not to the niacin pathway. On the other hand, kidneys contain significant activity of quinolinate phosphoribosyltransferase (QPRT), which leads tryptophan into the niacin pathway. The ACMSD activity in kidneys were significantly lower in the adenine group than in the control group, while the QPRT activity was almost the same, however, the formations of niacin and its compounds such as N1-methylnicotinamide and its pyridones did not increase, and therefore, the conversion ratio of tryptophan to niacin was lower in the adenine group than in the control group. The contents of NAD and NADP in liver, kidney, and blood were also lower in the adenine group. The decreased levels of niacin and the related compounds were consistent with the changes in the enzyme activities involved in the tryptophan-niacin metabolism in liver. It was concluded from these results that the conversion of tryptophan to niacin is due to only the liver enzymes and that the role of the kidney would be extremely low.

Acute reversible renal failure with macroscopic hematuria in Henoch-Schönlein purpura

A Japanese girl aged 5 years 4 months developed macroscopic hematuria and acute renal failure (ARF) 8 days before the appearance of purpura rash. A renal biopsy undertaken during the acute phase of illness revealed many red blood cells in the tubular lumina with no apparent glomerular lesions. ARF showed improvement without dialysis therapy. A second renal biopsy was performed 2.5 months later because of the prolonged proteinuria and hematuria. Sclerotic change and crescent formation were demonstrated in 30% and 20% of glomeruli, respectively. Red blood cell casts in the tubular lumina were completely resolved. It is likely that the tubular change was involved in the development of ARF at the onset of illness. Although ARF during or after episodes of macroscopic hematuria has been observed in IgA nephropathy, it may occur as an uncommon complication in Henoch-Schönlein nephritis, which is a common glomerulonephritis in children.

Development of endoscopic surgery for the minimally invasive treatment of digestive and other diseases

Minimally invasive surgery has rapidly changed the performance of surgical practice in a wide range of surgical specialities in the last decade of the 20th century. The marked progress in endoscopic surgery has been conducted especially in general and digestive surgery. The Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Keio University has contributed to the development and establishment of endoscopic surgery in every subspeciality of general and digestive surgery. Our achievements include the development of original methods for laparoscopic wedge gastrectomy and endoscopic thyroidectomy, establishment of surgical techniques in endoscopic surgery for esophageal, gastric, colorectal and hepatobiliary diseases, and the introduction of robotics and tele-communicative technologies to endoscopic surgery.

Halothane but not isoflurane attenuates interleukin 1beta-induced nitric oxide synthase in vascular smooth muscle

BACKGROUND

Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is induced by endotoxin or cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1, through a protein synthesis pathway. Halothane reportedly inhibits protein synthesis in various tissues. The aim of the current study was to examine the effect of halothane on the IL-1beta-evoked induction of NOS in vascular smooth muscle.

METHODS

After removal of the endothelium, arterial rings of rat aorta were mounted in an isometric force recording system. The effects of halothane (1.0-3.0%) or isoflurane (3.0%) on IL-1beta (20 ng/ml)-induced inhibition of the contractile responses to KCl (30 mM) and phenylephrine (10(-9)-10(-5) M) were studied. The cyclic guanosine monophosphate and cyclic adenosine monophosphate contents were determined by radioimmunoassay. Expression of iNOS and iNOS mRNA were measured by Western or Northern blot analysis, respectively.

RESULTS

Halothane (1.0-3.0%) but not isoflurane (3%) significantly reduced the ML-1beta-induced inhibition of contraction in a concentration-dependent manner. The cyclic guanosine monophosphate content of the vascular smooth muscle increased significantly after a 5-h exposure to IL-1beta. Halothane at 3.0% significantly inhibited the increase in cyclic guanosine monophosphate content induced by IL-1beta. Halothane had no effect on cyclic adenosine monophosphate content. IL-1beta-induced expression of iNOS and iNOS mRNA in the rat aorta were inhibited significantly by halothane.

CONCLUSION

The current study demonstrated that halothane but not isoflurane inhibits IL-1beta-stimulated hyporesponsiveness to vasoconstrictive agents in vascular smooth muscle and that this inhibitory effect of halothane involves the inhibition of iNOS mRNA expression. Thus, these findings suggest that halothane may have some sites to affect nitric oxide-signaling pathway.

Nesidioblastosis and mixed hamartoma of the liver in Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome: case study including analysis of H19 methylation and insulin-like growth factor 2 genotyping and imprinting

An infant with persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia, diffuse nesidioblastosis, and mixed hamartoma of the liver (MHL), in addition to demonstrating clinical, pathologic, and molecular manifestations of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS), is the subject of this report. H19 methylation assay and allelic expression analysis for insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) indicated that the patient was mosaic for paternal isodisomic cells and normal cells in lung tissue, nontumoral liver tissue, tissue from the MHL, and pancreatic tissue. We propose that abundant IGF2 expression during development due to paternal isodisomy resulted in hepatomegaly and islet cell hyperplasia, which led to nesidioblastosis. MHL, by contrast, may have resulted from a decrease in disomic cells, compared with nontumoral liver tissue, which showed an increase in disomic cells. Thus, somatic mosaicism may result in unbalanced tissue growth, which may contribute to the formation of MHL in BWS.

Attachment of Malassezia pachydermatis to the ear dermal cells in canine otitis externa

To investigate the predominance of Malassezia pachydermatis (M. pachydermatis) as a causative agent of canine otitis externa, ear cerumen samples were observed for adhesion of M. pachydermatis to the cornified epithelial cells by light and electron microscopes. The yeasts appeared not to adhere to the cornified epithelial cells directly, but they seemed to exist in the proximity of the epithelial cells with an electron opaque halo-like space around them. Polysaccharide and lipid staining techniques were conducted to identify the substances existing in that space. Lipid substances, not saccharides, were observed around the yeasts and the cornified epithelial cells. These results suggested that in the canine ear canal malassezia yeast attachment to the cornified epithelial cells is mediated by lipids.

Membrane relocation but not tight binding of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Gag particles myristoylated in Escherichia coli

Expression of human immunodeficiency virus Gag protein and the N-terminal matrix (MA) domain in Escherichia coli yielded spherical structures in the cytoplasm. When human N-myristoyltransferase was coexpressed, both Gag and MA were fully myristoylated and spherical structures were relocated in close proximity to the cytoplasmic membrane. However, neither myristoylated Gag nor MA exhibited tight binding to E. coli membrane, suggesting that myristoylation in E. coli did not confer membrane affinity on Gag despite the relocation. Our data also suggest that the morphogenetic pathway of Gag particles in prokaryotic cells differs from that in eukaryotic cells despite biochemical similarities of in the form of Gag expressed.

Birth weight, childhood growth, and cardiovascular disease risk factors in Japanese aged 20 years

To determine whether birth weight and childhood growth, especially rate of height increase, are independently related to major cardiovascular disease risk factors in adult life, the authors conducted a 20-year follow-up study in a Japanese population, using the record-linkage method. From medical checkup data for babies and for residents aged 20 years in Ishikawa, Japan, the authors obtained 20-year follow-up data (1985-1994) on 4,626 participants (2,198 men and 2,428 women) born in 1965-1974. Using multiple linear regression analysis, the authors estimated that a 1-standard-deviation higher birth weight was significantly associated with systolic blood pressure that was lower by 1.6 mmHg in men and by 1.0 mmHg in women, and with a serum cholesterol level that was lower by 0.07 mmol/liter in men and by 0.04 mmol/liter in women, after adjustment for current weight and rate of height increase. Moreover, after adjustment for birth weight and current weight, a 1-standard-deviation higher rate of height increase from age 3 years to age 20 years was significantly associated with systolic blood pressure that was lower by 0.7 mmHg in men and by 0.5 mmHg in women, and with serum cholesterol that was lower by 0.09 mmol/liter in men and by 0.05 mmol/liter in women. The results suggest that lower birth weight and lower rate of height increase during childhood are independently associated with increases in blood pressure and serum cholesterol in adult life.

L-Sorbose induces cellulase gene transcription in the cellulolytic fungus Trichoderma reesei

L-Sorbose has previously been assumed to stimulate cellulase formation in an indirect manner, different from that of sophorose in Trichoderma reesei. Through Northern blot analysis however, L-sorbose was found to regulate coordinately six cellulase genes (including eg13, whose behavior has not been studied so far) at transcriptional level, as is the case with sophorose in T. reesei strains PC-3-7 and QM9414. Dot blot analysis showed that the proportions of each cellulase mRNA to cbh1 mRNA, the largest amount of mRNA transcribed in T. reesei, did not change when L-sorbose or sophorose was used as an inducer in the PC-3-7 and QM9414 strains. cbh2 and egl1 mRNAs were about 45-60% and 20-30% of the cbh1 transcript, whereas small amounts of mRNA, 1-2% of cbh1, were observed on other endoglucanase genes. Furthermore, the PC-3-7 strain showed an enhanced level of cellulase gene transcription, about two- and four- to six-fold higher than that of the QM9414 strain with sophorose and L-sorbose, respectively.

Perinatal development of the rat kidney: proliferative activity and epidermal growth factor

The immunolocalization of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its receptor (EGFR) was examined in the perinatal rat kidney. As the index of proliferative activity, PCNA-positive cell ratios in glomeruli and proximal tubules were determined. The PCNA-positive ratios in both glomeruli and proximal tubules decreased significantly during the perinatal period and tended to decrease as the glomerular developmental stage proceeded as well. PCNA-positive cells were seen predominantly in the nephrogenic zone of the kidney throughout the period examined. They were noted in the collecting ducts of the nephrogenic zone and were rarely seen in those of the central zone of the kidney. On the other hand, PCNA-positive cells were noted in the straight portion of the proximal tubules and were rarely seen in the convoluted one. EGF-positive cells were seen in the proximal tubules, distal tubules and collecting ducts, though EGF-positive cells in the proximal tubules decreased after birth. EGFR-positive cells were seen along the entire length of the proximal tubules and collecting ducts as well as in immature glomeruli, not in mature ones. These results indicate that marked cell proliferation occurs in the collecting ducts in the peripheral area and in the proximal tubules in the central area of the kidney, that the proliferative activity decreases with age during the perinatal days and that EGF plays an important role in the proliferation of glomerular cells, and in both proliferation and maturation of the cells in the proximal tubules and collecting ducts.

A novel low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein mediating cellular uptake of apolipoprotein E-enriched beta-VLDL in vitro

We report here the identification of a novel member of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (the LDL receptor) family through signal sequence trap screening of a mouse lymphocyte cDNA library. The protein was termed LDL receptor-related protein 9 (LRP9). LRP9 is a type I membrane protein predicted to contain 696 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 74 764 Da. The NH(2)-terminal half of LRP9 contains two CUB domains separated by a single ligand-binding repeat. The second CUB domain is followed by a cluster of three additional ligand-binding repeats and a transmembrane domain. The COOH-terminal intracellular region contains a proline-rich region. LRP9 mRNA was expressed in the liver, kidney, lung, and heart at high levels, and in the spleen and brain at low levels. In situ hybridization analysis of mouse liver, kidney, and brain detected LRP9 transcripts in hepatocytes, sinusoidal lining cells, peritubular capillaries, choroid plexus, ependyma of the third ventricle, pia matter, and hippocampus. In particular, high levels of expression were observed in the vascular walls. Apolipoprotein E (apoE)-enriched beta-VLDL stimulated cellular cholesteryl ester formation in ldl-A7/LRP9. These results raise the possibility that this newly identified receptor, which is expressed in the liver, may play a physiological role in the uptake of apoE-containing lipoproteins.

Hyperpolarization is not responsible for the acetylcholine-induced negative chronotropic action in the presence of isoproterenol

It has been reported that acetylcholine hyperpolarizes the maximum diastolic potential of canine Purkinje fibers through a pathway involving a G protein and induces a decrease in their automaticity. It is unclear, however, whether the negative chronotropic action of acetylcholine in the presence of beta-adrenergic stimulation is due to the hyperpolarization of the maximum diastolic potential or a decrease in the slope of phase 4 depolarization. We used standard microelectrode techniques to study the negative chronotropic mechanism of acetylcholine in the presence of isoproterenol in adult canine Purkinje fibers. Fibers were incubated for 24 hours in Tyrode's solution alone (n = 10) or plus pertussis toxin (n = 10), and then superfused with acetylcholine (10(-9) to 10(-4) M) in the presence of isoproterenol (10(-7) M). Acetylcholine in the presence of isoproterenol significantly decreased automaticity without hyperpolarization of the maximum diastolic potential, and decreased the slope of phase 4 depolarization. The effects of acetylcholine on automaticity and the slope of phase 4 depolarization were attenuated by pertussis toxin. The present findings indicate that the negative chronotropic action of acetylcholine in the presence of isoproterenol is due to the decrease in the slope of phase 4 depolarization through a pathway involving a pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein and that it is not the result of hyperpolarization of the maximum diastolic potential.

Inflammatory pseudotumor of the bladder in neonates

Inflammatory pseudotumors of the bladder are rare in children. We describe a 7-day-old male neonate with inflammatory pseudotumor of the bladder. He presented with a 3-day history of macroscopic hematuria. Ultrasonography, computed tomography and cystoscopy showed an intravesical mass arising from the right lateral wall. Pathologic findings obtained by open excision revealed that the tumor had spindle-shaped cells without significant atypia infiltrating into submucosal fibrous tissue. There has been no evidence of recurrent tumor 12 months post-operatively. To our knowledge our case is the first presentation in a neonate among the reported pediatric cases.

CSF phosphorylated tau protein and mild cognitive impairment: a prospective study

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tau protein phosphorylated at both Thr231 and Ser235 sites (CSF/phospho-tau(231-235)) and total tau (CSF/total-tau) were quantified by sandwich ELISA in 20 patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) who eventually developed AD on follow-up as well as seven memory complainers with no objective memory loss. 13/20 (65%) of the MCI patients had high CSF/total-tau and detectable levels of CSF/phospho-tau(231-235), whereas these markers were low and under a detectable level in all of the memory complainers. Although either a total-tau, phospho-tau measurement or a combination of these can help in predicting if MCI will develop AD, our results suggest that the pathogenic steps of AD may be at the stage that finally leads to an accumulation of abnormally phosphorylated tau and neuron death, at least in some brain areas, when MCI patients present with the earliest detectable clinical symptoms of dementia.

Coronary risks after high-dose gamma-globulin in children with Kawasaki disease

OBJECTIVES

The goals of the present study were to develop a predictive coronary risk scoring system after intravenous gamma-globulin (IVGG) therapy of any dose for the different preparations currently used in the treatment of children with Kawasaki disease and to determine the predictive value of the system. The previously reported scoring systems were based on treatment with high-dose IVGG therapy at limited doses and were determined using investigative methods.

METHODS

Four hundred and fifty-one patients were randomized into one of three groups and received either i.v. polyethylene glycol-treated human immunoglobulin at a dose of either 200 (n = 147) or 400 mg/kg per day (n = 152) or freeze-dried sulfonated human immunoglobulin at 200 mg/kg per day (n = 152) for 5 consecutive days. We documented 31 cases of coronary abnormalities (CA). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was performed using 49 clinical variables and the resulting predictive model was validated.

RESULTS

The duration of fever (odds (I day)/odds (- 5 days)= 0.158; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.0385-0.648), hemoglobin (odds (Q1 = 10.3)/odds (Q3 = 11.6) = 3.97; 95% CI 1.92-8.20), IgG (odds (Q1 = 1,900)/odds (Q3=2,658)=2.72, 95% CI 1.18-6.25) and IgA (odds (Q1 =72)/odds (Q3= 160) = 0.415; 95% CI 0.253-0.680) levels after completion of gamma-globulin infusion were independent predictors. The model is quasi-cross validated and has acceptable sensitivity and selectivity. The estimated risk and observed occurrence of CA coincide.

CONCLUSIONS

Determinants of the risk of CA after IVGG therapy are a longer duration of fever, a lower IgG level, a higher IgA level and a lower hemoglobin level after IVGG infusion. This model is applicable for IVGG doses from 1 to 2 g/kg and for at least two different gamma-globulin preparations.

Gene expression of receptors for IL-6, LIF, and CNTF in regenerating skeletal muscles

The biological actions of interleukin-6 (IL-6), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) are mediated via respective functional receptor complexes consisting of a common signal-transducing component, gp130, and other specific receptor components, IL-6 receptor alpha (IL-6R), LIF receptor beta (LIFR), and CNTF receptor alpha (CNTFR). IL-6, LIF, and CNTF are implicated in skeletal muscle regeneration. However, the cell populations that express these receptor components in regenerating muscles are unknown. Using in situ hybridization histochemistry, we examined spatiotemporal expression patterns of gp130, IL-6R, LIFR, and CNTFR mRNAs in regenerating muscles after muscle contusion. At the early stages of regeneration (from 3 hr to Day 2 post contusion), significant signals for gp130 and LIFR mRNAs were detected in myonuclei and/or nuclei of muscle precursor cells (mpcs) and in mononuclear cells located in extracellular spaces between myofibers after muscle contusion, but IL-6R mRNA was expressed only in mononuclear cells. At Day 7 post contusion, signals for gp130, LIFR, and IL-6R mRNAs were not detected in newly formed myotubes, whereas the CNTFR mRNA level was upregulated in myotubes. These findings suggest that the upregulation of receptor subunits in distinct cell populations plays an important role in the effective regeneration of both myofibers and motor neurons. (J Histochem Cytochem 48:1203-1213, 2000)

Regulation of xyn3 gene expression in Trichoderma reesei PC-3-7

The characteristics of regulation of the gene encoding the third xylanase (Xyn III) of a filamentous fungus, Trichoderma reesei PC-3-7, were studied by Northern blot analysis. A partial DNA sequence (185 bp) of the xyn3 gene was obtained by PCR amplification of genomic DNA of T. reesei PC-3-7 and sequenced. This xyn3 gene fragment was used as a probe for Southern and Northern blot analysis. The expression of the xyn3 gene was regulated at the transcriptional level. The xyn3 mRNA was expressed in mycelia of T. reesei PC-3-7 induced by Avicel, L-sorbose and sophorose, but not by xylose, xylooligosaccharides and birchwood xylan. Furthermore, it was observed that xyn3 was synchronously expressed with egll but not with xyn1 and xyn2 by L-sorbose, indicating that the xyn3 gene may be coordinately expressed with cellulase genes. By Southern blot analysis, the xyn3 gene was confirmed to exist as a single copy in both strains of T. reesei PC-3-7 and QM9414. However, no xyn3 mRNA appeared in the mycelia induced by any kind of inducers in T. reesei QM9414 even when total RNA was used in large excess, suggesting that the xyn3 gene in T. reesei QM9414 is in the dormant state and cannot be expressed. Therefore, T. reesei PC-3-7 may be a very useful strain for elucidating the induction mechanism of xylanase biosynthesis by cellulosic and xylanosic substrates, and also the regulatory correlation between cellulase and xylanase induction.

MR imaging of non-CNS fetal abnormalities: a pictorial essay

The recent popularity of prenatal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has been associated with the development of ultrafast MR imaging techniques such as the single-shot fast spin-echo sequence. However, the majority of previous reports have concerned the fetal central nervous system (CNS) and chest disorders. MR imaging can demonstrate non-CNS fetal anatomy and pathologic conditions clearly. With its excellent tissue contrast, MR imaging provides information that supplements that provided by ultrasonography (US), especially in cases of neck, chest, and gastrointestinal lesions. Because of its large field of view, MR imaging allows evaluation of the relationship between a large lesion and adjacent structures. MR imaging should be considered if the diagnosis of a suspected non-CNS lesion is unclear at fetal US. MR imaging plays an important complementary role to US in cases of non-CNS fetal lesions and will be further accepted for fetal imaging in the future.

Dust exposure and lung cancer mortality in tunnel workers

The eastern part of the Toyama Prefecture in Japan is one of the high-incidence areas of silicosis due to tunnel construction. In 1977 and 1978, we conducted a questionnaire survey primarily concerning the occupational history of all male inhabitants over 30 years of age living in five villages in this area and found 603 tunnel workers and inhabitants without dust history. These workers have been followed up to 1994 for about 17 to 18 years to clarify the relationship between tunnel work and lung cancer mortality. The SMR's of workers with dust exposure for all causes and for lung cancer was 120 and 188, respectively, which was significantly higher than those of the Japanese general population. After adjustment for age and smoking habits using Cox's proportional hazard model, tunnel work showed a significant relationship to mortality. Mortality risk ratio of tunnel workers was 2.15 compared with that of inhabitants without dust exposure history.

Biochemical characterization of casein kinase II as a protein kinase responsible for stimulation of HIV-1 protease in vitro

The physiological significance of casein kinase II (CK-II) on the protease (PR) activity of recombinant HIV-1 PR (rPR) was biochemically investigated in vitro. We found that (i) the purified rPR (p11) functions as a phosphate acceptor of CK-II; (ii) the PR activity of rPR is stimulated approximately 2.9-fold after its full phosphorylation by recombinant human CK-II (rhCK-II) in a manner similar to that observed for recombinant HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (rRT); and (iii) this stimulation is completely inhibited by two polyphenol-containing anti-oxidant compounds [quercetin and epigallo-catechin gallate (EGCG)] at 0.1 microM or a glycyrrhetinic acid derivative (oGA) and catechin at 10 microM without significant effect on the PR activity of rPR. These results suggest that (i) CK-II may be a host mediator responsible for stimulation of PR and RT in HIV-1-infected cells; and (ii) the selective inhibition of the CK-II-mediated stimulation of HIV-1 PR and RT by potent CK-II inhibitors may be involved in their anti-HIV-1 effects at the cellular level.

TROY, a newly identified member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, exhibits a homology with Edar and is expressed in embryonic skin and hair follicles

In a signal sequence trap screening of the murine brain, we identified a new member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily designated TROY. TROY is a type I membrane protein of 416 amino acids with characteristic cysteine-rich motifs in the extracellular domain and a tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor (TRAF) 2 binding sequence in the cytoplasmic domain of 223 amino acids. In fact, activation of nuclear factor kappaB was induced by the overexpression of TROY and inhibited by dominant negative forms of TRAF2, TRAF5, and TRAF6, indicating that TRAFs and nuclear factor kappaB are involved in the signal transduction of TROY. We also cloned a cDNA for a human counterpart, which showed a 75% homology with mouse TROY at the amino acid level. The extracellular domain of TROY exhibits an extensive homology with that of Edar, a receptor that specifies hair follicle fate. TROY mRNA is strongly expressed in brain and embryo and moderately expressed in the heart, lung, and liver but not the spleen. In the embryo, the expression level is particularly strong in the skin. Interestingly, in situ hybridization analysis of the embryo showed that TROY mRNA was exclusively expressed in the epithelium of many tissues. On the other hand, in neonatal mice, TROY is expressed in hair follicles like Edar as well as in the cerebrum, suggesting pleiotropic functions of TROY in development as well as in the adult mice. The Troy gene is located near the waved coat (Wc) locus, a mutant related to abnormalities in skin and hair.

In vitro processing of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Gag virus-like particles

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Gag proteins are assembled into virus particles and then cleaved by the virion-associated HIV protease. Concomitant with Gag processing, doughnut-like HIV particles (the immature form) are converted to particles containing condensed cores (the mature form). Here we describe the in vitro processing of immature HIV Gag virus-like particles (VLP) by exogenously added HIV protease. Following delipidization, sequential processing of immature VLP showed that the matrix (MA)/capsid (CA) junction was cleaved faster than the CA/nucleocapsid (NC) junction, an altered order of processing when compared with authentic processing. When the in vitro processed VLP were analyzed on density gradients, most of the MA, CA-p15 intermediate, and NC were detected as a highly multimeric form, equivalent to the unprocessed VLP. In contrast, CA was found as a monomer dissociated from the multimeric CA-p15 following cleavage of the CA/NC junction. Electron microscopy revealed that the in vitro processing was accompanied by conversion of the doughnut-like particles to particles containing condensed cores and spherical outer shells. The cores, however, lacked core shells, which are normally observed for authentic HIV, suggesting that the in vitro processing of immature VLP failed to produce core shells.

Trends in stroke incidence and acute case fatality in a Japanese rural area : the Oyabe study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Stroke mortality in Japan has significantly declined during recent decades. To determine the cause of this decrease, we studied the trends in stroke incidence and case fatality within 28 days after stroke in a rural area in Japan.

METHODS

We used a population-based registry during 1977-1991 in Oyabe, a rural area in the central part of Japan. The average population aged 25 years and older numbered 32 859 persons. Changes in age-standardized stroke incidence rate were calculated and compared between the 3 periods 1977-1981, 1982-1986, and 1987-1991. The 28-day case fatality rate was evaluated and also compared between the 3 periods by onset year.

RESULTS

The total number of strokes was 2068. The age-standardized incidence rate of all strokes decreased during the 15-year period, from 605 to 417 per 100 000 in men and from 476 to 329 per 100 000 in women. A marked decline was found during 1977-1986 but was not apparent during 1987-1991. Moreover, there was an increase in the group aged 75 years and older. The 28-day case fatality rates for all strokes improved from 18.0% to 14.2% in men and from 26.8% to 19.1% in women during the observation period.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate that declines in the stroke incidence and the 28- day case fatality have been associated with a marked decrease in stroke-related mortality in Japan.

[Sarcoidosis associated with lupus pernio and acute pulmonary cavitation]

Lupus pernio, an uncommon skin condition due to sarcoidosis in Japan, is a chronically persistent, violaceous skin lesion primarily involving the nose, cheek, ears, and fingers. It has often been associated with chronic fibrotic non-resolving pulmonary sarcoidosis. We reported a case of sarcoidosis associated with lupus pernio and primary pulmonary cavitation as a rare manifestation in the lung. A 44-year-old man visited our hospital in January 1986 because of a 3-year history of swollen and violaceous cheeks (lupus pernio) and an 8-year history of erythema in both upper and lower limbs. The biopsy specimen obtained from the skin lesion revealed epithelioid cell granulomas without any evidence of Mycobacterium or fungal growth. Serum ACE (45.4 U/ml) was elevated. Chest X-ray films and computed tomographic (CT) scans showed bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy, nodules, multiple small opacities, and reticulo-linear opacities. Gallium scintigraphy demonstrated abnormal uptake in the mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes and lung fields. The patient had not received corticosteroids. Chest X-ray films and CT scans in July 1989 showed increased opacities and cavitation. Because pyogenic bacteria and acid-fast bacilli were not detected by repeated sputum examinations or bronchial washing, we concluded that the cavitary lesions were manifestations of primary pulmonary cavitation due to sarcoidosis. Prednisolone (40 mg daily) was prescribed and the dosage was gradually tapered. The lung lesions gradually resolved and have not recurred.

Development of SCAR markers to the PVY resistance gene Ryadg based on a common feature of plant disease resistance genes

Sequence-characterized amplified regions (SCARs) were developed, based on nucleotide differences within resistance gene-like fragments isolated from a potato plant carrying the Ryadg gene, which confers extreme resistance to potato Y potyvirus (PVY). It originates from Solanum tuberosum subsp. andigena, and a susceptible potato plant. SCARs were tested using 103 potato breeding lines and cultivars with diverse genetic backgrounds derived from Europe, North America, and Japan. Two markers showed high accuracy for detection of the Ryadg gene. The SCAR marker RYSC3 was generated only in genotypes carrying Ryadg. The SCAR marker RYSC4 was detected in all genotypes carrying Ryadg but also in four PVY-susceptible genotypes. Neither marker was detected in genotypes carrying other Ry genes originating from different species than S. tuberosum subsp. andigena. Therefore, these SCAR markers should be powerful tools in marker-assisted selection for Ryadg in potato breeding programs, and should also be useful for cloning of the Ryadg gene.

Development of SCAR markers to the PVY resistance gene Ryadg based on a common feature of plant disease resistance genes

Sequence-characterized amplified regions (SCARs) were developed, based on nucleotide differences within resistance gene-like fragments isolated from a potato plant carrying the Ryadg gene, which confers extreme resistance to potato Y potyvirus (PVY). It originates from Solanum tuberosum subsp. andigena, and a susceptible potato plant. SCARs were tested using 103 potato breeding lines and cultivars with diverse genetic backgrounds derived from Europe, North America, and Japan. Two markers showed high accuracy for detection of the Ryadg gene. The SCAR marker RYSC3 was generated only in genotypes carrying Ryadg. The SCAR marker RYSC4 was detected in all genotypes carrying Ryadg but also in four PVY-susceptible genotypes. Neither marker was detected in genotypes carrying other Ry genes originating from different species than S. tuberosum subsp. andigena. Therefore, these SCAR markers should be powerful tools in marker-assisted selection for Ryadg in potato breeding programs, and should also be useful for cloning of the Ryadg gene. Key words: SCAR, potato virus Y, extreme resistance gene, Solanum.

Pulmonary hypoplasia induced by liquid paraffin injection into fetal thoracic cavity with special reference to renal development in rats

The present study was designed to clarify lung-kidney interrelation in fetal rats. On fetal day 20, liquid paraffin (LP) was injected into fetal thoracic cavity to produce pulmonary hypoplasia. No significant difference in body and renal weights were noted between the LP injected and control fetuses. The weight of lung, however, was significantly lower in the LP injected fetuses than in the control ones. Histological examinations on the lung and kidney of the LP injected fetuses revealed that the lung was hypoplastic characterized by rich interstitium and reduced air spaces. In the kidney, mature types of glomeruli and profiles of proximal tubules near them were increased in number. Furthermore, strong expression of EGF immunoreactivity was noted in the apical cytoplasm of epithelium of the proximal tubules in the LP injected fetuses. These findings indicate that lung-kidney interrelation exists in fetal rats during late gestational days, and suggest that interruption of the lung development induces accelerated growth of the kidney in fetal rats.