Unit-charging programs for municipal solid waste in Japan

Unit-charging programs known as pay-as-you-throw (PAYT) for municipal solid waste in Japan were surveyed. The number of municipalities that have implemented PAYT for combustible waste totaled 954 (30%) in 2003. The introduction of PAYT programs peaked in the early 1970s and again in the 1990s. PAYT has tended to be adopted by municipalities with small populations (less than 30,000). PAYT charging systems can be roughly divided into two groups: simple unit-pricing programs and two-tiered pricing programs. It is difficult to see the relationship between PAYT and waste reduction by simple inspection of the overall changes throughout Japan. Case studies of four municipalities showed that the implementation of PAYT programs reduced the amount of residual waste generated by 20% to 30%. In combination with other measures, especially the recycling of containers and packaging, PAYT programs can bring about a dramatic reduction in waste.

New diagnostic reporting format for endometrial cytology based on cytoarchitectural criteria

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to develop a new reporting format for endometrial cytology that would standardize the diagnostic criteria and the terminology used for reporting.

METHODS

In previous studies, cytoarchitectural criteria were found to be useful for the cytological assessment of endometrial lesions. To apply these criteria, an appropriate cytological specimen is imperative. In this article, the requirements of an adequate endometrial cytological specimen for the new diagnostic criteria are first discussed. Then, the diagnostic criteria, standardized on a combination of conventional and cytoarchitectural criteria, are presented. Third, terminology that could be used, not only for reporting the histopathological diagnosis, but also for providing better guidance for the gynaecologist to determine further clinical action, is introduced. The proposed reporting format was investigated using endometrial cytology of 58 cases that were cytologically underestimated or overestimated compared to the histopathological diagnosis made on the subsequent endometrial biopsy or surgical specimens.

RESULTS

Of the 58 cases, 12 were reassessed as being unsatisfactory for evaluation. Among the remaining 46 cases, 25 of the 27 cases, which had been underestimated and subsequently diagnosed as having endometrial carcinoma or a precursor stage on histopathological examination,were reassessed as recommended for endometrial biopsy. On the other hand, 19 cases overestimated by cytology were all reassessed as not requiring biopsy.

CONCLUSIONS

The reporting format for endometrial cytology proposed in this article may improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce the number of patients managed inappropriately.

[Histoculture drug response assay guided concurrent chemoradiotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer]

Retrospective analysis was done to evaluate concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) using chemotherapeutic agents judged to be sensitive by histoculture drug response assay (HDRA) for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We treated 21 NSCLC patients with CCRT using senstivie agents judged by HDRA from 1999 to 2004. Objective response was evaluated in 20 patients. They were consisted of 1 complete response (CR) case, 18 partial response (PR) cases, and 1 stable disease (SD) case. The response rate was 95%. Ten cancer related deaths were observed during 816 +/- 861 (60-2,780) days follow-up. Median survival time was 604 days. One- and 5-year survival rates were 73.9% and 40.3%, respectively. In conclusion, HDRA may improve efficacy of CCRT for NSCLC.

A most distant intergeneric hybrid offspring (Larcon) of lesser apes, Nomascus leucogenys and Hylobates lar

Unlike humans, which are the sole remaining representatives of a once larger group of bipedal apes (hominins), the "lesser apes" (hylobatids) are a diverse radiation with numerous extant species. Consequently, the lesser apes can provide a valuable evolutionary window onto the possible interactions (e.g., interbreeding) of hominin lineages coexisting in the same time and place. In the present work, we employ chromosomal analyses to verify the hybrid ancestry of an individual (Larcon) produced by two of the most distant genera of lesser apes, Hylobates (lar-group gibbons) and Nomascus (concolor-group gibbons). In addition to a mixed pelage pattern, the hybrid animal carries a 48-chromosome karyotype that consists of the haploid complements of each parental species: Hylobates lar (n = 22) and Nomascus leucogenys leucogenys (n = 26). Studies of this animal's karyotype shed light onto the processes of speciation and genus-level divergence in the lesser apes and, by extension, across the Hominoidea.

DNA probes for identifying chromosomes 5, 6, and 7 of Schistosoma mansoni

Schistosoma mansoni has a genome of 270 Mb contained on 8 pairs of chromosomes. C-banding has been a useful technique in identifying the 7 autosomal and sex chromosomes. However, even with C-banding, S. mansoni chromosomes 5, 6, and 7 are difficult to discriminate from each other, because of their small sizes, morphological similarity, and poor banding patterns. We have identified probes that specifically paint chromosomes 5, 6, and 7 of S. mansoni with the use of chromosome microdissection and the degenerate oligonucleotide-primed polymerase chain reaction (DOP-PCR). Exact chromosome identification is required for accurate chromosome mapping of genomic clones and genetic elements, which is an essential component of the schistosome genome project.

Synthesis and properties of the aromatic clusters arrayed along DNA strands

Functional groups arrayed along DNA strands have been expected to show unique properties that are different from those monomers. Oligonucleotides carrying multi-pyrene groups arrayed along DNA strands showed strong excimer fluorescence emission intensities. The oligonucleotides carrying pyrene groups are surmised to be in single stranded forms in solutions. On the other hand, oligonucleotides carrying methyl red groups formed double stranded forms in which methyl red groups were tightly stacked. The structural factors which control the single strand-double strand equilibriums will be discussed.

Preparation of modified oligonucleotides by the post-synthetic modification on resin method

We report the novel method that accomplishes many processes such as synthesis, modification, deprotection, washing, on the solid support. Using polymers with a novel linker, oligonucleotides has been synthesized on a DNA synthesizer by the established procedures, then the polymer was treated in alkaline solutions for removing the protection groups. Since the linker is stable in alkaline solutions, oligonucleotides were still connected to the polymers. After washing out the chemical impurities, the oligonucleotides were released from the polymer by light irradiations.

Rabeprazole-based eradication therapy for Helicobacter pylori: a large-scale study in Japan

BACKGROUND

Large-scale studies of rabeprazole-based Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy have not been reported in Japan.

AIMS

To evaluate H. pylori eradication by rabeprazole-based therapy with reference to antibiotic susceptibility, CYP2C19 genotype, and rabeprazole and clarithromycin dosages.

METHODS

From 35 centres 479 H. pylori-positive patients with gastric or duodenal ulcer were randomized to four treatment groups: Group 1 (10 mg rabeprazole + 750 mg amoxicillin + 200 mg clarithromycin twice daily for 7 days); Group 2 (10 mg, 750 mg, 400 mg); Group 3 (20 mg, 750 mg, 200 mg) and Group 4 (20 mg, 750 mg, 400 mg).

RESULTS

Eradication rates were 86% (102 of 119), 89% (97 of 109), 91% (106 of 116) and 90% (104 of 115) for Groups 1-4, respectively. The eradication rate was 95% (360 of 379) for clarithromycin-susceptible strains, and 50% (30 of 60) for clarithromycin-resistant strains. The eradication rates were 88% (332 of 379) and 96% (77 of 80) in extensive metabolizers and poor metabolizers, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Rabeprazole-based therapies achieved 50% eradication of clarithromycin-resistant H. pylori, and even achieved good rates in extensive metabolizers. Accordingly, rabeprazole can be recommended as part of a first-line proton pump inhibitor-based triple therapy for H. pylori.

Schistosome egg production is dependent upon the activities of two developmentally regulated tyrosinases

Egg production is responsible for life cycle progression and host immunopathology during schistosomiasis, with the associated parasite molecules being investigated as potential novel chemotherapeutic targets. Here, we characterize two Schistosoma mansoni products, tyrosinase 1 and tyrosinase 2 (SmTYR1/SmTYR2) and show that their diphenol oxidase enzyme activities are critical for eggshell formation and production. The genes encoding these bifunctional enzymes (monophenol and diphenol oxidases) result from a duplication event that likely occurred before speciation and exist in the parasite's genome as multiple copies, which are linked and localized to chromosomes 4 and W. SmTYR1/SmTYR2 transcription and diphenol oxidase action are developmentally regulated with most enzyme activity localized to the eggshell-producing cells contained within the vitellaria of adult female worms. Importantly, kojic-acid mediated inhibition (IC50=0.5 microM) of SmTYR1/SmTYR2's diphenol oxidase activity during in vitro culture of sexually mature adult worms resulted in a significant decrease in the production of phenotypically normal eggs. Therefore our data suggest that SmTYR1/2 inhibition represents a novel and potentially effective strategy for combating schistosomiasis and furthermore, it may point to new methods for combinatorial control of immunopathology and egg transmission during platyhelminth infection.

Neuronal specificity of alpha-synuclein toxicity and effect of Parkin co-expression in primates

Recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vector-mediated overexpression of alpha-synuclein (alphaSyn) protein has been shown to cause neurodegeneration of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway in rodents and primates. Using serotype-2 rAAV vectors, we recently reported the protective effect of Parkin on alphaSyn-induced nigral dopaminergic neurodegeneration in a rat model. Here we investigated the neuronal specificity of alphaSyn toxicity and the effect of Parkin co-expression in a primate model. We used another serotype (type-1) of AAV vector that was confirmed to deliver genes of interest anterogradely and retrogradely to neurons in rats. The serotype-1 rAAV (rAAV1) carrying alphaSyn cDNA (rAAV1-alphaSyn), and a cocktail of rAAV1-alphaSyn and rAAV1 carrying parkin cDNA (rAAV1-parkin) were unilaterally injected into the striatum of macaque monkeys, resulting in protein expression in striatonigral GABAergic and nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons. Injection of rAAV1-alphaSyn alone decreased tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity in the striatum compared with the contralateral side injected with a cocktail of rAAV1-alphaSyn and rAAV1-parkin. Immunostaining of striatonigral GABAergic neurons was similar on both sides. Overexpression of Parkin in GABAergic neurons was associated with less accumulation of alphaSyn protein and/or phosphorylation at Ser129 residue. Our results suggest that the toxicity of accumulated alphaSyn is not induced in non-dopaminergic neurons and that the alphaSyn-ablating effect of Parkin is exerted in virtually all neurons in primates.

Influence of ascorbic acid on bonding of peroxide-affected dentin and 4-META/MMA-TBB resin

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the tensile bond strength (TBS) to peroxide-exposed dentin. Furthermore, the effect of ascorbic acid (AA) on the bond strength of peroxide-exposed dentin was investigated. Extracted bovine dentin was exposed to 10% carbamide peroxide, 30% hydrogen peroxide, or distilled water for 30 min, then treated with 10% AA (0, 30, 90, and 180 min), and conditioned with 10% citric acid/3% ferric chloride. The polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA) rod was bonded to the treated bovine dentin with 4-META/MMA-TBB resin. A minidumbbell-shaped bonded specimen was prepared from these bonded assemblies and the TBS was tested. The fractured surfaces were also observed with a scanning electron microscope. Exposure to peroxide before bonding significantly reduced bond strength. The application of AA to the peroxide-exposed dentin increased bond strength. On the other hand, an adverse effect of AA was found in distilled water-affected dentin. Extended resin fibers were partially seen in the peroxide-exposed dentin. In conclusion, peroxide reduced the bond strength, and the stronger the oxidation, the weaker the obtained bond. Antioxidation with AA recovered the bond strength, and this effect increased the longer the AA was applied.

Quantitative analysis of amyloid plaques in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease by phase-contrast X-ray computed tomography

Densely aggregated beta-amyloid peptides are believed to play a key role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Amyloid plaques are a potential target for molecular imaging to determine the clinical status of Alzheimer's disease. Phase-contrast X-ray imaging combined with computed tomography is a promising technique that can be used to visualize the physical density of structures in biological tissues non-invasively, and without the use of imaging agents. Using brain tissue isolated from a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, we show that beta-amyloid 40-positive/beta-amyloid 42-positive amyloid plaques, but not beta-amyloid 40-negative/beta-amyloid 42-positive amyloid plaques, exist as high-density aggregates that can be specifically detected by phase-contrast X-ray computed tomography. The phase-contrast X-ray computed tomography detected beta-amyloid 40-positive/beta-amyloid 42-positive amyloid plaques in three-dimensions with an extremely high sensitivity comparable to that of histological analysis, and also enabled the load of amyloid plaques to be quantified. Furthermore, the use of phase-contrast X-ray computed tomography reveals that the physical density of beta-amyloid 40-positive/beta-amyloid 42-positive amyloid plaques increases with age, and that the large volume, high-density, amyloid plaques that are specifically observed in aged Alzheimer's disease mice are closely associated with neuritic dystrophy. These results demonstrate that phase-contrast X-ray computed tomography is a highly sensitive imaging technique for analyzing dense-cored amyloid plaques in postmortem samples, and is beneficial in elucidating amyloid pathophysiology in Alzheimer's disease.

[Pericardioperitoneal fenestration for chronic exudative pericarditis using a subxiphoidal approach; report of a case]

A 77-year-old woman with a previous history of median sternotomy and collagen disease, presented with chief complaints of resting dyspnea as a result of recurrent pericardial effusions or restrictive ventilatory impairment. She experienced significant symptom amelioration after undergoing pericardioperitoneal fenestration. We weighed the positive against the negative of various pericardial effusion drainage methods in this study. This operative procedure is not innovative, but favorable because it can be carried out conveniently and safely, enabling early rehabilitation without appreciable postoperative complications.

A novel mutation of the thiazide-sensitive sodium chloride cotransporter gene in a Japanese family with Gitelman syndrome

Gitelman syndrome is an inherited renal disorder characterized by impaired NaCl reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule leading to hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia and normocalcemic hypocalciuria. It has been shown that this syndrome results from mutations in the gene encoding the thiazide-sensitive sodium chloride cotransporter (TSC). We performed the mutational analysis in the TSC gene of a 30-year-old Japanese woman with Gitelman syndrome and found two mutations at adjacent spots in both alleles. One was a frame shift mutation which generated stop codon at position 671, the other was a single nucleotide mutation, which resulted in an aminoacid substitution at position 672, Met to Ile. Her 52-year-old mother and two daughters had neither hypokalemia nor hypomagnesemia. However, her mother and her 8-year-old daughter had the Met672Ile mutation as heterozygotes. Her 4-year-old daughter had the same frame shift mutation as her mother, a heterozygotic mutation. These results suggest that Gitelman syndrome requires 2 compound heterozygotic mutations and the coexistence of the large deletion in the C-terminal domain with Met672Ile substitution of the TSC could impair the transporter activity underling the hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia in this patient.

A multifunctional shuttling protein nucleolin is a macrophage receptor for apoptotic cells

Early apoptotic Jurkat T cells undergo capping of CD43, and its polylactosaminyl saccharide chains serve as ligands for phagocytosis by macrophages. This suggests the presence of a polylactosaminoglycan-binding receptor on macrophages. Here we show that this receptor is nucleolin, a multifunctional shuttling protein present in nucleus, cytoplasm, and on the surface of some types of cells. Nucleolin was detected at the surface of macrophages, and anti-nucleolin antibody inhibited the binding of the early apoptotic cells to macrophages. Nucleolin-transfected HEK293 cells expressed nucleolin on the cell surface and bound the early apoptotic cells but not phosphatidylserine-exposing late apoptotic cells. This binding was inhibited by anti-nucleolin antibody, by polylactosamine-containing oligosaccharides, and by anti-CD43 antibody. Deletion of the antibody binding region of nucleolin resulted in loss of the apoptotic cell-binding ability. Moreover, truncated recombinant nucleolin in solution containing this region blocked the apoptotic cell binding to macrophages, and the blocking effect was cancelled by the oligosaccharides. These results indicate that nucleolin is a macrophage receptor for apoptotic cells.

Patterns of C-heterochromatin and telomeric DNA in two representative groups of small apes, the genera Hylobates and Symphalangus

The course of chromosome evolution in small apes is still not clear, though painting analyses have opened the way for elucidating the puzzle. Even the C-banding pattern of the lar-group of gibbons (the genus Hylobates) is not clarified yet, although our previous studies suggested that lar-group gibbons have a unique C-banding pattern. We therefore made observations to establish C-banded karyotypes of the agile gibbons included in the lar-group. The data were compared with those of siamangs (the genus Symphalangus), which carry distinctive C-bands, to determine the chromosomal patterns in each group. C-banded chromosomes of agile gibbons showed several terminal, interstitial and paracentric bands, whose patterns are specific for each chromosome, whereas the C-bands of siamangs were located only at the terminal and centromeric regions in most chromosomes. Moreover, the C-bands of agile gibbons and siamangs were shown to be G+C-rich and A+T-rich DNA, respectively, by DAPI/C-band sequential staining. Additionally, PRINS labelling with a telomere primer revealed that agile gibbons have telomeric DNA only at chromosome ends where there is no C-band (non-telomeric heterochromatin), whereas the telomeric DNA of siamangs is located in the terminal C-banded regions (telomeric heterochromatin). Although the evolutionary mechanisms in small apes are still unknown, C-banding patterns and distribution of telomeric DNA sequences should provide valuable data to deduce the evolutionary pathways of small apes.

Adeno-associated virus vector-mediated anti-angiogenic gene therapy for collagen-induced arthritis in mice

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to determine the utility of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors for anti-angiogenic gene therapy in a mouse model of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA).

METHODS

CIA mice were generated by immunization with bovine type-II collagen and Freund's complete adjuvant. AAV vectors containing angiostatin and enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) expression units (AAV-Ang/GFP) or the GFP and neomycin phosphotransferase (NeoR) expression units (AAV-GFP/NeoR) were injected into mouse knee joints before development of arthritis. The expression of transgenes was confirmed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunostaining, and the incidence and severity of arthritis was determined histologically via assessment of synovial hyperplasia, cartilage erosion and bone erosion. Vascularity in the knee joint was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining with anti-von Willebrand factor antibody.

RESULTS

AAV vectors were capable of efficient gene transfer into chondrocytes and synovial cells, and the extent of synovial hyperplasia and other parameters of arthritis were significantly reduced in the knee joints injected with AAV-Ang/GFP compared with the joints treated with either AAV-GFP/NeoR or phosphate-buffered solution (PBS). Reduction in the number of vessels was confirmed in AAV-Ang/GFP-treated joints.

CONCLUSION

AAV-vector-mediated local expression of angiostatin efficiently inhibited the development of collagen-induced arthritis in the treated joint. Anti-angiogenic gene therapy using AAV vector may provide a new approach for the effective treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Influence of microcatheter length on flow rates of disposable infusion kits

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Continuous spinal analgesia (CSA) offers considerable pain relief, and has been used in various procedures such as for surgery and cancer pain control. In Japan, portable and disposable infusion kits are increasingly employed for continuous epidural analgesia and CSA. In CSA, the use of a microcatheter is expected to reduce the incidence of spinal headache previously encountered with larger catheters. However, the flow rate of disposable infusion kits is reduced when used in conjunction with a microcatheter.

METHODS

This study aimed to investigate the influence of catheter length on the flow rate of two different devices: 20- or 91-cm 28-G microcatheters connected to balloon- or syringe-type infusion pumps were examined (50 mL, 1 mL h(-1)). There were four groups each of 10 experiments: Group A: balloon-type infuser, 91 cm catheter; Group B: balloon-type infuser, 20 cm catheter; Group C: syringe-type infuser, 91 cm catheter; Group D: syringe-type infuser, 20 cm catheter.

RESULTS

The mean flow rate in Group A was significantly less than that in Group B and the mean flow rate in Group C was significantly less than Group D (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

These results indicated that the use of a shorter microcatheter achieves a better flow rate during CSA.

Powdery mildew pathogens can suppress the chitinase gene expression induced in detached inner epidermis of barley coleoptile

Two-step PCR (RT-PCR and nested PCR) was used to detect gene expression in powdery mildew pathogen-infected cells of detached inner epidermis of barley coleoptiles. Cellular contents of infected cells were microscopically suctioned with a micropipette and subjected to PCR. Triosephosphate isomerase and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase genes involved in the glycolytic pathway and a stimulus-induced endochitinase gene were targeted, and their expression was determined by detecting cDNAs derived from spliced transcripts. The two gycolysis-related genes were constantly expressed in the tissue irrespective of pathogen inoculation. In contrast, chitinase gene expression was induced in non-infected inner epidermis after detachment. After inoculation, this expression was selectively suppressed in pathogen-invaded cells, in spite of continuous expression in non-invaded cells of the same epidermis. Thus, the present method enabled us to directly analyze transcripts in individual cells at the infection site and assess the capability of the pathogen to regulate host gene expression.

Transcriptional repression mechanisms of nucleolus organizer regions (NORs) in humans and chimpanzees

Polymorphisms related to transcriptional inactivation of nucleolus organizer regions (NORs) have long been described in many animals, particularly humans. However, the precise aetiology of such variations is not always clear. We conducted analyses to investigate the repression mechanisms in humans and chimpanzees using FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridisation) with 18S rDNA, Ag-NOR (silver nitrate) staining, C-banding, and the in situ nick translation technique with the HpaII restriction enzyme. Examination of 48 humans and 46 chimpanzees suggested that there are at least three different mechanisms that produce inactivation of NORs. These include: (1) elimination of rDNA; (2) DNA methylation: (3) gene silencing due to position effects induced by heterochromatin (C-bands) and/or telomeres.

Closure of a Cervical H-Type Tracheoesophageal Fistula

Congenital H-type tracheoesophageal fistulae in adults are infrequent. In surgery, the essential components (defining, cutting, and suturing the fistula, and preventive interposition of muscle flap) must be performed precisely. We undertook these procedures through a small collar incision. Based on results of preoperative images, the fistula was identified under minimum dissection between the trachea and esophagus. After cutting and suturing the fistula, a sternohyoid muscle flap was interposed.

FISH mapping for helminth genome

Basic techniques for fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) mapping that have been used in genome projects on schistosomes and filariae are introduced. The chapter shows techniques specific for bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) and yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) clones and includes experiences of chromosome preparation, DNA labeling, hybridization, microscopy, and localization of BAC clones.

A probe generated by chromosome microdissection, useful for analyzing Y chromosome evolution in Old World monkeys

We isolated a DNA probe, designated MMDYZ1, using a chromosome microdissection technique from the Y chromosome of the Rhesus monkey. The probe obtained from eight whole Y chromosomes shows higher specificity for the Y short arm of the Rhesus monkey, which consists totally of constitutive heterochromatin. Two microclones (MMY#3 and MMY#4) were constructed from the Y-specific primary PCR products. Sequence analysis of these two microclones revealed that both were essentially identical to each other and the sizes were 870 and 686 bp, respectively. From alignment analysis using the Genbank database of primates, the alphoid DNA has the highest affinity with the probe. However, the total composition of this probe has extremely high homology with the Y short arm of the Rhesus monkey, as demonstrated by fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH). Comparative FISH-mapping disclosed that this DNA-sequence cluster was located at extremely different sites on the Y chromosome in several species of the Old World monkey. Accordingly, this probe seems to be a high-quality tool, now established for the first time, for investigating Y chromosome evolution of the Old World monkey.

The amelogenin loci span an ancient pseudoautosomal boundary in diverse mammalian species

The mammalian amelogenin (AMEL) genes are found on both the X and Y chromosomes (gametologous). Comparison of the genomic AMEL sequences in five primates and three other mammals reveals that the 5' portion of the gametologous AMEL loci began to differentiate in the common ancestor of extant mammals, whereas the 3' portion differentiated independently within species of different mammals. The boundary is marked by a transposon insertion in intron 2 and is shared by all species examined. In addition, 540-kb DNA sequences from the short arm of the human X chromosome are aligned with their Y gametologous sequences. The pattern and extent of sequence differences in the 5' portion of the AMEL loci extend to a proximal region that contains the ZFX locus, and those in the 3' portion extend all the way down to the pseudoautosomal boundary (PAB)1. We concluded that the AMEL locus spans an ancient PAB, and that both the ancient and present PABs were determined by chance events during the evolution of mammals and primates. Sex chromosome differentiation likely took place in a region that contains the male-determining loci by suppressing homologous recombination.

Cytogenetic differentiation of two sympatric tree shrew taxa found in the southern part of the Isthmus of Kra

Sympatric populations of the genus Tupaia encompassing two cytotypes (cyt60, 2n = 60 and cyt62, 2n = 62) were found in the southern part of the Isthmus of Kra (the middle region of the Malay Peninsula, Thailand). C-bands, location of rDNA, and location of non-essential telomeric repeats (TRs) were investigated in detail for 23 animals captured in the area. Such chromosomal traits definitely reveal that two distinct cytotypes exist in the sympatric population, though the external morphological traits are similar. Hybrid cytotypes were not observed; thus, these two cytotypes appear to be genetically isolated sibling species. Chromosomal results compared with previous data, geographic distribution and morphological data observed with new insight suggest that, in the sympatric population, 'cyt60' represents members of Tupaia glis, while 'cyt62' identifies individuals of Tupaia belangeri. The cytogenetic information discovered in the present study offers new insight to morphological classification and, further, may provide substantial diagnostic characteristics for the distinction of tree shrew species.

Adenylosuccinate lyase of Schistosoma mansoni: gene structure, mRNA expression, and analysis of the predicted peptide structure of a potential chemotherapeutic target

Adenylosuccinate lyase is an enzyme used in parasite nucleotide salvage pathways that cleaves adenylosuccinate into adenosine 5'-monophosphate and fumarate. A cDNA encoding adenylosuccinate lyase from the trematode parasite Schistosoma mansoni has been cloned for analysis. Sequencing of the cDNA revealed an open reading frame of 1454 nucleotides that codes for a protein with a predicted mass of about 54.5 kDa. Comparative analysis of the predicted protein sequence shows that S. mansoni adenylosuccinate lyase has a lot of similarity with human adenylosuccinate lyase. Genomic analysis using S. mansoni adenylosuccinate lyase-containing bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones revealed a gene of approximately 19.4 kb consisting of eight exons and seven introns. Intron 6 was found to contain a novel 2.9 kb long terminal repeat retrotransposon with direct terminal repeats of 500 nucleotides. Fluorescence in situ hybridisation mapping localised S. mansoni adenylosuccinate lyase to the Z and W chromosomes. Analysis of S. mansoni adenylosuccinate lyase mRNA expression levels using real time reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR showed that S. mansoni adenylosuccinate lyase is expressed at higher levels in the female worms than in the male worms and is expressed at different levels than other purine nucleotide salvage enzymes. Male homogenate showed a specific activity of 10.3 units/mg protein while the female showed a specific activity of 24.2 units/mg protein. These data indicate that S. mansoni adenylosuccinate lyase is an important parasite enzyme and should be examined as a potential chemotherapeutic target.

Effect of HEMA on bonding of Er:YAG laser-irradiated bovine dentine and 4-META/MMA-TBB resin

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the priming effect of 2-hydroxyethylmetaclirate (HEMA) following acid treatment on resin bonding to prototype Er:YAG laser-irradiated dentine. Extracted bovine dentine following laser irradiation was acid treated by aqueous solution of 10% citric acid (10-0) or 10% citric acid/3% ferric chloride (10-3), and additionally treated with 35% HEMA. Pre-treated dentines were bonded to the polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA) rod with 4-META/MMA-TBB resin (Super Bond C & B) and miniaturized dumbbell-shaped bonded specimens were prepared. These specimens profiled for tensile bond testing and fractured surfaces were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Cross-sections of resin-dentine interface were also examined. The HEMA treatment following acid conditioned by 10-3 or 10-0 for both laser-irradiated and non-irradiated dentines was significantly higher than that without HEMA treatment. SEM view of a fractured specimen showed some cohesive failure in cured resin, but almost all of the fractured surface shows boundary failure between the penetrated resin and underlying dentine. A cross-sectional view of the interface showed a very thick hybrid layer between the hybridized dentine and underlying dentine. It was concluded that HEMA treatment following acid conditioning provided a slightly higher bond strength for both the Er:YAG laser-irradiated and non-irradiated dentines. However, the bond strength of Er:YAG laser irradiated dentine was significantly lower than that of the non-irradiated dentine.

[Evaluation of immunochromatography based rapid detection kit of rotavirus and adenovirus]

We investigated the usefulness of Rapidtesta Rota-Adeno (Daiichi Pure Chemicals Co., Ltd., Japan) for rapid detection of group A rotavirus and adenovirus simultaneously using immunochromatography with clinical samples. In investigation of the reaction of the kit to 5 strains of group A rotavirus, 13 strains of adenovirus and other intestinal viruses, specific lines were formed in red to group A rotavirus and blue to adenovirus. No cross reaction was observed with other intestinal virus. In measurement of detection limit, group A rotavirus (SA11) was detected at 10(4.4)TCID50/ml, serotype 3 adenovirus at 10(4.45)TCID50/ml. The detection limit of the kit was similar to other immunochromatographic assay or enzyme immnoassay kits and approximately 10 times higher than that of kits using latex agglutination test. In comparison with other testing kits in clinical samples, the concordance with other immunochromatographic assay was 99.2% (121/122) in group A rotavirus and 98.6% (138/140) in adenovirus. The rate of concordance with latex agglutination test kit was 94.5% (69/73) in group A rotavirus and 92.3% (84/91) in adenovirus. The kit had high rates of concordance with other immunochromatographic assay kits and higher virus detection rates than those of latex agglutination test kits. Rapidtesta Rota-Adeno is able to detect group A rotavirus and adenovirus simply and rapidly. In addition, the two kinds of virus can be easily differentiated by color difference in reaction lines, suggesting that the kit is useful in clinical diagnosis.

Peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the vulva: report of a case with imprint cytology

BACKGROUND

Peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) of the vulva is an extremely rare disease, and, to our knowledge, only two cases have been previously reported.

CASE

A 45-year-old woman presented with a mass in the right labium major. Three years after removal of the tumor, she noticed a new lesion in the same place and underwent a partial vulvectomy. The imprint cytology of the recurrent tumor showed a monomorphic appearance, composed of small round cells with scant cytoplasm against a hemorrhagic background. These tumor cells were loosely connective, but rosettelike structures were observed focally. On pathologic examination, the neoplasm was composed of small round tumor cells showing sinusoidal, diffuse or micropapillary growth. Immunohistochemically, the neoplastic cells stained positively for neuron-specific enolase, vimentin and HBA 71 and negatively for cytokeratin, HBA 45 and muscle-specific actin. The morphologic characteristics of the disease were well expressed in the imprint cytology, and this influenced the selection of immunohistochemical studies.

CONCLUSION

Cytologic examination for vulvar tumors, even imprint cytology, can be a useful tool in obtaining an accurate pathologic diagnosis of a rare disease, such as peripheral PNET.

An anatomic study of the extensor tendons of the human hand

A total of 548 upper limbs (276 right and 272 left hands) from Japanese cadavers were dissected. The arrangements of extensor indicis proprius, extensor digitorum communis (EDC), and extensor digiti minimi tendons and the intertendinous connections were studied. The most common pattern of extensor tendons was as follows: the index finger had a single EDC tendon, the middle finger had a single EDC tendon, the ring finger had a single EDC tendon, and the small finger had a single EDC tendon or a single common EDC tendon distributed to the ring and small finger. A single extensor indicis proprius tendon ran along the ulnar side of the EDC, and the extensor digiti minimi tendon consisted of 2 slips. Intertendinous connections were classified into 3 types: type 1 with a filamentous band, type 2 with a fibrous band, and type 3 with a tendinous band subdivided to r-shaped and y-shaped. The most common patterns were type 1 in the second intermetacarpal space (IMCS), type 3r in the third IMCS, and type 3y in the fourth IMCS.

Immunoglobulin G1 antibody response to Helicobacter pylori heat shock protein 60 is closely associated with low-grade gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma

Gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is related to Helicobacter pylori infection. Specifically, it has been pointed out that pathogenesis of MALT lymphoma involves the 60-kDa heat shock protein (hsp60). To investigate humoral immune responses to the H. pylori hsp60 in patients with gastroduodenal diseases and patients with MALT lymphoma, the hsp60 of H. pylori was expressed with a glutathione S-transferase fusion protein and was purified (recombinant hsp60). Sera were obtained from H. pylori-positive patients with gastroduodenal diseases (MALT lymphoma, n = 13; gastric ulcer, n = 20; duodenal ulcer, n = 20; gastritis, n = 20) and from H. pylori-negative healthy volunteers (n = 9). Sera from patients with MALT lymphoma were also obtained at two times: before and after eradication therapy. Antibodies to hsp60 and H. pylori were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to the hsp60 of H. pylori-positive patients with gastroduodenal diseases were significantly elevated compared to those in the controls. The levels of IgG1 antibodies to hsp60 were elevated and correlated with the levels of anti-H. pylori antibodies in patients with MALT lymphoma. Humarol immunity against hsp60 may be important and relevant to gastroduodenal diseases induced by H. pylori infection.

Resin bonding to Er: YAG laser-irradiated dentin: combined effects of pre-treatments with citric acid and glutaraldehyde

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the combined effects of citric acid and glutaraldehyde (GA) on the resin bonding to Er: YAG laser-irradiated dentin. Bovine dentin was prepared with 180- to 600-grit SiC paper and then uniformly irradiated with an Er: YAG laser (laser-irradiated group) or immersed in water at 60 degrees C for 15 min (heated group). The samples were then acid-conditioned with 10% citric acid (10-0) or 10% citric acid/3% ferric chloride (10-3) for 15 s and treated with GA for 10 min before bonding to an acrylic rod with 4-META/MMA-TBB resin. These samples were trimmed to prepare miniaturized dumbbell-shaped specimens. After storage in water at 37C for 1 d, the tensile bond strength was measured, and the fractured surface was evaluated using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). In the laser-irradiated and heated groups, the 10-3+GA-treated specimen had higher bond strength than that of 10-0+GA. On the other hand, the tensile bond strength of 10-3 +GA in the non-irradiated group was lower that that of 10-0+GA. In conclusion, the combination of 10-3 and GA for bonding with 4-META/MMA-TBB resin was the most effective for Er: YAG laser-irradiated dentin and heated dentin, but it was not effective for the non-irradiated dentin.

Mutational analysis of BRCA1 and BRCA2 and clinicopathologic analysis of ovarian cancer in 82 ovarian cancer families: two common founder mutations of BRCA1 in Japanese population

We analyzed genetic alterations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes among 82 ovarian cancer families in Japan. The clinical characteristics of BRCA-associated ovarian cancer patients were compared with cases carrying no mutations as well as with population controls. Using a direct sequencing method, 45 of the 82 ovarian cancer families were found to carry BRCA1 or BRCA2 germ-line mutations (40 with BRCA1 and 5 with BRCA2). In 24 independent mutations of BRCA1, 5 recurrent mutations were found and 2 of them, the L63X and Q934X mutations, were detected in seven and eight independent families, respectively. In addition, 16 mutations of BRCA1 and 3 mutations of BRCA2 have never been described previously. In consideration of clinicopathological features, there was a significantly higher proportion of tumors with serous adenocarcinoma and of cases of advanced stages in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 cases than in those of the controls. On the other hand, there were no differences of mean age at diagnosis between patients with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation and those of the controls. Our results indicate that the features of BRCA-associated ovarian cancer in Japan appear to be similar to those in Western countries, and the L63X and Q934X mutations of BRCA1 appear to be common founder mutations unique to the Japanese population.

Expression of membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase in rheumatoid synovial cells

Membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) is thought to be a putative regulator of pro-gelatinase A (MMP-2) in the rheumatoid synovium. In this study, we examined the effects of IL-1beta, one of the inflammatory cytokines, on the expression of MT1-MMP and the activation of pro-MMP-2 using rheumatoid synovial cells. We also studied the effects of KE-298 (2-acetylthiomethyl-4-(4-methylphenyl)-4-oxobutanoic acid), a new disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD), on MT1-MMP expression of rheumatoid synovial cells. Type B synovial cells (fibroblast-like synovial cells) were cultured with KE-298 (25-100 microg/ml) in the presence of IL-1beta for 48 h. Activation of pro-MMP-2 secreted from synovial cells was analysed by gelatin zymography. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) methods were used to detect MT1-MMP mRNA. MT1-MMP protein expression on synovial cells was examined by anti-MT1-MMP immunoblot. An active form of MMP-2 was demonstrated in the culture media conditioned by IL-1beta-stimulated synovial cells. In addition, MT1-MMP mRNA and protein expression of rheumatoid synovial cells were increased by IL-1beta treatment. KE-298 blocked this IL-1beta-induced pro-MMP-2 activation and MT1-MMP expression, but did not affect IL-1beta-induced tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) secretion from rheumatoid synovial cells. These findings indicate that activation of rheumatoid synovial cells by IL-1beta results in the induction of MT1-MMP expression. Given that MT1-MMP promotes matrix degradation by activating pro-MMP-2, these results suggest a novel mechanism whereby cytokine may contribute to articular destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). KE-298 may prevent this process by down-regulating MT1-MMP expression.