Sidelobeless multiple-object discriminant filters recorded as discrete-type computer-generated holograms

The computer generation of sidelobeless multiple-object discriminant correlation filters has been stressed. We propose to synthesize the filter functions by use of the simulated-annealing algorithm. By this method the filters can be obtained as discrete-type computer-generated holograms. The filters can suppress the sidelobes and provide sharp correlation peaks. A computer simulation and an optical experiment were performed, and the expected correlation responses were obtained.

A simple and sensitive bioassay for the detection of human interleukin-18/interferon-gamma-inducing factor using human myelomonocytic KG-1 cells

Interleukin-18 (IL-18)/interferon-gamma-inducing factor (IGIF) is a novel cytokine which plays an important role in Th1 responses. Here we describe a simple, sensitive bioassay for human IL-18 using the human myelomonocytic cell line, KG-1, which produces IFN-gamma in response to human IL-18. IFN-gamma production induced by human IL-18 was completely blocked by an antibody against human IL-18. Human IL-18 could be measured in a concentration range from approximately 100 to 10,000 pg/ml, and intra- and inter-assay coefficient variations were both below 15%. It was possible to measure human IL-18 in human serum, cell lysate or culture supernatant by this bioassay. Thus, the human IL-18 bioassay can be expected to be useful in the investigation of the relationship between human IL-18 and various diseases or in analyzing the mechanisms of human IL-18 secretion from IL-18 producing cells.

[A novel immune system]

We found a novel lymphoid cell lineage, V alpha 14 NKT cell, which is characterized by 1) the expression of both NK1.1 (NK receptor) and an invariant TCR encoded by V alpha 14 and J alpha 281 gene segments; 2) the expression of unusual phenotypes, such as NK1.1+, B220+, Mac-1+, HSA+, CD44+, CD45Rlow and MEL-14low; and 3) the extrathymic development: V alpha 14 NKT cells appear at d9.5 of gestation before thymus development. Moreover, the deletion of the invariant V alpha 14 TCR gene expression caused the lack of NKT cells in vivo, while transgene of the invariant V alpha 14 V beta 8 TCR in the RAG-deficient background resulted in the generation of only V alpha 14 NKT cells without other lymphoid cells. These results indicate the essential requirement of invariant V alpha 14 TCR for the development of NKT cells. Recent studies clearly show that V alpha 14 NKT cells, but not NK cells or T cells are the primary target of IL-12 in the IL-12-mediated tumor rejection.

Modulation of circadian expression of D-site binding protein by the schedule of parenteral nutrition in rat liver

The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in the circadian rhythm of the expression of liver-specific genes caused by different schedules of parenteral nutrition (PN). Rats received PN continuously throughout the day or intermittently during the night or day for 7 days. They were examined for gene expression of D-site binding protein (DBP), albumin, and cytochrome P450 cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase (CYP7) in the liver. The nocturnal PN group showed circadian expression of DBP messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein with a peak at 10 PM, in the same manner as the control rats receiving normal chow feeding. However, the diurnal PN group showed inverted expression of DBP mRNA and protein with a peak at 10 AM. CYP7 mRNA levels exhibited good synchronization with the levels of DBP mRNA in all groups, whereas albumin mRNA levels did not show such synchronization. Gel mobility-shift assay disclosed that the binding activity of the nuclear extracts to the CYP7 gene promoter was changed by the PN schedule in accordance with the expression of CYP7 mRNA. The PN schedule modulates the circadian rhythm of DBP expression and may have an effect on hepatic bile acid formation through transcriptional regulation of the CYP7 gene.

The mode of action of UK-2A and UK-3A, novel antifungal antibiotics from Streptomyces sp. 517-02

UK-2A and UK-3A are structural relatives of antimycins, which were isolated as antifungal antibiotics with little cytotoxicity that demonstrated inhibition of respiratory activity. They halve the cellular respiration of yeast within 4-5 minutes and the intracellular ATP content within 2-5 minutes. Moreover, they inhibited the yeast mitochondrial respiration using beta-hydroxybutyrate and succinate as a respiratory substrate, but no inhibition was observed using ascorbate-reduced tetramethyl p-phenylenediamine as the substrate. The site of respiratory inhibition of UK-2A and UK-3A was thought to be the cytochrome bc1 complex in the mitochondrial electron transport chain of yeast cells. They also inhibited the mitochondrial respiration of rat liver. It has been suggested that intact animal cells might have some system to defend themselves from the actions of UK-2A and UK-3A.

CD1d-restricted and TCR-mediated activation of valpha14 NKT cells by glycosylceramides

Natural killer T (NKT) lymphocytes express an invariant T cell antigen receptor (TCR) encoded by the Valpha14 and Jalpha281 gene segments. A glycosylceramide-containing alpha-anomeric sugar with a longer fatty acyl chain (C26) and sphingosine base (C18) was identified as a ligand for this TCR. Glycosylceramide-mediated proliferative responses of Valpha14 NKT cells were abrogated by treatment with chloroquine-concanamycin A or by monoclonal antibodies against CD1d/Vbeta8, CD40/CD40L, or B7/CTLA-4/CD28, but not by interference with the function of a transporter-associated protein. Thus, this lymphocyte shares distinct recognition systems with either T or NK cells.

Requirement for Valpha14 NKT cells in IL-12-mediated rejection of tumors

A lymphocyte subpopulation, the Valpha14 natural killer T (NKT) cells, expresses both NK1.1 and a single invariant T cell receptor encoded by the Valpha14 and Jalpha281 gene segments. Mice with a deletion of the Jalpha281 gene segment were found to exclusively lack this subpopulation. The Valpha14 NKT cell-deficient mice could no longer mediate the interleukin-12 (IL-12)-induced rejection of tumors. Although the antitumor effect of IL-12 was thought to be mediated through natural killer cells and T cells, Valpha14 NKT cells were found to be an essential target of IL-12, and they mediated their cytotoxicity by an NK-like effector mechanism after activation with IL-12.

Essential roles of the winged helix transcription factor MFH-1 in aortic arch patterning and skeletogenesis

Mesenchyme Fork Head-1 (MFH-1) is a forkhead (also called winged helix) transcription factor defined by a common 100-amino acid DNA-binding domain. MFH-1 is expressed in non-notochordal mesoderm in the prospective trunk region and in cephalic neural-crest and cephalic mesoderm-derived mesenchymal cells in the prechordal region of early embryos. Subsequently, strong expression is localized in developing cartilaginous tissues, kidney and dorsal aortas. To investigate the developmental roles of MFH-1 during embryogenesis, mice lacking the MFH-1 locus were generated by targeted mutagenesis. MFH-1-deficient mice died embryonically and perinatally, and exhibited interrupted aortic arch and skeletal defects in the neurocranium and the vertebral column. Interruption of the aortic arch seen in the mutant mice was the same as in human congenital anomalies. These results suggest that MFH-1 has indispensable roles during the extensive remodeling of the aortic arch in neural-crest-derived cells and in skeletogenesis in cells derived from the neural crest and the mesoderm.

[Changes in tissue and blood polyamine levels following chemotherapy in rats with urinary bladder carcinoma induced by N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl) nitosamine in rats]

BACKGROUND

Polyamines are recognized as cell growth factors. We attempted to determine whether alterations in the levels of tissue and blood polyamines were useful biochemical makers for monitoring the efficacy of the chemotherapy for bladder tumors.

METHODS

The concentrations of three polyamines of diamine, spermidine and spermine in urinary bladder and blood were determined in male F344 rats with urinary bladder carcinoma induced by N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl) nitrosamine (BBN), following chemotherapy with cisplatin, methotrexate and pirarubicin.

RESULTS

Bladder carcinoma was observed in 5 of 20 rats of the chemotherapeutic group, and 16 of 20 rats of the control group given saline alone. The levels of spermidine, spermine and total polyamine in both bladder and blood of the treated rats were significantly lower than those of the control rats.

CONCLUSION

The study suggested that the levels of tissue and blood polyamines could be used as biochemical markers for monitoring the efficacy of the chemotherapy for bladder tumors.

Neuropilin-semaphorin III/D-mediated chemorepulsive signals play a crucial role in peripheral nerve projection in mice

Neuropilin is a neuronal cell surface protein and has been shown to function as a receptor for a secreted protein, semaphorin III/D, that can induce neuronal growth cone collapse and repulsion of neurites in vitro. The roles of neuropilin in vivo, however, are unknown. Here, we report that neuropilin-deficient mutant mice produced by targeted disruption of the neuropilin gene show severe abnormalities in the trajectory of efferent fibers of the PNS. We also describe that neuropilin-deprived dorsal root ganglion neurons are perfectly protected from growth cone collapse elicited by semaphorin III/D. Our results indicate that neuropilin-semaphorin III/D-mediated chemorepulsive signals play a major role in guidance of PNS efferents.

Localization of the bronchodilatory effects of isoproterenol and aminophylline in patients with bronchial asthma: an investigation using selective alveolobronchography

The effect of isoproterenol (isoprenaline) and aminophylline on airway calibre in 18 adult patients with bronchial asthma was measured directly using selective alveolobronchography. Isoproterenol caused a significant dilation in the maximal calibre of the central airway from bifurcation numbers 1-5 (P < 0.05) and number 6 (P < 0.01). There was no change in bifurcation number 0 (trachea). Aminophylline caused a significant dilatation in bifurcation numbers 3 and 4 (P < 0.01), with no change in bifurcation numbers 0-2 and 5-6. In the minimal calibre of the central airway, both drugs displayed a significant dilatory effect only at bifurcation number 3 (P < 0.05). These results indicate that the central airway is the main site of the dilatory effects of these drugs. Although their precise mechanisms of action are not known, these results suggest that mechanisms of action of the two drugs are different. Isoproterenol acts on the whole region of the central airway, while the action of aminophylline tends to be limited to bifurcation numbers 3 and 4.

Role of radiosurgery in the management of cavernous sinus meningiomas

OBJECTIVE

To provide our early experience and philosophy in the utility of radiosurgery in the management of cavernous sinus meningiomas.

METHODS

Twenty-five consecutive cases with cavernous sinus meningiomas treated between 1990 and 1995 were reviewed. Three cases were treated with gamma-knife radiosurgery, 15 with preceding surgery and gamma knife, 7 with surgery. Mean follow-up following radiosurgery and surgery were 34.8 and 25.4 months, respectively.

RESULTS

The 5-year actuarial tumor control rate following radiosurgery was 85.7% and tumor remission rate was 61.4%. Permanent neurological deterioration after radiosurgery was seen in 1 case (5.9%), whereas newly developed or worsened neurological deficits permanently persisted in 59.1% of patients after surgery. There was a clear correlation between surgical radicality and postoperative morbidity rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Gamma-knife radiosurgery is a valuable addition to surgical removal in the treatment of cavernous sinus meningiomas. Combination of non-radical resection and subsequent radiosurgery is recommended to improve treatment-associated morbidity.

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of human D-dopachrome tautomerase

D-Dopachrome tautomerase catalyzes the conversion of D-dopachrome to 5,6-dihydroxyindole. This protein has amino acid sequence homology with that of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), suggesting a pathophysiological role of this protein in inflammatory and immunological events. We previously determined the tertiary structure of MIF and revealed the functional and evolutional relationships of this protein to isomerase. However, the reaction mechanism of both proteins associated with the inflammatory response, immune system, or tautomerase activities in vitro have not yet been clarified. The tertiary structure of D-dopachrome tautomerase would provide insight into the molecular function and the mechanism of these proteins. In this study, we crystallized human D-dopachrome tautomerase by a hanging-drop vapor diffusion method. The crystals belong to the trigonal space group P3, with unit cell dimensions a = b = 84.2 A and c = 41.0 A. They contain three (or two) monomers in the asymmetric unit, corresponding to a VM value of 2.21 (or 3.32) A3 Da-1. The best crystals diffract X-ray to 1.6 A resolution using a synchrotron radiation source. Crystallization of the selenomethionyl derivative of the protein for applying the multiwavelength anomalous diffraction method was also successful.

Early nonpolypoid colorectal cancer: radiographic diagnosis of depth of invasion

PURPOSE

To diagnose depth of invasion of early flat and depressed nonpolypoid colorectal cancers with double-contrast barium enema examination.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ninety-seven early nonpolypoid colorectal cancers, initially identified with colonoscopy, were investigated with double-contrast barium enema examination. Depth of invasion in resected specimens obtained with endoscopic mucosal or surgical resection was determined. Cancer confined to the mucosal layer or with focal extension to the submucosal layer was defined as Ca-m; moderate to massive extension of cancer into the submucosal layer was classified Ca-sm.

RESULTS

In flat elevated and depressed cancers, converging folds and semilunar deformity were observed significantly more frequently in Ca-sm than in Ca-m tumors (P < .05 and P < .01, respectively). Sensitivities and specificities of these findings for Ca-sm tumor were 42%, 93% and 86%, 85%, respectively. Deep depression, irregular surface of the depression, and tumor size larger than 20 mm were also predictive findings for depressed Ca-sm tumors (P < .05); the specificity of each was 100%. With use of these radiographic predictors, overall accuracy for diagnosing depth of invasion was 85%.

CONCLUSION

Findings on double-contrast barium enema study are highly predictive of depth of invasion of early nonpolypoid colorectal cancer. Radiographic findings of converging folds, semilunar deformity, deep depression, irregular surface of the depression, and tumor size are predictors of Ca-sm tumor.

Disruption of semaphorin III/D gene causes severe abnormality in peripheral nerve projection

The molecules of the collapsin/semaphorin gene family have been thought to play an essential role in axon guidance during development. Semaphorin III/D is a member of this family, has been shown to repel dorsal root ganglion (DRG) axons in vitro, and has been implicated in the patterning of sensory afferents in the spinal cord. Although semaphorin III/D mRNA is expressed in a wide variety of neural and nonneural tissues in vivo, the role played by semaphorin III/D in regions other than the spinal cord is not known. Here, we show that mice homozygous for a targeted mutation in semaphorin III/D show severe abnormality in peripheral nerve projection. This abnormality is seen in the trigeminal, facial, vagus, accessory, and glossopharyngeal nerves but not in the oculomotor nerve. These results suggest that semaphorin III/D functions as a selective repellent in vivo.

Subtemporal keyhole approach to the suprasellar and petroclival region: microanatomic considerations and clinical application

OBJECTIVE

To minimize surgical invasiveness, the keyhole concept is applied to the subtemporal approach.

METHODS

Anatomic features were studied in 14 sides of adult cadaver heads, and the technique was used in 162 interventions. Although most of the lesions treated were 3 cm in size or smaller, larger lesions were also treated using this technique. In some cases, if needed, an endoscope-assisted microsurgical technique was used.

RESULTS

The cadaveric study provided intimate experience with the microsurgical anatomy of the approach. The 162 consecutive patients who were operated on harbored various types of lesions; the most recent 43 consecutive interventions were investigated in detail. The complications encountered included five cases of permanent cranial nerve palsy, two cases of cerebrospinal leakage, two cases of short memory disturbance, two cases of seizure, and one case each of hemiplegia and incoordination, transient hearing loss and tinnitus, and consciousness deterioration and hemiplegia.

CONCLUSION

With careful patient selection, the subtemporal keyhole approach diminishes tissue traumatization considerably and has proven to provide sufficient operating space in the suprasellar area. When this approach is combined with the cranial base technique, the petroclival region can also be treated. However, the subtemporal keyhole approach requires deliberate preoperative planning for each patient, as well as for each surgeon.

A novel pathogenesis of megacolon in Ncx/Hox11L.1 deficient mice

The Ncx/Hox11L.1 gene, a member of the Hox11 homeobox gene family, is mainly expressed in neural crest-derived tissues. To elucidate the role of Ncx/Hox11L.1, the gene has been inactivated in embryonic stem cells by homologous recombination. The homozygous mutant mice were viable. These mice developed megacolon with enteric ganglia by age 3-5 wk. Histochemical analysis of the ganglia revealed that the enteric neurons hyperinnervated in the narrow segment of megacolon. Some of these neuronal cells degenerated and neuronal cell death occurred in later stages. We propose that Ncx/Hox11L.1 is required for maintenance of proper functions of the enteric nervous system. These mutant mice can be used to elucidate a novel pathogenesis for human neuronal intestinal dysplasia.

Characterization of anti-human interleukin-18 (IL-18)/interferon-gamma-inducing factor (IGIF) monoclonal antibodies and their application in the measurement of human IL-18 by ELISA

Interleukin-18 (IL-18)/interferon-gamma-inducing factor (IGIF) is a novel cytokine, which is a potent inducer of IFN-gamma production and plays an important role in Th1 responses. In order to develop a specific ELISA for the measurement of human IL-18, we established 13 anti-human IL-18 monoclonal antibodies and characterized them. 7 murine anti-human IL-18 mAbs and 6 rat anti-human IL-18 mAbs were obtained by fusion of splenocytes from mice or rats immunized with human IL-18, with SP2/0 myeloma cells. These antibodies were classified into 4 groups according to competitive binding ELISAs to the human IL-18 molecule. 1 murine mAb and all 6 rat mAbs neutralized IFN-gamma production induced by IL-18. A specific human IL-18 ELISA was developed using two neutralizing mAbs (#125-2H and #159-12B). This ELISA detects human IL-18 with a minimum detection limit of 10 pg/ml, but does not react with heat-denatured human IL-18. The ELISA does not show any cross-reactivity with other cytokines. Using this assay, human IL-18 was measurable in the plasma of leukemia patients. This ELISA would become a powerful tool for investigating the relationship between IL-18 and various diseases or analyzing the control mechanisms of IL-18 production from IL-18 producing cells.

Disruption of the Bcl6 gene results in an impaired germinal center formation

The Bcl6 gene has been identified from the chromosomal translocation breakpoint in B cell lymphomas, and its products are expressed highly in germinal center (GC) B cells. To investigate the function of Bcl6 in lymphocytes, we have generated RAG1-deficient mice reconstituted with bone marrow cells from Bcl6-deficient mice (Bcl6(-/-)RM). Lymphogenesis in primary lymphoid tissues of Bcl6(-/-)RM is normal, and Bcl6(-/-)RM produced control levels of primary IgG1 antibodies specific to T cell-dependent antigens. However, GCs were not found in these mice. This defect was mainly due to the abnormalities of B cells. Therefore, Bcl6 is essential for the differentiation of GC B cells.

Incrustation and uptake of skeletal imaging agent in transitional cell carcinoma

We present a case of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder visualized by 99mTc-HMDP bone scintigraphy and suggest possible uptake mechanisms. Pelvic CT demonstrated a sessile bladder tumor with punctate and curvilinear calcifications on the surface areas (incrustation). Technetium-99m-HMDP bone scintigraphy demonstrated intense uptake corresponding to the site of the bladder tumor. Chemisorption of urinary 99mTc-HMDP, rather than of blood-born 99mTc-HMDP, may have occurred at the tumor surface.

Two cases of transiently TSBAb-positive hypothyroidism induced by interferon-alpha therapy for chronic hepatitis C

A 34-year-old woman and a 54-year-old woman were treated with interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) for chronic hepatitis C. Three months after the cessation of the IFN-alpha therapy, each patient developed hypothyroidism with the presence of thyroid-stimulation-blocking antibody (TSBAb) and TSH-binding inhibitor immunoglobulin (TBII). These two patients were treated with thyroxine, and both TSBAb and TBII activities gradually decreased. Although both TSBAb and TBII became negative several months after the start of the replacement therapy, the replacement dosage of L-thyroxine could not be reduced. Thyroid biopsies showed that the follicular epitheliums were flattened in both cases with lymphocytic infiltration. These findings suggest that IFN-alpha may induce hypothyroidism and the transient emergence of TSBAb and TBII.

[Clinical and laboratory findings associated with the severity of community-acquired pneumonia]

To clarify the clinical features of severe community-acquired pneumonia, we retrospectively studied 121 patients treated at our hospital. We divided the patients into three groups, based on the severity, of their disease. Patients were put in the "mild" group (n = 56) if they recovered after treatment with antimicrobial agents only, they were put in the "moderate" group (n = 34) if the required oxygen therapy and recovered, and they were put in the "severe" group (n = 31) if they required mechanical ventilation. Age and underlying disease were recorded, as well as signs, symptoms, and laboratory data obtained during the first 24 hours after admission. The data indicated that the following nine findings were associated with the severity of disease: age of at least 65 years, an underlying disease of (31) the respiratory or central nervous system, dyspnea, a pulse rate of at least 90 beats per minute, a respiratory rate of at least 25 breaths per minute, an albumin concentration no greater than 3.5 g/dl, a blood urea nitrogen level of at least 20 mg/dl, a PaO2 no greater than 60 mmHg or an SaO2 no greater than 90%, and a high score on a scale of the extent of roentgenographic evidence of pulmonary infiltrates. Patients in whom these are found be managed carefully.