Description of International Caenorhabditis elegans Experiment first flight (ICE-FIRST)

Traveling, living and working in space is now a reality. The number of people and length of time in space is increasing. With new horizons for exploration it becomes more important to fully understand and provide countermeasures to the effects of the space environment on the human body. In addition, space provides a unique laboratory to study how life and physiologic functions adapt from the cellular level to that of the entire organism. Caenorhabditis elegans is a genetic model organism used to study physiology on Earth. Here we provide a description of the rationale, design, methods, and space culture validation of the ICE-FIRST payload, which engaged C. elegans researchers from four nations. Here we also show C. elegans growth and development proceeds essentially normally in a chemically defined liquid medium on board the International Space Station (10.9 day round trip). By setting flight constraints first and bringing together established C. elegans researchers second, we were able to use minimal stowage space to successfully return a total of 53 independent samples, each containing more than a hundred individual animals, to investigators within one year of experiment concept. We believe that in the future, bringing together individuals with knowledge of flight experiment operations, flight hardware, space biology, and genetic model organisms should yield similarly successful payloads.

DU-176b, a potent and orally active factor Xa inhibitor: in vitro and in vivo pharmacological profiles

BACKGROUND

Factor Xa (FXa), a key serine protease that converts prothrombin to thrombin in the coagulation cascade, is a promising target enzyme for the prophylaxis and treatment of thromboembolic diseases. DU-176b is a novel antithrombotic agent that directly inhibits FXa activity.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the in vitro pharmacological profiles and in vivo effects of DU-176b in animal models of thrombosis and bleeding.

METHODS

In vitro, FXa inhibition, specificity and anticoagulant activities were examined. Oral absorption was studied in rats and cynomolgus monkeys. In vivo effects were studied in rat and rabbit models of venous thrombosis and tail bleeding.

RESULTS

DU-176b inhibited FXa with Ki values of 0.561 nm for free FXa, 2.98 nm for prothrombinase, and exhibited >10 000-fold selectivity for FXa. In human plasma, DU-176b doubled prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time at concentrations of 0.256 and 0.508 microm, respectively. DU-176b did not impair platelet aggregation by ADP, collagen or U46619. DU-176b was highly absorbed in rats and monkeys, as demonstrated by more potent anti-Xa activity and higher drug concentration in plasma following oral administration than a prototype FXa inhibitor, DX-9065a. In vivo, DU-176b dose-dependently inhibited thrombus formation in rat and rabbit thrombosis models, although bleeding time in rats was not significantly prolonged at an antithrombotic dose.

CONCLUSIONS

DU-176b is a more potent and selective FXa inhibitor with high oral bioavailability compared with its prototype, DX-9065a. DU-176b represents a promising new anticoagulant for the prophylaxis and treatment of thromboembolic diseases.

Interobserver agreement in endoscopic evaluation of reflux esophagitis using a modified Los Angeles classification incorporating grades N and M: a validation study in a cohort of Japanese endoscopists

The Los Angeles classification system is the most widely employed criteria associated with the greatest interobserver agreement among endoscopists. In Japan, the Los Angeles classification system has been modified (modified LA system) to include minimal changes as a distinct grade of reflux esophagitis, rather than as auxiliary findings. This adds a further grading M defined as minimal changes to the mucosa, such as erythema and/or whitish turbidity. The modified LA system has come to be used widely in Japan. However, there have been few reports to date that have evaluated the interobserver agreement in diagnosis when using the modified LA classification system incorporating these minimal changes as an additional grade. A total of 100 endoscopists from university hospitals and community hospitals, as well as private practices in the Osaka-Kobe area participated in the study. A total of 30 video clips of 30-40 seconds duration, mostly showing the esophagocardiac junction, were created and shown to 100 endoscopists using a video projector. The participating endoscopists completed a questionnaire regarding their clinical experience and rated the reflux esophagitis as shown in the video clips using the modified LA classification system. Agreement was assessed employing kappa (kappa) statistics for multiple raters. The kappa-value for all 91 endoscopists was 0.094, with a standard error of 0.002, indicating poor interobserver agreement. The endoscopists showed the best agreement on diagnosing grade A esophagitis (0.167), and the poorest agreement when diagnosing grade M esophagitis (0.033). The kappa-values for the diagnoses of grades N, M, and A esophagitis on identical video pairs were 0.275-0.315, with a standard error of 0.083-0.091, indicating fair intraobserver reproducibility among the endoscopists. The study results consistently indicate poor agreement regarding diagnoses as well as fair reproducibility of these diagnoses by endoscopists using the modified LA classification system, regardless of age, type of practice, past endoscopic experience, or current workload. However, grade M reflux esophagitis may not necessarily be irrelevant, as it may suggest an early form of reflux disease or an entirely new form of reflux esophagitis. Further research is required to elucidate the pathophysiological basis of minimal change esophagitis.

Leydig cells from neonatal pig testis abundantly express 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11beta-HSD) type 2 and effectively inactivate cortisol to cortisone

11beta-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11beta-HSD) isozymes, designated types 1 and 2, catalyze the interconversion of physiologically active glucocorticoids and inactive 11-keto forms. The presence of types 1 and 2 was determined in neonatal pig testis and Leydig cells purified from testes by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunohistochemical staining. Type 2 mRNA was expressed at a high level in neonatal pig testis. In particular, in the entire testis, a higher level of type 2 was expressed compared to type 1. Furthermore, these expression levels in the testis were compared with the expression levels of the respective isozymes in pig liver and kidney, which are known to have high levels. Next, the direction of glucocorticoid metabolism in intact Leydig cells was examined, and only oxidation from cortisol to cortisone was detected. Virtually no reduction of cortisone to cortisol was detected. Using a microsomal enzyme preparation from Leydig cells, type 2 exhibited potent oxidation activity, and the activity was higher than the oxidation activity catalyzed by the type 1 isozyme. In kinetic analysis, the K(m) and V(max) for type 1 were 1.36 microM and 0.91 nmol/(h mg), respectively, and 0.38 microM and 1.25 nmol/(h mg), respectively, for type 2. The results of the present study using neonatal pig testis suggest that not only 11beta-HSD type 1 but also type 2, which is abundantly expressed, plays important roles in cortisol inactivation in pig Leydig cells, and furthermore, that excess cortisol will cause glucocorticoid-mediated suppression of testosterone production in even neonatal pig Leydig cells.

Salivary gland scintigraphy in gastro-esophageal reflux disease

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is associated with a decreased salivary flow as well as gastric acid production. This study therefore aimed to investigate functional disorders of salivary glands in patients with GERD.

METHODS

Thirty-one consecutive patients with GERD underwent salivary gland scintigraphy.

RESULTS

If the results defined the optimal cutoff point for determining the decreased salivary secretion as 51 % in parotid glands and 36 % in submandibular glands, a decreased salivary secretion of right parotid gland, left parotid gland, right submandibular gland, and left submandibular gland was found in 39 %, 32 %, 36 %, and 58 %, respectively. Overall, salivary function disorder of at least one major salivary gland was found in 24 patients (78 %) with GERD. There was no difference in the incidence of impaired salivary function between GERD patients with and without erosive esophagitis. Salivary gland function was more frequently diminished than expected in GERD. We concluded that the presence of impaired salivary gland function was considered to be one of risk factors for developing GERD symptoms.

Pulmonary vein isolation under direct visual identification of the left atrium-pulmonary vein junction using intra-cardiac echography

INTRODUCTION

Intra-cardiac echocardiography (ICE) which has some benefits, can be used to obtain detailed anatomy of the heart chambers or large vessels, and the catheter positions, and it has been considered useful for improving the outcome of the ablation. In the present study, we performed pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) under real time monitoring of ICE imaging utilizing an ICE catheter placed at the junction of the left atrium (LA) and PVs (LA-PV junction).

METHODS

PVI for atrial fibrillation (AF) was performed in 30 cases with drug-resistant AF (mean age: 66-years-old; including 22 males). An ICE catheter utilizing a 9 MHz frequency was inserted into the LA via the atrial septum, and placed at the LA-PV junction. Circumferential ablation was performed in the LA outside of the PV ostium, encircling both the superior and inferior ostia together under ICE imaging.

RESULTS

The anatomy of the LA to the PVs and catheter sites were clearly identified by the ICE during the procedure, which enabled a precise and safe catheter manipulation with minimal fluoroscopy. Further, the wall thickness of the PV and LA, and position of the esophagus could be obtained by ICE, facilitating care in adjusting the power and/or duration of the current delivery.

CONCLUSION

ICE imaging of the LA-PV junction permitted real time monitoring of the target sites for PVI during the ablation procedure, and was considered a useful technique for performing PVI.

Formation of bone-like apatite enhanced by hydrolysis of octacalcium phosphate crystals deposited in collagen matrix

It has been shown that granules of synthetic octacalcium phosphate (OCP) or the composites with collagen are capable of enhancing bone regeneration, accompanied by a gradual conversion from OCP to apatite with time. The present study was designed to investigate whether formation of bone-like apatite can be accelerated by OCP deposited throughout collagen matrix (OCP collagen complex, OCC) immersed in simulated body fluid (SBF). The formation of bone-like apatite has been suggested to be essential to induce osteoconductivity of various substrates. The formation of OCP in collagen solution was investigated in calcium or phosphate ions in the range between 22.5 and 142.5 mM and pH 6.26 and 8.56. X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that condition to nucleate OCP was limited to that of a solution with Ca/P 0.43 around pH 7.16 in the presence of collagen. OCP was shown to be formed throughout the collagen matrix by SEM observation. The immersion of OCC in SBF up to 10 days enhanced apatite crystal deposition, probably through OCP-apatite conversion: the apatite formation in OCC took place within only 1 day. The present study indicated that the existence of OCP deposited throughout the collagen matrix promotes bone-like apatite formation under physiological condition.

Once-daily administration of fluticasone propionate does not worsen controlled airway hyperresponsiveness in patients with asthma

BACKGROUND

Inhaled steroids are currently the most important drugs for asthma patients, but compliance tends to be low. Compliance could be improved by reducing the number of daily administrations.

OBJECTIVES

In the present study, we compared once- and twice-daily administration of fluticasone propionate (FP) to determine the differences in efficacy.

METHODS

Subjects were 40 patients diagnosed with bronchial asthma with stable symptoms and pulmonary functions who were on twice-daily FP administration of 100 microg. There were 14 men and 26 women ranging from 29 to 72 years of age. After a 4-week observation period, subjects were randomized into two administration groups by the envelope method and followed for 8 weeks: group A, once-daily administration (200 microg of FP at night), and group B, twice-daily administration (100 microg of FP in the morning and at night). Clinical symptoms, pulmonary functions and airway responsiveness were compared between these two groups.

RESULTS

No significant deterioration in clinical symptoms, pulmonary functions and airway responsiveness were observed in group A compared with group B.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate that once-daily FP administration is as effective as twice-daily administration, and that it may improve the compliance for inhaled steroids.

[Staged surgical palliations for hypoplastic left heart syndrome with poor preoperative conditions]

A 2.8 kg-female newborn diagnosed as hypoplastic left heart syndrome was transferred to our hospital after resuscitation against systemic circulatory failure due to closure of the ductus arteriosus. Her systemic circulation was stabilized after alprostadil (lipo-PGE1) and inotorpic agent infusion along with mechanical ventilation support. On admission, signs of a pulmonary high-flow and low systemic perfusion were evident. Impaired coagulation aspect was gradually noted. Because a surgical palliation with cardiopulmonary bypass was considered to be at high-risk, a bilateral pulmonary artery banding was indicated. Through a median sternotomy, the right and left pulmonary arteries were individually banded. The patient was continued on the same ventilation strategy. Cardiac, hepatic and renal dysfunctions were improved over next few days and the patient weaned from ventilatory support. She underwent combined Norwood stage I and II repair at 4 months of age with weight of 4.8 kg. Postoperative course has been uneventful and the patient is now followed up in preparation for Fontan operation.

[Comparison of right ventricular function between prevention and enlargement of pulmonary valve annulus after repair of tetralogy of Fallot; mid-term results]

Total of 41 patients with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) who underwent intracardiac repair from 1993 to 1998 were divided into 2 groups: preservation (n = 14) or enlargement (n = 27) of the pulmonary valve annulus. The procedure was decided on the Z value of the annular size: above or under -2 SD of the standard value. Although postoperative right ventricular (RV) diastolic volume (RVEDV) and cardiothoracic ratio (CTR) were larger than the preservation group and pulmonary regurgitation (PR) existed in the enlargement group, RV pressure was decreased and central venous pressure (CVP) was low and RV contraction was preserved. The exercise capacity was also good and no significant arrhythmia was recognized. Our mid-term results showed that appropriate enlargement of the pulmonary valve annulus preserved good RV function in patients with TOF.

Theoretical studies on magnetic circular dichroism by the finite perturbation method with relativistic corrections

A theoretical method for calculating magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) of molecules is presented. We examined the numerical accuracy and the stability of the finite perturbation (FP) method and the sum-over-state (SOS) perturbation method. The relativistic effects are shown to be important for the MCD spectra of molecules containing heavy elements. Calculations using the FP and the SOS methods were carried out for ethylene, para- and ortho-benzoquinone, showing that the FP method is superior to the SOS method, as expected. The relativistic effect was examined using the second-order Douglas-Kroll Hamiltonians for the halogen molecules F2, Cl2, Br2, and I2. The Faraday terms of I2 and Br2 were strongly affected by the relativistic effects, while the effect was negligible for Cl2 and F2.

In vivo evaluation of ocular inflammatory responses in experimental diabetes

AIMS

Diabetic patients may have abnormal inflammatory reactions to foreign or endogenous stimuli. This study was designed to evaluate inflammatory reactions in the diabetic eye through retinal leucocyte dynamics in the inflamed eyes of diabetic rats.

METHODS

Three weeks after diabetes induction in Long-Evans rats, endotoxin induced uveitis was produced by footpad injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). After LPS injection, leucocyte behaviour was evaluated in vivo by acridine orange digital fluorography.

RESULTS

The number of rolling leucocytes increased in a biphasic manner at 12 hours and 48 hours. The number of leucocytes accumulating in the retina reached a peak at 72 hours. The maximal numbers of rolling and accumulating leucocytes in the diabetic retina decreased by 56.3% (p<0.01) and 46.7% (p<0.0001), respectively, compared with the non-diabetic retina. The levels of mRNA expression of adhesion molecules in the retina, which were upregulated after LPS injection, were also lower in diabetic rats than in non-diabetic rats.

CONCLUSION

This study is the first to show that endotoxin induced inflammation is disturbed in the diabetic eye, based on evidence that the leucocyte-endothelial cell interactions stimulated by LPS were suppressed in the diabetic retina. These findings support the theory that ocular inflammatory reactions are impaired in diabetic patients.

Human papillomavirus-associated plantar epidermoid cyst related to epidermoid metaplasia of the eccrine duct epithelium: a combined histological, immunohistochemical, DNA-DNA in situ hybridization and three-dimensional reconstruction analysis

BACKGROUND

We recently proposed that certain palmoplantar epidermoid cysts may be related to eccrine ducts and that human papillomavirus (HPV) 60 may play a role in their pathomechanism. However, the origin of palmoplantar epidermoid cysts is still controversial.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the contribution of eccrine ducts and HPV 60 in the development of epidermoid cysts.

METHODS

Five epidermoid cysts and four ridged warts that had developed on the soles of a patient were studied histologically, immunohistochemically and by DNA-DNA in situ hybridization. Using serial sections obtained from its entire body, a three-dimensional reconstruction (3DR) analysis was performed on the smallest cyst to analyse the relationship between the epidermoid cyst, eccrine duct and the overlying epidermis.

RESULTS

Histological and DNA-DNA in situ hybridization analyses demonstrated both homogeneous intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies pathognomonic for HPV 60 infection and HPV 60 DNA sequences not only in all of the epidermoid cysts and ridged warts but also in the acrosyringeal portion of an eccrine duct, with the dermal portion of which the smallest cyst had been revealed to connect by 3DR analysis. However, immunohistochemical analyses using antibodies against human carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), involucrin and several cytokeratins (CKs) revealed that the immunoreactivity of the cyst was not identical to that of the eccrine dermal duct but was identical to that of suprabasal layers of the epidermis.

CONCLUSIONS

It was clearly demonstrated that an HPV 60-associated epidermoid cyst with immunoreactivities for CEA, involucrin and CKs which were identical to those of the epidermis connected with the eccrine dermal duct, supporting the idea that certain palmoplantar epidermoid cysts may develop following the epidermoid metaplasia of eccrine ducts with HPV 60 infection.

Chorioretinal temperature monitoring during transpupillary thermotherapy for choroidal neovascularisation

AIMS

To investigate the difference in temperature rise between normal choroid and choroidal revascularisation (CNV) during transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) and the relation between laser spot size and power in the rat fundus.

METHODS

A modified slit lamp, which was installed with two laser wavelengths (490 nm for illumination and fluorescein excitation and 810 nm for hyperthermia), was developed for TTT and temperature monitoring. Temperature rise during TTT was monitored by observing fluorescence released from thermosensitive liposomes encapsulating carboxyfluorescein. Two types of liposomes were prepared; their phase transition temperatures were 40 degrees C and 46 degrees C, respectively. Laser power settings required to observe fluorescence released from 46 degrees C liposome in normal choroid or CNV were compared. Next, the power settings with 0.5 mm and 0.25 mm spot sizes were compared following administration of 40 degrees C liposome or 46 degrees C liposome.

RESULTS

The minimum power values when release from 46 degrees C liposome was observed showed a significant difference in distribution of power values between normal choroid and CNV. CNV required significantly higher power than normal choroid. With 40 degrees C liposome, the power was 9.7 (1.9) mW (mean (SD)) at a spot size of 0.25 mm, and 12.1 (1.6) mW at 0.5 mm, respectively. When using 46 degrees C liposome, the power setting was 10.2 (1.2) mW at a spot size of 0.25 mm, and 14.6 (2.2) mW at 0.5 mm, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

CNV demonstrated varying heat conduction, compared with normal choroid. Laser power required to raise the temperature should not necessarily be doubled, even when the spot size is doubled. Close attention should be given to the selection of power settings when performing TTT for CNV.

Gentian mosaic virus: A New Species in the Genus Fabavirus

ABSTRACT A viral isolate, designated N-1 and obtained from a gentian (Gentiana scabra) plant that exhibited mosaic symptoms, was transmitted mechanically to nine plant species in six families. These plants are known as hosts of fabaviruses. The N-1 isolate was composed of isometric particles 30 nm in diameter and included two RNA molecules of approximately 6.0 and 3.6 kb in length, as estimated by agarose gel electrophoresis. The RNAs were encapsidated separately in two of the three types of particle. Each particle contained two distinct proteins with Mr values of 39.3 x 10(3) and 26.6 x 10(3), as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Analysis of complete nucleotide sequences of the RNAs suggested that each encoded a single large polyprotein, in which putative functional proteins were arranged in a manner similar to those in Broad bean wilt virus 1 (BBWV-1) and Broad bean wilt virus 2 (BBWV-2), which are members of the genus Fabavirus (family Comoviridae). Analysis of the deduced amino acid sequences of the proteins indicated that those of isolate N-1 shared 38 to 66% identity with those of BBWV-1 and BBWV-2 but only 16 to 42% identity with those of a comovirus, Cowpea mosaic virus. Phylogenetic analysis, based on the amino acid sequences of RNA polymerase, placed isolate N-1 in a separate lineage from BBWV-1 and BBWV-2. In indirect-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, isolate N-1 exhibited distant serological relationship to BBWV-1, BBWV-2, and Lamium mild mosaic virus, another fabavirus. Our results suggest that N-1 represents a new species of Fabavirus. We propose the name Gentian mosaic virus for this new species.

[Congenital supravalvular aortic stenosis; report of a case]

We experienced a successful surgical case of extended aortoplasty by means of Doty's method (two sinus reconstruction) for congenital supravalvular aortic stenosis (SAS). Case was 12-year-old boy, who had no complaint except heart murmur. The retrograde aortography demonstrated localized stenosis just above the aortic valve, and it was an hour-glass type. The preoperative peak systolic pressure gradient between the left ventricle and ascending aorta was 56 mmHg, which was improved postoperatively. This case showed excellent results. Doty's aortoplasty was favorable method for SAS without deformity of aortic valve and coronary obstruction.

An Immunological System for the Detection of Pepper mild mottle virus in Soil from Green Pepper Fields

A reliable method, based on the double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA), was developed for the extraction of viruses from soil and optimized for the detection of Pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) in soil taken from green pepper (Capsicum annuum) fields. When added to phosphate buffer, Tween 20 increases extraction efficiency and skim milk increases the specificity for PMMoV. Samples positive by DAS-ELISA were verified by inhibition testing using specific anti-PMMoV antibody, immuno-electron microscopy, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and inoculation tests on assay plants. Our system for detecting PMMoV in soil was successfully tested on samples from 22 infected and uninfected fields in Japan. When used before seedlings are planted, this method allows for the prediction of possible damage to cultivated plants by soil-borne PMMoV.

Production and induction of manganese peroxidase isozymes in a white-rot fungus Pleurotus ostreatus

The production of MnP by Pleurotus ostreatus in different liquid cultures was investigated. The highest level of activity was observed after 8 days of culture in peptone-glucose-yeast extract medium (PGY), whereas maximal activity was achieved after 30 days in glucose-yeast extract medium (GY). MnP was purified to homogeneity from PGY (designated MnP-PGY) and GY (MnP-GY). The isoelectric points of MnP-PGY and MnP-GY were 3.77 and 4.06, respectively. The molecular mass of both enzymes was 42 kDa. Analysis of the N-terminal amino acid sequence of purified MnPs and nucleotide sequence of cloned mnp indicated that MnP-GY has VTCATGQTTANE at the N-terminus, whereas MnP-PGY has ATCADGRTTANA. A putative exposed tryptophan residue (W170) was found in MnP-GY. Both isozymes oxidized veratryl alcohol, although the K(m) of MnP-GY was lower than that of MnP-PGY. Thus, the presence of peptone in the medium affected the production of MnP isozymes. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis indicated that the synthesis of MnP isozymes is controlled by culture conditions at the transcriptional level.

Achievement of ultralow emittance beam in the accelerator test facility damping ring

For high luminosity in electron-positron linear colliders, it is essential to generate low vertical emittance beams. We report on the smallest vertical emittance achieved in single-bunch-mode operation of the Accelerator Test Facility, which satisfies the requirement of the x-band linear collider. The emittances were measured with a laser-wire beam-profile monitor installed in the damping ring. The bunch length and the momentum spread of the beam were also recorded under the same conditions. The smallest vertical rms emittance measured at low intensity is 4 pm at a beam energy of 1.3 GeV, which corresponds to the normalized emittance of 1.0x1.0(-8) m. It increases by a factor of 1.5 for a bunch intensity of 10(10) electrons. The measured data agreed to the calculation of intrabeam scattering within much better than a factor of 2.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor withdrawal and ACE gene polymorphism

AIMS

Withdrawal of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors may affect the progression of chronic renal failure and an insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of the ACE gene may influence it.

METHODS

We retrospectively collected patients with chronic glomerulonephritis and benign nephrosclerosis who discontinued ACE inhibitor use. The relationship between the decline of renal function after the withdrawal and the influencing factors such as ACE gene polymorphism, blood pressure and proteinuria were evaluated using multiple regression analysis.

RESULTS

Forty-two patients (initial serum creatinine 0.5 - 6.5 mg/dl) had been treated and discontinued ACE inhibitor use. Only patients with the II or DI genotypes of the ACE gene developed the deterioration of renal function, starting at 2 months after the withdrawal. Stepwise regression analysis revealed that the level of proteinuria after the withdrawal, presence of the insertion of ACE gene and serum creatinine level at the time of withdrawal mainly influenced the decline of renal function after the withdrawal (adjusted R2 = 0.48).

CONCLUSION

Withdrawal of ACE inhibitor causes the deterioration of renal function in patients with the II or DI genotypes, high proteinuria after the withdrawal, and high serum creatinine level at the withdrawal, which probably causes the rebound increase in serum ACE activity.

Expression of LDL receptor and uptake of LDL in mouse preimplantation embryos

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to address the role of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) on mouse preimplantation embryos.

METHODS

The temporal expression of low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and side-chain cleavage cytochrome P450 (P450scc) mRNAs in mouse oocytes and preimplantation embryos up to the hatched blastocyst stage were analyzed by RT-PCR and nested PCR techniques. Simultaneously, the expression of LDLR in the protein level was analyzed by fluorescent immunohistochemistory at oocyte, 4-cell embryo and blastocyst. Uptake of LDL was analyzed using the LDL labeled with the fluorescent probe DiO.

RESULTS

LDLR mRNA was detected at oocyte, 8-cell, morula, blastocyst and hatched blastocyst stages. P450scc mRNA was detected at oocyte, 1-cell, 2-cell, 4-cell, blastocyst and hatched blastocyst stages. LDLR protein was detected in blastocyst. P450scc protein was detected in oocyte, 4-cell, and blastocyst. LDL-DiO was taken into embryo at blastocyst stage and this uptake was competitively suppressed by excess unlabeled LDL.

CONCLUSIONS

It is suggested from the present study that LDLR may play an essential role in uptake of exogenous LDL into blastocyst stage and cholesterol derived from LDL may be the source of steroid hormone synthesis.

Adult case of squamous cell carcinoma arising on congenital esophageal stenosis due to fibromuscular hypertrophy

This study relates to an adult case of squamous cell carcinoma arising on congenital esophageal stenosis. The patient was a 65-year-old man who had suffered from dysphagia and vomiting since birth and was diagnosed as having congenital esophageal stenosis. The patient had not received any treatment because his symptoms were mild. The patients suffered from severe dysphagia since he was 20 years old and had received balloon therapies several times; however, the effects were transient. After admission to our hospital, he underwent a transhiatal esophagectomy without thoracotomy. Histopathological examination of the resected specimen revealed a thick muscular mucosae associated with hypertrophic fibromuscular components and poorly to moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma in the region of stenosis. This case report is the first of a patient with squamous cell carcinoma arising on congenital esophageal stenosis.

Suppressive effects of selectin inhibitor SKK-60060 on the leucocyte infiltration during endotoxin induced uveitis

BACKGROUND

It is well known that selectin is involved in the development of endotoxin induced uveitis (EIU), and has a major role in leucocyte infiltration. Recently, a novel selectin inhibitor (SKK-60060) that can block P and L selectins in vitro has been developed. This study was designed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of SKK-60060 on the inflammatory reaction during EIU in rats by studying leucocyte-endothelium interactions.

METHODS

EIU was induced in Lewis rats by footpad injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). SKK-60060 was administered 15 minutes before LPS injection, and its suppressive effects on inflammatory leucocyte behaviour were evaluated in vivo with acridine orange digital fluorography; the diameters of retinal arteries and veins were also measured. After these studies, aqueous humour was collected to evaluate leucocyte infiltration and protein leakage.

RESULTS

After LPS injection, rolling leucocytes were observed in major retinal veins, followed by leucocyte infiltration into the vitreous cavity. Following treatment with SKK-60060, leucocyte rolling was significantly inhibited in the retinal veins (p <0.01), and subsequent leucocyte infiltration into the vitreous cavity was also significantly suppressed (p <0.01). Retinal vasodilation was also substantially suppressed in SKK-60060 treated rats (p <0.01). Similarly, leucocyte infiltration and protein leakage into the aqueous humour were reduced significantly by SKK-60060 (p <0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

SKK-60060 treatment significantly inhibited the inflammatory reaction induced by LPS. Its inhibitory effects on P and L-selectin resulted in suppression of leucocyte infiltration and the subsequent inflammatory reaction caused by accumulated leucocytes. The current findings suggest that SKK-60060 may be useful in the management of uveitis.

Invasive ductal carcinoma of the mammary gland in a mare

A 21-year-old thoroughbred mare had a 35 x 14 x 10 cm mass involving the mammary gland. Metastases were found in the kidneys, lungs, skeletal muscles, and regional lymph nodes. Histopathologic examination of the tumor revealed a ductal solid carcinoma with extensive intraductal and intralobular involvement and focal infiltration of the adjacent stroma. The intralobular neoplasms were divided into irregularly shaped islands and sheets of polygonal and spindle-shaped epithelial cells by thick or thin fibrous connective tissue bundles. The neoplastic cells had a small or moderate amount of cytoplasm that stained faintly with eosin and round or oval hyperchromatic nuclei. Immunohistochemically, the neoplastic cells were strongly positive for Lu-5, weakly positive for AE1/AE3, vimentin, and glial fibrillary acidic protein, and negative for cytokeratin 8, cytokeratin 14, alpha-smooth muscle actin, calponin, and S100. The neoplasm was diagnosed as an invasive ductal carcinoma of the mammary gland with multiple metastases.

Amelioration of osteoporosis by menatetrenone in elderly female Parkinson's disease patients with vitamin D deficiency

Significant reduction in bone mineral density (BMD) occurs in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), correlating with immobilization and with vitamin D deficiency, and increasing the risk of hip fracture, especially in elderly women. As a biological indicator of compromised vitamin K status, an increased serum concentration of undercarboxylated osteocalcin (Oc) has been associated with reduced BMD in the hip and an increased risk of fracture in otherwise healthy elderly women. We evaluated treatment with vitamin K(2) (menatetrenone; MK-4) in maintaining BMD and reducing the incidence of nonvertebral fractures in elderly female patients with PD. In a random and prospective study of PD patients, 60 received 45 mg of MK-4 daily for 12 months, and the remaining 60 (untreated group) did not. At baseline, patients of both groups showed vitamin D and K(1) deficiencies, high serum levels of ionized calcium, and glutaminic residue (Glu) Oc, and low levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25-(OH)(2)D], indicating that immobilization-induced hypercalcemia inhibits renal synthesis of 1,25-(OH)(2)D and compensatory PTH secretion. BMD in the second metacarpals increased by 0.9% in the treated group and decreased by 4.3% in the untreated group (p < 0.0001). Vitamin K(2) level increased by 259.8% in the treated group. Correspondingly, significant decreases in Glu Oc and calcium were observed in the treated group, in association with an increase in both PTH and 1,25-(OH)(2)D. Ten patients sustained fractures (eight at the hip and two at other sites) in the untreated group, and one hip fracture occurred among treated patients (p = 0.0082; odds ratio = 11.5). The treatment with MK-4 can increase the BMD of vitamin D- and K-deficient bone by increasing vitamin K concentration, and it can also decrease calcium levels through inhibition of bone resorption, resulting in an increase in 1,25-(OH)(2)D concentration.

Extremely low vertical-emittance beam in the accelerator test facility at KEK

Electron beams with the lowest, normalized transverse emittance recorded so far were produced and confirmed in single-bunch-mode operation of the Accelerator Test Facility at KEK. We established a tuning method of the damping ring which achieves a small vertical dispersion and small x-y orbit coupling. The vertical emittance was less than 1% of the horizontal emittance. At the zero-intensity limit, the vertical normalized emittance was less than 2.8 x 10(-8) rad m at beam energy 1.3 GeV. At high intensity, strong effects of intrabeam scattering were observed, which had been expected in view of the extremely high particle density due to the small transverse emittance.

Calponin and h-caldesmon expression in atypical fibroxanthoma and superficial leiomyosarcoma

To evaluate smooth muscle differentiation, myogenic markers [desmin, alpha-smooth muscle actin (SMA), and muscle-specific actin (HHF35)] have been widely used. Calponin and h-caldesmon, which are cytoskeleton-associated actin-binding proteins, have been reported to be more specific myogenic markers, especially since myofibroblasts express a small amount of h-caldesmon. Atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) occurs in the sun-exposed skin of the elderly and follows a benign clinical course. Histologically, AFX, which is a pleomorphic spindle cell tumor and considered to be a superficial variant of malignant fibrous histiocytoma, also mimics leiomyosarcoma. AFX has been thought to differentiate along pathways with fibrohistiocytic and myofibroblastic phenotypes. AFX ( n=10), superficial leiomyosarcoma (S-LMS) ( n=17) and benign fibrous histiocytoma (BFH) ( n=17) were analyzed for myofibroblastic and smooth muscle differentiation immunohistochemically from the viewpoint of comparison. AFX and BFH showed immunoreactivities respectively for calponin (3/10, 11/17), desmin (3/10, 1/17), SMA (3/10, 13/17), and HHF35 (1/10, 5/17), but failed to express h-caldesmon (0/10, 0/17). S-LMS had a high immunoreactive rate of calponin (17/17), desmin (13/17), SMA (16/17), and HHF35 (16/17), while also expressing caldesmon (11/17). The results reveal that AFX and BFH have immunoreactivities for several myogenic markers, with myofibroblastic differentiation (calponin: +/-, h-caldesmon: -), but without the smooth muscle differentiation seen in S-LMS (calponin:+, h-caldesmon: +/-). In addition, calponin and h-caldesmon are considered to be useful markers for distinguishing AFX from S-LMS.

A case of complex odontoma associated with an impacted lower deciduous second molar and analysis of the 107 odontomas

OBJECTIVE

Odontoma is a comparatively common odontogenic tumor, and it may lead to interference with the eruption of its associated tooth. Odontomas are mostly associated with permanent teeth, and they are rarely associated with deciduous teeth. The purpose of this report is to analyze 107 odontomas and to present a case of complex odontoma associated with a lower deciduous second molar.

SUBJECT AND METHODS

The 106 cases were analyzed with regard to the following parameters: age, gender, location, erupted teeth, congenital missing teeth, radiological features, histopathological features and prognosis.

RESULTS

Of the 106 cases, 41 were complex odontoma, 62 were compound odontoma, and three were immature odontoma. Compound odontoma had a predilection for the anterior. Complex odontoma occurred more often at the mandible.

CONCLUSION

Odontoma located above the tooth crown of lower deciduous molar did not behave clinically different from that associated with permanent tooth. An odontoma could be related with a supernumerary tooth or a missing tooth. If odontomas, which interfered with tooth eruption, were extirpated early, the impacted teeth would probably erupt normally and be normal in shape.

Predictors and outcomes of stent thrombosis: an intravascular ultrasound registry

AIMS

To investigate whether intravascular ultrasound provides additional information regarding the prediction of stent thrombosis, a retrospective multicentre registry was designed to enrol patients with stent thrombosis following stent deployment under ultrasound guidance.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 53 patients were enrolled (mean age 61+/-9 years) with stable angina (43%), unstable angina (36%), and post-infarct angina (21%) who underwent intracoronary stenting. The majority had balloon angioplasty alone prior to stenting (94%) with 6% also undergoing rotational atherectomy. The indication for stenting was elective (53%), suboptimal result (32%) and bailout (15%). There were 1.6+/-0.8 stents/artery with 87% undergoing high-pressure dilatation (> or =14 atmospheres). The minimum stent area was 7.7+/-2.8 mm(2)with a mean stent expansion of 81.5+/-21.9%. Overall, 94% of cases demonstrated one abnormal ultrasound finding (stent under-expansion, malapposition, inflow/outflow disease, dissection, or thrombus). Angiography demonstrated an abnormality in only 32% of cases (chi-square=30.0, P<0.001). Stent thrombosis occurred at 132+/-125 h after deployment. Myocardial infarction occurred in 67% and there was an overall mortality of 15%.

CONCLUSION

On comparison with angiography, the vast majority of stents associated with subsequent thrombosis have at least one abnormal feature by intravascular ultrasound at the time of stent deployment.