Beta-galactosidase-deficient mouse as an animal model for GM1-gangliosidosis

GM1-gangliosidosis is a progressive neurological disease in humans caused by deficiency of lysosomal acid beta-galactosidase, which hydrolyses the terminal beta-galactosidic residue from ganglioside GM1 and other glycoconjugates. In this study, we generated a mouse model for GM1-gangliosidosis by gene targeting in embryonic stem cells. The mouse homozygous for the disrupted beta-galactosidase gene showed beta-galactosidase deficiency, presented with progressive spastic diplegia, and died of emaciation at 7-10 months of age. Pathologically, PAS-positive intracytoplasmic storage was observed in neuronal cells of various areas in the brain. Biochemical analysis revealed a marked accumulation of ganglioside GM1 and asialo GM1 in brain tissue. This animal model will be useful for pathogenetic analysis and therapeutic trial of human GM1-gangliosidosis.

Relation of duration of ST reelevation at reperfusion and improvement of left ventricular function after successful primary angioplasty of the left anterior descending coronary artery in anterior wall acute myocardial infarction

We conducted a prospective study to investigate the relation between ST reelevation during primary angioplasty and improvement in left ventricular function. The duration, not the occurrence, of ST reelevation at reperfusion was associated with improvement in left ventricular function in patients with anterior wall acute myocardial infarction successfully recanalized by primary angioplasty.

Human IgGFc binding protein (FcgammaBP) in colonic epithelial cells exhibits mucin-like structure

Cloning a cDNA for human IgGFc binding protein (FcgammaBP) from human colonic epithelial cells reveals an mRNA and coding region of 17 and 16.2 kilobases, respectively. The predicted amino acid sequence contains 12 occurrences of a 400-amino acid cysteine-rich unit resembling that found in mucin. A motif (CGLCGN) in FcgammaBP is conserved in MUC2 and prepro-von Willebrand factor. The N-terminal 450-amino acid sequences are necessary and sufficient to confer IgG Fc binding activity. FcgammaBP mRNA is expressed only in placenta and colonic epithelial cells. These results suggest that FcgammaBP may play an important role in immune protection and inflammation in the intestines of primates.

Second primary cancers following non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in Japan: increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma

We evaluated the risk of development of second primary cancers, with particular reference to subsequent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), in 592 patients diagnosed as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), at Osaka Medical Center for Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases. During 1978-1994, 2,163 person-years of observation were accrued, and 27 of the patients developed a second primary cancer, yielding an observed-to-expected ratio (O/E) of 1.53 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01-2.23]. Significant excess risk was noted for primary liver cancer (PLC; O/E = 4.36, 95% CI = 1.99-8.28; O = 9) and non-lymphocytic leukemia (O/E = 26.17, 95% CI = 5.26-76.46; O = 3). The excess risk of PLC was relatively constant within the first 10 years after the NHL diagnosis. Patients who received chemotherapy as the NHL treatment had a significantly increased risk of PLC (O/E = 5.91, 95% CI = 2.70-11.23; O = 9). Their clinical reports indicated that all nine patients with PLC were diagnosed as HCC, and eight of them had clinical and/or histologic evidence of cirrhosis at the time of HCC diagnosis. None of the nine patients had a history of blood transfusion between the first NHL treatment and the diagnosis of HCC. These findings suggested that Japanese NHL patients might have an increased risk of developing HCC, and they indicated the importance of medical surveillance for liver malignancies, as well as subsequent leukemias. Possible explanations for the excess risk of subsequent HCC are discussed.

Two cases of malignant lymphoma complicated by hemophagocytosis resembling orbital cellulitis

Two patients with malignant lymphoma complicated by hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) are reported. Their clinical signs at onset were similar to those of orbital cellulitis. Lymphoma complicated by hemophagocytosis is called lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (LAHS) and its prognosis is reported to be very poor. As far as we know, this is the first report in the ophthalmological field. In our patients, we suspected that the lesions occurred from the orbit or skin of this area. The first patient was a 22-year-old man and the second patient a 16-year-old girl. The diagnosis was very difficult at the onset of disease. They died within 6 months after the first ophthalmological examination. When orbital cellulitis is suspected and antibiotic therapy is ineffective, we should suspect HPS and should examine serum ferritin, which is a good marker of HPS. Early biopsy and consultation with a hematologist are very important.

[Second primary cancers occurring in patients with cancers of the mouth and meso-hypo pharynx in Japan]

We evaluated the risk of development of a second primary cancer in 669 patients diagnosed with cancers of the mouth and meso-hypo pharynx at Osaka Medical Center for Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases. During 1978-93, 70 of the patients developed a second primary cancer, yielding on observed to expected ratio (O/E) of 2.92 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.27-3.69]. Significant excess risk was noted for cancers of mouth and pharynx (O/E = 12.01, 95% CI = 3.87-28.04), esophagus (O/E = 25.22, 95% CI = 14.94-39.86), colon (O/E = 3.85, 95% CI = 1.41-8.39), larynx (O/E = 9.93, 95% CI = 2.00-29.02) and lung (O/E = 2.58, 95% CI = 1.24-4.75). The risks of esophageal cancer and colon cancer were significantly elevated after five years had elapsed from the initial cancer diagnoses. The risk of cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx and esophagus in patients who had a history of current smoking without current daily drinking at the initial diagnosis was elevated past one year after the initial diagnosis (less than 20 cigarettes/ day; O/E = 12.50, 95% CI = 0.16-69.55, 20 cigarettes or more; O/E = 10.00, 95% CI = 1.12-36.10). The risk of cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx and esophagus in patients who had a history of current smoking with current daily drinking at the initial diagnosis was around two times higher than those who had a history of current smoking without current daily drinking (less than 20 cigarettes/day; O/E = 20.00, 95% CI = 2.25-72.21, 20 cigarettes or more; O/ E = 19.51, 95% CI = 8.40-38.45).

Neurological manifestations of knockout mice with beta-galactosidase deficiency

We succeeded in producing the beta-galactosidase-deficient knockout mouse by gene targeting in embryonic stem cells. The mutant mice developed progressive spastic diplegia within a few months after birth, and died of emaciation at 7-10 months of age. This is an authentic murine model of human GMI-gangliosidosis, and is useful for studies of its pathogenesis and treatment.

ST reelevation at reperfusion is associated with the occurrence of late potentials in patients with acute anterior infarction

The relationship between ST reelevation at reperfusion and the occurrence of late potentials (LPS) in 35 patients with a first anterior infarction who had single vessel disease was investigated. All patients underwent a successful primary angioplasty and had a patent infarct related artery confirmed angiographically 4 weeks later. Patients were classified into groups based on changes in the ST level at reperfusion: patients with ST reelevation (group A, n = 22) and patients without ST reelevation (group B, n = 13). Signal-averaged ECG was performed 4 weeks after primary angioplasty to detect LPS. Cineventriculography was performed to measure left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and evaluate regional wall motion of the infarct area (SD/chords). LPS were present in eight of the 22 group A patients (36%) and in none of the 13 group B patients (P < 0.05). Left ventricular function was impaired in patients in group A compared with patients in group B (LVEF: 5 1 +/- 12 vs 63 +/- 10, P < 0.01; SD/chords: -2.7 +/- 0.9 vs -1.9 +/- 1.1, P < 0.05). These data suggest that ST reelevation and myocardial damage at reperfusion are associated with the occurrence of LPS in patients with successfully recanalized infarct related arteries after acute anterior infarction.

Effects of bifemelane hydrochloride on atherosclerosis in aged rats fed low-calcium diets

The preventative effects of bifemelane (4-(o-benzylphenoxy)-N-methylbutylamine hydrochloride) on atherosclerosis in aged rats fed low-calcium diets were investigated. Male 18-month-old Wistar rats were maintained for 90 days on the following: (A) standard diet (n = 7), (B) low calcium, low magnesium, high aluminium diet (n = 8), (C) standard diet plus oral intubation with 10 mg bifemelane/kg daily (n = 6), (D) low calcium and magnesium, high aluminium diet plus oral intubation with 10 mg bifemelane/kg daily (n = 6). All groups were give these diets and water ad lib for 90 days, after which blood samples were taken from the abdominal aorta and samples of aorta were examined for atherosclerotic changes. The serum concentrations of the following were determined: calcium, magnesium, zinc, aluminium, inorganic phosphorus, cholesterol, glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase, glutamate-pyruvate transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase, cholinesterase, creatine phosphokinase, blood urea nitrogen and N-terminal parathyroid hormone. The only significant differences between the groups in serum chemistry were reduced concentrations of cholinesterase and magnesium in groups B and D, increased aluminium in group B, and increased N-terminal parathyroid hormone in groups B and D. In groups C and D the atherosclerosis was much improved compared with that in groups A and B. It appears that bifemelane largely prevents atherosclerosis caused by calcium deposition in the arteries of rats fed low-calcium diets, due to its effect in maintaining magnesium and calcium in bones.

Rapid diagnosis of adenoviral conjunctivitis by PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis

To detect and identify adenovirus (Ad), we used a combination of PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. Nested PCR with two primer sets that hybridize to the conserved region for hexon proteins of 14 prototypes of Ad, Ad serotype 1 (Ad1) to Ad8, -11, -14, -19, -37, -40, and -41, amplified a 956-bp DNA fragment. The amplified fragments from the 14 prototypes were completely differentiated with a combination of three restriction endonucleases, EcoT14I, HaeIII, and HintI. We applied this new method for 127 samples of conjunctival scrapings from patients with conjunctivitis and compared the results with those obtained with the combination of culture isolation and a neutralization test (NT). PCR gave a positive result in 69 of 127 cases (54.3%), while only 61 of the 127 samples (48.0%) tested positive by culture isolation. Compared with isolation, the PCR method had a sensitivity of 100% (61 of 61). Positive PCR samples were further classified as Ad37 (59.5%), -3(31.9%), -11 (4.3%), -8 (2.9%), and -4 (1.4%) by PCR-RFLP analysis. Of eight samples that were PCR positive and culture isolation negative, six were Ad37 and two were Ad8 by PCR-RFLP analysis. These differentiations of isolation-positive samples were identical to the results obtained by the NT. It took only 3 days to detect and identify Ad by PCR-RFLP analysis, whereas it took at least 3 weeks by culture isolation and NT. Our newly developed method of detecting and typing human Ad by PCR-RFLP analysis is more sensitive, accurate, and rapid than the conventional method of culture isolation and an NT.

[Two cases of malignant lymphoma with initial symptoms like orbital cellulitis and complicated by hemophagocytosis]

We reported 2 patients with malignant lymphoma complicated by hemophagocytic syndrome. Their clinical signs at onset were those of orbital cellulitis. Lymphoma complicated with hemophagocytosis is called lymphoma-associated hemophagocytosis syndrome (LAHS) and its prognosis is reported to be very poor. So far as we know, this is the first report in the ophthalmological field. In our patients, we suspected that the lesions occurred from the orbit or skin of this area. The first patient was a 22-year-old man and the second patient a 16-year-old girl. The diagnosis was very difficult at the onset of disease. Within 6 months after the first opthalmological examination, both died. When orbital cellulitis is suspected and antibiotic therapy is ineffective, we should suspect hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) and should examine serum ferritin which is a good markers of HPS. Early biopsy and consultation with a hematologist are very important.

[The short-term effect of a smoking prevention program for the upper graders of elementary schools--the results of intervention study for two years with quasi-experimental design]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short-term effect of a smoking prevention program for Japanese elementary school-children in the fifth and sixth grades. The program was developed with concepts found in the Know Your Body Program and the conclusions of a National Cancer Institute-convened Expert Advisory Panel, and focused on teaching about the short-term effects of smoking and on resistance to social pressures to smoke. The study was conducted with a quasi-experimental design. An intervention group (52 boys and 54 girls) received three sessions for both the fifth grade in 1992 and the sixth grade in 1993. Moreover, the intervention group received a pre-test before the first session and a post-test after the third session in each grade. A comparison group (102 boys and 91 girls) received the same tests at the same time as the intervention group, but did not receive any program on smoking prevention. The short-term effect of the program were evaluated using the results of the pre-test in the fifth grade and of the post-test in the sixth grade in both groups. The results were as follows: 1) Remarkable short-term effects of the intervention were seen in respect to awareness of the importance of not smoking in girls, and also in the knowledge of the short-term effects of smoking in both sexes. 2) The intervention was not effective with respect to intention to smoke at the age of 20 and self-efficacy of refusing to smoke in both sexes. 3) The short-term effects were not clear in the smoking behavior in both sexes because the rates of ever smokers and of monthly smokers were almost the same for two years between the intervention group and the comparison group. 4) The smoking behaviors of children, their parents and their best friends had little influence on the results of the post-test in the sixth grade.

[Comparative study of the combined effect of HCFU and dipyridamole (DP) in colorectal carcinoma--TS inhibition rate. Kinki Cooperative Study Group of Chemotherapy for Colorectal Carcinoma]

In the forty-seven medical centers in the Kinki district, a comparative trial was conducted to investigate the enhancement of the efficacy of HCEU due to dipyridamol (DP), which is a biochemical modulator in patients with colorectal cancer who have had a curative resection. The trial consisted of two comparative groups: one group (Group A) received HCFU only for five days before operation and for two years from the second week, and the other group (Group B) was given HCFU + DP for the same trial period as Group A. The total number of patients collected was 653 (Group A: 327 patients; Group B: 326 patients) during the two-year trial period from October, 1991. Thymidylate Synthetase (TS) activity in the primary lesions, which is an index of proximity effect, was measured, and the TS inhibition rate (TSIR) was calculated from the activities. The results showed that the TSIR in the primary lesions for the HCFU + DP group (Group B: 0.33) was significantly higher than that of the HCFU group (Group A: 0.27) (p = 0.0006). There was no increase in the side effects of HCFU due to combined administration with DP. From the above results, the therapy with HCFU + DP is expected to be useful for patients with colorectal cancer who have undergone curative resection.

Expression of the cholera toxin B subunit in the Golgi apparatus of Swiss 3T3 cells inhibits DNA synthesis induced by basic fibroblast growth factor

We attempted to express the cholera toxin B subunit (CTXB) in the Golgi apparatus of cultured mammalian cells by means of gene transfection. Complementary DNA of CTXB was ligated with the Golgi-retention signal sequence of human beta 1,4 galactosyltransferase cDNA, and the chimeric gene yielded was inserted into a mammalian expression vector. The resultant construct was transfected into COS-1 cells for transient expression and into Swiss 3T3 cells for stable expression. The expression of a fusion protein encoded by the chimeric gene was demonstrated according to the following criteria: first, detection of a protein exhibiting the expected molecular mass on Western blot analysis using an anti-CTXB antibody; second, detection of the protein located in the Golgi area by indirect immunofluoresence microscopy; and third, detection of GM1 binding activity in cell lysates. Stable transformants satisfying the above criteria were subjected to an assay for mitogen-induced DNA synthesis. These transformants exhibited significantly lower DNA synthesis than mock transfection cells on stimulation with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), whereas the two types of cells exhibited similar responses to 10% fetal calf serum and other mitogens, such as epidermal growth factor, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate, calcium ionophore A23187, and platelet-derived growth factor. Analysis of the binding of radio-iodinated bFGF to the cells revealed that the transformants did not exhibit a significant decrease in the binding affinity or the number of high affinity sites. These results suggest that the fusion protein specifically inhibits the bFGF signaling not at the binding step but rather at a later step(s) triggered by the binding.

A randomized trial comparing ftorafur alone with ftorafur plus tamoxifen in postoperative adjuvant therapy for breast cancer. Kinki Area Research Group for Postoperative Adjuvant Therapy for Breast Cancer

A randomized study was performed in 35 centers in the Kinki area of Japan to determine the effectiveness of ftrorafur (FT) plus tamoxifen (TAM) compared with FT monotherapy in postoperative adjuvant therapy for breast cancer. Patients were randomized by the envelope method to receive either FT 600 mg/day or FT 600 mg/day plus TAM 20 mg/day orally for 1 year, starting on day 7 after mastectomy. Between April 1982 and January 1985, 628 patients were assigned to treatment with FT alone and 626 to treatment with FT + TAM. Of these, 571 (90.9%) and 539 (86.1%) patients, respectively, met the eligibility requirements for this study. There were no significant differences in major background factors between the two groups of eligible patients. Five-year survival rates were 91.4% for FT alone and 91.1% for FT+TAM (not significantly different). Five-year disease-free survival rates showed a tendency towards a better prognosis (P = 0.090) in the FT + TAM group, with observed rates of 83.0% for FT alone and 86.7% for FT + TAM. Stratified analysis showed that disease-free survival with FT + TAM is better than with FT alone for patients aged 50 years or more ( P = 0.048) and for patients with from one to three positive nodes (P = 0.064).

[Rapid detection and identification of human adenovirus directly from conjunctival scrapings by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis]

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis were combined for detection and identification of adenovirus (Ad), a common agent of conjunctivitis in Japan. Nested-PCR with two primer sets that hybridize to the conserved region for hexon protein of 14 prototypes of Ad serotype 1 to 8, 11, 14, 19, 37, 40, and 41, amplified 956 bps DNA fragment. The amplified fragments from 14 prototypes were completely differentiated with the combination of three restriction endonucleases, Eco T14I, Hae III, and Hin fI. We applied this new method to 70 conjunctival scrapings from patients with conjunctivitis, and compared the results with those of the combination of culture isolation and neutralization test. PCR was positive in 38 out of 70 samples (54.3%), whereas 33 of 70 samples (47.1%) were positive by cell culture. Compared with cell culture isolation, the PCR method had a sensitivity of 100% (33 of 33). Positive PCR samples were further classified into Ad 37 (44.7%), 3 (39.5%), 11 (7.9%), 8 (5.3%), and 4 (2.6%) by PCR-RFLP analysis. Of five samples that were PCR positive and cell culture negative, three samples were Ad 37 and two were Ad 8 by PCR-RFLP analysis. These differentiations of cell culture positive samples were identical to the results of the neutralization test. It took only about three days to detect and identify Ad by PCR-RFLP analysis, whereas it took at least two weeks by culture isolation and neutralization test. Our newly developed method of detecting and typing human Ad by PCR-RFLP analysis is more sensitive, accurate, and prompt than the conventional cell culture isolation and neutralization test.

[Prevention of lung cancer through smoking control activities in Japan]

Three kinds of smoking cessation programs have been developed by the Osaka Cancer Prevention and Detection Center. The first program is "Smoking Quit Contest," in which self-help materials are mailed to applicants and prizes are given by lot to those who succeed in quitting. The second program is a "Smokebusters" smoking cessation program designed for outpatients. The third program is designed for people undergoing screening during routine health check-ups, which are widely conducted in communities and workplace in Japan. To reduce lung cancer mortality in Japan, smoking cessation programs such as those described here should be widely implemented and the prevalence of smoking among men in Japan should be reduced at least to the levels in the U.S. and in western Europe.

Phosphorylation of HS1, GAP-associated p190 and a novel GAP-associated p60 protein by cross-linking of Fc gamma RIIIA

Human Fc gamma receptor IIIA (hFc gamma RIIIA) cDNA was introduced into mouse macrophage/monocyte cell line P388D1, and several stable cell clones expressing hFc gamma RIIIA were isolated. This facilitated the study of the biological function of Fc gamma RIIIA in monocytes/macrophages. The cloned cells showed the high phagocytic activity mediated by hFc gamma-RIIIA, while the original P388D1 cells did not. In order to examine the phosphorylation of proteins involved in hFc gamma RIIIA signal transduction, these receptors were stimulated by cross-linking. The cross-linking of hFc gamma RIIIA induced a rapid increase in tyrosine phosphorylation of several proteins, including PLC-gamma 1, Syk, HS1, and p21rasGAP-associated p190 and p60 proteins. Immunoblotting with a polyclonal antibody specific for the GAP-associated p62 protein, which was originally found in fibroblasts and is homologous with an RNA-binding protein, revealed that the p60 phosphorylated after cross-linking of hFc gamma RIIIA seemed to represent a novel GAP-associated protein unrelated to the known GAP-associated p62 protein, which was also present in the P388D1 cells.

Clinical and molecular analysis of a Japanese boy with Morquio B disease

Morquio B disease was found in a 15-year-old Japanese boy who presented with progressive generalized skeletal dysplasia without neurological manifestations. Mild keratan sulfaturia was found, and beta-galactosidase was deficient in fibroblasts. Gene analysis revealed two mutant alleles, 83Tyr-->His (Y83H) and 482Arg-->Cys (R482C). The former expressed a low enzyme activity (2-5% of normal), and the latter expressed no detectable enzyme activity.

[Development and evaluation of self-study material for smoking prevention education]

A booklet for smoking prevention education was developed for junior high school students, which is a role-play activity book for self-study and discusses not only the harmful effects and dependency of smoking but also psychosocial factors affecting smoking behavior among students. The purpose of this material is to provide students with basic information needed to choose a non-smoking lifestyle even without a teacher's direct instruction. Process evaluation and impact evaluation studies were carried out between September 1991 and September 1992. Six hundred sixty-nine students and 9 teachers from three junior high schools in Osaka, Tokyo and Yamagata participated in the process evaluation study. More than 90% of the students were able to complete the material in one school hour and less than 4% students expressed difficulty in learning from the booklet. Nine hundred seventy-seven students from 2 junior high schools in Tokyo participated in an intervention study to evaluate the effectiveness of the material. There were 500 students in the experimental school and 477 students in the control school. All students were given a pretest and posttest, 2 months apart. Knowledge concerning smoking increased and attitudes toward smoking were modified significantly in the experimental school. However, intention to smoke and smoking behavior did not change significantly, due to the small numbers of students with intention to smoke at the time of pretest and because there was not enough time for their intention to change. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of the material in junior high school. However, teacher participation during the instruction is also seen to be necessary for greater effect.

Gastric microcirculatory disturbance and behaviour of leucocytes after thermal injury: intravital observation of arteriovenous shunting channels in the gastric submucosal layer

In order to investigate the pathogenesis of acute gastric mucosal lesion after thermal injury, microcirculatory disturbance was assessed and observation of the behaviour of leucocytes was performed. Gastric blood flow decreased at 15 min post-thermal injury, and partially improved at 2 h; however, it decreased again at 5 h post-thermal injury. Mucosal microcirculatory disturbance was observed by using vascular labelling with monastral blue B. Deposits of monastral blue B were observed centring mainly on collecting venules but were also observed in the capillaries. Submucosal microcirculatory disturbance was observed through an intravital microscope. The irregularity of the wall and segmental constriction in the venules and presence of an arteriovenous shunting channel was observed in the submucosal layer at 5 h post-thermal injury. The percentage of rolling or sticking leucocytes that passed the confluence of a prevenule and a venule were significantly increased at 5 h after thermal injury. The present study revealed depression of gastric blood flow, mucosal and submucosal microcirculatory disturbance, and a significant increase of rolling and sticking leucocytes in the peripheral part of venules after thermal injury. Leucocyte-endothelial interactions may occur under such conditions and this interaction may play an important role in inducing the microcirculatory disturbance that results in an acute gastric mucosal lesion after thermal injury. The present study also demonstrated the possibility of intravital study of gastric submucosal arteriovenous shunting channels.

The axial distribution of nicotine content along hair shaft as an indicator of changes in smoking behaviour: evaluation in a smoking-cessation programme with or without the aid of nicotine chewing gum

1. Hair samples were obtained from subjects at the end of a 6 month smoking-cessation programme carried out with (n = 16) or without (n = 10) the aid of nicotine chewing gum. The axial distribution of nicotine along the hair shaft was determined and compared both with the self-report of smoking behavior and with the concentration of carbon monoxide (CO) in expired air measured at 1 month intervals. 2. A gradual decrease in nicotine content along the hair shaft corresponded to the decrease in self-reported number of cigarettes smoked daily in both the nicotine chewing-gum treated and untreated subjects and with the clinical assessment of abstinence. 3. There was reasonable agreement between the CO content of expired air, the self-reported number of cigarettes smoked daily and the axial distribution of nicotine in 22 of 26 subjects. In the other four subjects there was an apparent disagreement between the CO content of expired air and the other parameters. 4. This study showed that, as a routine marker of smoking status, hair analysis may be preferable to repeated CO measurements since only a single sample at the end of an abstinence programme might be sufficient. However, one problem is that nicotine may dissociate slowly from melanin to limit the ability to mark a sudden cessation of smoking. Also, some nicotine in hair might be attributable to nicotine adsorbed to the outside of hair.

Myocardial damage after successful thrombolysis is associated with the duration of ST re-elevation at reperfusion

The purpose of this study was to investigate the significance of ST re-elevation at reperfusion using strict criteria for patient inclusion and exclusion. Twenty-nine patients who had a first anterior infarction with single-vessel disease, successful recanalization by intracoronary thrombolysis (ICT) with urokinase, and an angiographically confirmed patent infarct-related artery after 4 weeks, were divided into three groups according to the deviation of the ST segment at reperfusion: Group A, 10 patients with sustained ST re-elevation; Group B, 10 patients with transient ST re-elevation; and Group C, 9 patients with ST reduction. Left ventricular (LV) function was evaluated from cineventriculograms performed in the 30 degrees right anterior projection 4 weeks after ICT. LV ejection fraction and regional wall motion of the infarct area, evaluated by the centerline method (SD/chords), were significantly lower in Group A (44 +/- 10%, -3.2 +/- 0.4) than in Group B (61 +/- 9%, -1.9 +/- 0.7) and Group C (60 +/- 5%, -2.0 +/- 0.4) (p < 0.01). Peak creatine kinase (CK) activity was significantly higher in Group A (5848 +/- 2112 IU) than in Group B (2485 +/- 1254 IU) and Group C (1889 +/- 1525 IU) (p < 0.05). These data suggest that a sustained ST re-elevation at reperfusion was strongly associated with marked LV dysfunction and higher peak CK activity. It was concluded that sustained, not transient, ST re-elevation associated with successful reperfusion indicates extensive myocardial damage.

Normal serum beta-galactosidase in juvenile GM1 gangliosidosis

GM1 gangliosidosis is a genetic disease with lysosomal beta-galactosidase deficiency caused by mutations of the gene coding for this enzyme. However, apparently normal enzyme activity was found in plasma or serum from juvenile GM1 gangliosidosis patients homozygous for a mutation, R201C (201Arg-->Cys), after clotting for 30 min. This extracellular fluid finding is unusual in patients with primary and genetic deficiency of beta-galactosidase. The serum enzyme activity became relatively low only after 3 1/2-hour clotting because its increase in normal controls was not observed in these patients. beta-Galactosidase assay is not always reliable, particularly with serum or plasma as an enzyme source, for the diagnosis of hereditary beta-galactosidase deficiency, unless it is conducted under well-controlled conditions.

Intracellular processing and maturation of mutant gene products in hereditary beta-galactosidase deficiency (beta-galactosidosis)

Heterogeneous patterns of biosynthesis, posttranslational processing, and degradation were demonstrated for mutant enzymes in three clinical forms of beta-galactosidase deficiency (beta-galactosidosis): juvenile GM1-gangliosidosis, adult GM1-gangliosidosis, and Morquio B disease. The precursor of the mutant enzyme in adult GM1-gangliosidosis was not phosphorylated, and only a small portion of the gene product reached the lysosomes. The enzyme in Morquio B disease was normally processed and transported to lysosomes, but its catalytic activity was low. A common gene mutation in juvenile GM1-gangliosidosis (R201C) produced an enzyme protein that did not aggregate with protective protein in the lysosome, and was rapidly degraded by thiol proteases. This abnormal turnover was similar to that for the normal but dissociated beta-galactosidase in galactosialidosis. Protease inhibitors restored the enzyme activity in fibroblasts of this clinical form. A possible therapeutic approach is discussed for this specific type of enzyme deficiency.

Immunological findings and thyroid function of untreated Graves' disease patients with undetectable TSH-binding inhibitor immunoglobulin

OBJECTIVE

TSH-binding inhibitory immunoglobulin (TBII) is undetectable in about 10% of untreated Graves' disease patients, but the clinical characteristics and immunological significance of this finding are unknown. In this study we evaluated the clinical characteristics of TBII negative Graves' disease.

PATIENTS

We examined TBII in 1048 untreated patients at Kuma hospital from 1986 to 1990 and found 69 TBII undetectable patients (12 men and 57 women, mean age +/- SEM 35 +/- 2 years, group A).

MEASUREMENTS

We compared the clinical characteristics and immunological findings of group A with 57 untreated TBII detectable Graves' patients who were selected randomly (11 men and 46 women, mean age +/- SEM 40 +/- 2 years, group B). T4, TSH, FT4, FT3, 123I thyroid uptake, TBII, thyroid stimulating antibodies (TSAb) and the volume of the thyroid using ultrasonography were measured at the first visit.

RESULTS

Serum T4, FT4 and FT3 levels in group A were significantly lower than those in group B (P < 0.001). The values of TSAb in group A were significantly lower than those in group B (593 +/- 67 (mean +/- SE) vs 2143 +/- 280%, respectively, P < 0.001). The 123I thyroid uptake in group A was significantly lower than that in group B (53.1 +/- 1.1 vs 61.4 +/- 1.4%, respectively, P < 0.01). The thyroid volume in group A was significantly smaller than that in group B (39.1 +/- 3.0 vs 51.3 +/- 3.3 ml, respectively, P < 0.01). TSAb was undetectable in about 10% (6) of the TBII negative untreated Graves' patients at their first visit.

CONCLUSION

In the present study, untreated TBII negative patients with Graves' disease were characterized by mild elevation of thyroid hormones, mildly elevated 123I uptake, weak TSAb activities and small goitres. The finding of both TBII and TSAb negative titres in untreated Graves' disease patients was also confirmed.

A critical review of cancer screening programs in Japan

In Japan, screening programs for various cancers have been eagerly conducted as part of public health policy. However, these programs have not always produced the results that were originally expected. To improve the ill-planned and unscientific state of the current programs in Japan, two proposals are made.

[Some problems of TS measurement after administration of fluoropyrimidines in colorectal cancer. Kinki Cooperative Study Group of Chemotherapy for Colorectal Carcinoma]

A joint multicenter comparative study of carmofur (HCFU) alone or HCFU+dipyridamole (DP) concurrent administration was conducted by the Kinki Colorectal Cancer Chemotherapy Society. In this study, the drugs were administered five days prior to surgery, and thymidylate synthetase (TS) inhibition rate at the primary lesion of colorectal cancer was determined. In addition, the effect of time after resection of the primary lesion before specimen cooling on the TS inhibition rate was investigated. The subjects were 87 registered patients who received colorectal cancer surgery during 4 months from October 1991 to January 1992. The time before postsurgical cooling was divided into four group; within 10 min (n = 67), 11-20 min (n = 8), 21-30 min (n = 7), and 31 min or longer (n = 5). The TS inhibition rates (mean +/- SD) were 0.45 +/- 0.22, 0.38 +/- 0.19, 0.30 +/- 0.21, and 0.04 +/- 0.05 respectively. The longer the time after resection of the primary lesion before specimen cooling, the more TS inhibition rate decreased. When the time before specimen cooling exceeds 30 min, the major part of TS combined with FdUMP exists in a free state. Therefore, it was considered not suitable as the material for the measurement.

[Smoking restrictions in medical schools in Japan]

The theme of the 6th WHO World Non-Smoking Day in 1993 was "Health services: our window to a tobacco-free world". A survey of the public health departments of all medical schools and universities was conducted in April, 1992 in order to investigate the state of smoking restrictions in those departments responsible for training in health services. Responses were received from 76 schools out of 80. The results were as follows: 1) In school cafeteria: Smoking prohibited (17.8%), Separate smoking/non-smoking areas (21.9%), Unrestricted smoking (60.3%), In student lounges: Smoking prohibited (2.9%), Separate Smoking/non-smoking areas (7.1%), Unrestricted smoking (90.0%), 2) The number of schools with tobacco vending machines: 59 schools (77.6%), 3) In medical faculty meetings: Smoking prohibited--32 schools (42.1%), Unrestricted smoking--22 schools (28.9%), No rules but no smokers--22 schools (28.9%), A total of 54 schools (71.0%) have established non-smoking meetings. 4) The number of school that give no attention to raking students aware of smoking risks: 6 schools As a result of this investigation, one national and one private medical school initiated prohibition of smoking at medical faculty meetings. In order to stimulate consciousness of the health hazards of smoking in future medical professionals, freshmen orientation should be utilized for teaching about the risks of both tobacco and "chug-a-lugging" of alcoholic beverages. In addition, the elimination of tobacco vending machines from all medical department area is strongly indicated.

Characterization of an anti-beta-galactosidase antibody recognizing a precursor but not a mature enzyme in solution

A monospecific antibody was raised against a recombinant human 84-kDa beta-galactosidase precursor protein, which had been produced with a baculovirus gene expression system and affinity-purified. It bound to the 64-kDa mature enzyme protein extracted from human fibroblasts and the antigenic recombinant precursor on immunoblotting, but neither the fibroblast-derived mature enzyme nor the 64-kDa mature protein-like tryptic product of the recombinant precursor protein was immunoprecipitated. We conclude that it specifically recognized the precursor but not the mature protein in solution. Immunoprecipitation with this anti-precursor antibody revealed that the precursor protein mainly accounted for the residual enzyme activity in fibroblasts from an adult GM1-gangliosidosis patient, and the mature protein accounted for the activity in fibroblasts from a juvenile GM1-gangliosidosis patient.

Protective protein gene mutations in galactosialidosis

Four different protective protein cDNA mutations, 146A-->G (Q49R), 193T-->C (W65R), 268-269TC-->CT (S90L), and 1184A-->G (Y395C), were identified in six Japanese galactosialidosis patients with various phenotypic manifestations, and another mutation, 746T-->A (Y249N), in a patient of French-German origin with an atypical clinical course. Y395C was a common mutation in four Japanese patients in infancy and childhood; two juvenile patients were compound heterozygotes of Y395C and another common mutation, SpDEx7, and the other two infants were compound heterozygotes of Y395C and mutant alleles other than SpDEx7. We confirmed these mutations in genomic DNA by direct-sequence analysis or restriction-site analysis. The mutant cDNA clones, transiently expressed in a transformed galactosialidosis cell line, did not restore the secondarily deficient beta-galactosidase or alpha-neuraminidase activity except for the Y249N mutation that expressed some carboxypeptidase activity and restored the two lysosomal enzyme activities. Pulse-chase analysis detected a small amount of the mature form, as well as the precursor, in the cells transfected with the Y249N cDNA. Only precursor proteins were detected, mature proteins not appearing for the other mutant cDNAs.

[Influence of homologous serum on endothelial cell growth factor withdrawal]

In examined the influence of endothelial cell growth factor (ECGF) withdrawal upon the growth and PGI2 production of human endothelial cells (HECs) maintained in either fetal bovine serum (FBS) or human serum (HS). For the study of growth, enzymatically harvested cells were passed twice, divided into seven groups and maintained in medium containing 20% FBS with ECGF (0, 0.1, 1, 10, 100 micrograms/ml) or 20% HS with ECGF (0, 100 micrograms/ml) (n = 8). Growth curve was generated from daily cell counts for ten days. Cells were dead in medium containing FBS with ECGF in concentration of 1 micrograms/ml or less, however, cells were sustained and grew in HS without ECGF. For the study of PGI2 production, harvested HECs were divided into 2 groups and cultured in medium containing 20% FBS or HS (ECGF: 100 micrograms/ml) (n = 12). Second passage cells were divided into 3 groups respectively and cultured in different ECGF concentration (0, 1, 100 micrograms/ml) for 48 hours. Cells were stimulated with thrombin(2U/ml) and PGI2 production was measured by radioimmunoassay. Cells cultured in medium containing HS produced more amount of PGI2 than in FBS in any concentration of BCGF (19 +/- 11 pg/10(5) cells in FBS v.s. 89 +/- 80 pg/10(5) cells in HS: p < 0.05, ECGF: 100 micrograms/ml) Second passage HECs cultured in medium containing HS were viable and maintained the ability of PGI2 production even without ECGF.

Analysis of nicotine content of hair for assessing individual cigarette-smoking behavior

The concentration of nicotine in hair was measured by a capillary gas chromatograph with a nitrogen-phosphorus detector after hair was dissolved in 2.5 N sodium hydroxide and nicotine was extracted using diethyl ether. In hair samples obtained from 36 smokers, who had smoked > or = 3 years, there was a significant positive correlation between the concentration of nicotine and the number of cigarettes consumed daily (r = 0.685; p < 0.001). The nicotine content of white hair was much less than that of black hair collected from the same subjects with grizzled hair. The above findings were confirmed by an animal experiment, in which nicotine (0.2, 0.6, and 2 mg/kg/day for 2 weeks) was administered intraperitoneally to pigmented rats whose hair had been removed beforehand by plucking from an area of the back of each rat. The hair which grew back in the denuded area was plucked and collected one week after the last administration of nicotine. The nicotine concentration in the brown hair of the back correlated with the given dose (r = 0.824; p < 0.001). In a separate experiment, hairs were removed from areas of back and thorax, and nicotine delivered to the rats for 4 weeks by an osmotic pump implanted under the skin, showing that the concentration in the whitish hair was much lower than that in brown hair. Finally, hair samples were collected from 14 subjects who had participated in a smoking cessation program over 6 months and who abstained from cigarette smoking. The axial distribution of nicotine along the hair shafts was determined for each subject.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Purification and characterization of human lysosomal protective protein expressed in stably transformed Chinese hamster ovary cells

Chinese hamster ovary cells were transfected with a recombinant DNA containing the entire coding sequence of human lysosomal protective protein cDNA under the control of mouse metallothionein I promoter. Neomycin and methotrexate-resistant stably transformed cell lines expressing this protein were isolated. Immunoprecipitation of the product with antiserum against human placental protective protein-beta-galactosidase complex revealed a 52-kDa protective protein precursor, which was then processed to mature form, a heterodimer of 32- and 20-kDa polypeptides. The precursor secreted in the culture medium was taken up by the mannose 6-phosphate receptor system and restored acid carboxypeptidase, beta-galactosidase, and neuraminidase activities in galactosialidosis fibroblasts. The expressed protein showed a granular pattern in intracellular distribution, was fractionated at the density of lysosomes, and had serine esterase activities; acid carboxypeptidase at pH 5.6, esterase at pH 7.0, and carboxyl-terminal deamidase at pH 7.0. They were inhibited simultaneously by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride, N-benzyloxycarbonyl-L-phenylalanine chloromethyl ketone, or iodoacetamide. The acid carboxypeptidase activity of the purified monomeric mature protective protein was labile in vitro under the acidic condition. Saposins (sphingolipid activator proteins) stabilized the activity at micromolar level concentrations.

Fundal atrophic gastritis as a risk factor for gastric cancer

The role of atrophic gastritis of the gastric corpus (fundal atrophic gastritis) as a high-risk factor was investigated by studying operative findings and follow-up data on 690 patients with benign gastric diseases recorded at the Osaka Cancer Registry. The extent of fundal atrophic gastritis was determined by the endoscopic Congo red test. The patients were followed-up from the time of endoscopic examination (1968 to 1976) to December 31, 1987. The vital status of 654 patients (94.8%) at the end of the observation period was determined. During the follow-up period, 22 patients were found to have gastric cancer. The extent of fundal atrophic gastritis was shown to be closely related with the risk of developing gastric cancer. Patients who had been diagnosed as having severe fundal atrophic gastritis showed significantly higher risk of gastric cancer than patients who had been diagnosed as having little or no fundal atrophic gastritis (5.76-fold, calculated with adjustments for age, sex and the follow-up period). A positive linear relationship was found between the risk of developing gastric cancer and the extent of fundal atrophic gastritis. The observed number of gastric cancers was compared with the expected number calculated from the incidence in Osaka Prefecture. Analysis of the results showed that the observed and expected numbers of gastric cancers in patients with severe fundal atrophic gastritis were 11 and 4.8, respectively, the ratio of observed to expected numbers being 2.3 (p < 0.05). These findings indicate that severe fundal atrophic gastritis is a major risk factor for gastric cancer.

Resistance of Trypanosoma cruzi to blood clearance induced by acute-phase immune mouse serum

To investigate functional changes in Trypanosoma cruzi parasites induced during their interaction with the vertebrate host, we compared the blood clearance profiles of blood forms isolated from infected normal mice (Reg-Tc) or from infected mice immunodepressed after treatment with cyclophosphamide (Cy-Tc). Parasite blood numbers were measured at various time intervals in animals injected intravenously (i.v.) with 1-2 x 10(6) T. cruzi of either isolate. In the absence of added immune sera (spontaneous clearance), Reg-Tc and Cy-Tc were cleared from blood at similar rates. However, when acute immune mouse serum (Ac-IMS) was injected i.v. 2 min after inoculation of parasites, a significant proportion of Cy-Tc only was cleared from the blood an hour later, whereas Reg-Tc were not, their clearance profile being identical to that observed in mice injected with normal mouse serum. Cy-Tc susceptibility to Ac-IMS was not the result of a toxic effect of cyclophosphamide over T. cruzi as parasites recovered from animals immunodepressed by irradiation before infection were cleared similarly by acute serum. Contrary to Ac-IMS, chronic immune mouse serum induced similar rates of disappearance of Reg-Tc and Cy-Tc from blood. Our results suggest the occurrence of T. cruzi selection or modification during the acute phase, which leads to an increased parasite resistance to the clearance properties of acute-phase antibodies.

Splicing defect of the glycoasparaginase gene in two Japanese siblings with apartylglucosaminuria

Molecular analysis of the glycoasparaginase gene was performed on two Japanese siblings with aspartylglucosaminuria. The cDNA from one patient contained 7 additional bases between exons 3 and 4 (3'-terminal sequence of intron 3). This insertion resulted in a frame shift, and a termination codon appeared at amino acid 146. Amplification and sequencing of genomic DNA detected a single base transition (A-->G) at the 5' side adjacent to the insertion sequence. This mutation created a consensus AG dinucleotide in the splice acceptor site, and produced almost exclusively an abnormal mRNA containing the insertion by alternative splicing. The calculation of the sample score of the acceptor site supported this analytical result. BsmAI restriction site analysis of amplified cDNA and genomic DNA showed that these patients were homozygotes for this mutation. We conclude that the splicing defect in intron 3 causes glycoasparaginase deficiency in these patients.

GM1 gangliosidosis in adults: clinical and molecular analysis of 16 Japanese patients

Clinical findings were compared with the results of molecular analysis in 16 Japanese patients from 10 unrelated families with the adult/chronic form of GM1 gangliosidosis. Age of onset ranged from 3 to 30 years. Major clinical manifestations were gait and speech disturbances caused by persistent muscle hypertonia. Dystonic postures and movements, facial grimacing, and parkinsonian manifestations were commonly seen. Cerebellar signs, myoclonus, severe intellectual impairment, dysmorphism, or visceromegaly were not observed. A common single-base substitution, 51Ile(ATC)----Thr(ACC), reported in a previous study of ours, was confirmed in 14 patients by the Bsu36I restriction site analysis; one was a compound heterozygote with another mutation (457Arg[CGA]----Gln[CAA]) and the others were homozygotes of this mutation. Clinically, the compound-heterozygous patient showed more severe neurological manifestations and a more rapid clinical course than those of homozygotes. The homozygotes showed considerable variations in the age of onset and subsequent clinical course. The 51Ile----Thr mutant allele expressed a significant amount of beta-galactosidase activity, whereas the 457Arg----Gln mutant allele expressed extremely low activity in human GM1 gangliosidosis fibroblasts. We conclude that these gene mutations causing different residual enzyme activities are related to the severity of clinical manifestations, but some other genetic or environmental factors contribute to clinical heterogeneity. The Bsu36I restriction site analysis was performed in 7 families and provided clear results for the diagnosis of heterozygotes as well as homozygotes of this specific clinical form of GM1 gangliosidosis. The technique is applicable to prenatal diagnosis and genetic counseling.

Effect of Ca2+ and K+ on the intracellular pH of an Escherichia coli L-form

The L-form NC7, derived from Escherichia coli K12, grew in a complex medium containing 0.2 M-CaCl2 as osmotic stabilizer, but not at pH values above 7.8. The cessation of growth at alkaline pH was not due to cell death. In complex media containing K+ or Na+, the L-form grew ove a wide pH range. Growth at alkaline pH was inhibited by 1 mM-amiloride, indicating that Na+/H+ antiport activity was required for growth at alkaline pH. The internal pH (pHi) of the L-form in media containing K+, Na+ or Ca2+ was constant at about 7.8 to 8.0 at external pH (pHo) values of 7.2 and 8.2. The rates of O2 consumption by intact cells, lactate oxidation by membrane vesicles from cells grown in Ca(2+)-containing medium, and cell division were all strongly repressed under alkaline conditions.

Optimal seeding conditions for human endothelial cells

An in vitro model of endothelial cell seeding has been developed to individually evaluate the steps required for seeding arterial prostheses. Human saphenous vein endothelial cells are radiolabeled with tritiated thymidine and seeded onto 4 mm polytetrafluoroethylene grafts. Grafts are then placed into a perfusion circuit for determination of cellular retention. Using this model, the following variables were studied: (1) graft coating (fibronectin versus serum versus plasma); (2) time of incubation of cells with graft (0, 20, 90 minutes); (3) density of the initial seeding solution (4 x 10(3)-6 x 10(5) cells/cm2). The data suggest that incubation of a graft with plasma provides an adhesive surface that is as effective as fibronectin for enhancing cell retention. With this particular model, seeding densities between 1 and 2 x 10(5) cells/cm2 produce a confluent monolayer with optimal utilization of cells. A shorter 20 minute incubation period resulted in the retention of only half of the seeded cells, while postperfusion attachment increased significantly with a 90 minute incubation period. Data derived from this system can be used to construct a protocol that may be useful for clinical in vivo seeding trials.

GM1-gangliosidosis: tandem duplication within exon 3 of beta-galactosidase gene in an infantile patient

A 23-nucleotide tandem duplication (GGACCTTGAAAGTACTC-GGGACC) was found within exon 3 of the beta-galactosidase gene in a patient with infantile-form GM1-gangliosidosis, which generated a premature stop codon after translation of 36 amino acids. Homologous sequences at the area of duplication suggested that the mutation resulted from an unequal crossover. A single base substitution 316Trp----Cys was found in the other allele. Family study showed that the duplication was transmitted from his father and the base substitution from his mother.

Diagnostic validity of fecal occult blood tests for detecting gastroenterological cancers

In order to estimate the diagnostic validity of chemical fecal occult blood tests, i.e. orthotolidine (Shionogi A) and guajac (Shionogi B) slides for detecting cancers of the esophagus, stomach and colorectum, the authors followed up all the examinees (n = 3,449) of comprehensive medical check-ups at the Center for Adult Diseases, Osaka, by means of record linkage to the Osaka Cancer Registry's files. Then, diagnostic validity was calculated based on the results of two years' follow-up. Sensitivity for the respective cancers was 20.0%, 11.8% and 62.5% for Shionogi A, and 20.0%, 5.9% and 43.8% for Shionogi B slides. Likelihood ratio for the respective cancers was 1.4, 0.8 and 4.5 for Shionogi A, and 3.3, 1.0 and 7.5 for Shionogi B. Specificity was analogous among the three cancer sites, being 86% for Shionogi A and 94% for Shionogi B. These results suggest that the diagnostic validity of chemical occult blood tests for detecting cancers of the esophagus and the stomach is very poor, and therefore imply that close examinations of these sites for screening positives is unnecessary in mass screenings for colorectal cancer.

Gastric microcirculation and its regulating factors in stress

Gastric mucosal blood flow and its regulating factors were studied in normal and stressed rats. In addition, vascular regulating factors and the role of CoQ10 anion radical and SOD (superoxide dismutase) level in gastric mucosa were also investigated as well as the influence of 5-HT (5-hydroxytryptamine) on gastric mucosal blood flow. Gastric mucosal blood flow was measured by the hydrogen gas clearance method. The vascular pattern of the stomach was investigated by the infusion method with two-colored silicon rubber. CoQ10 anion radical and SOD levels in gastric tissue were assayed by electron spin resonance (ESR) and radioimmunoassay. The gastric mucosal blood flow decreased significantly early after the induction of stress. Impairment of gastric mucosal blood flow was highly correlated with 5-HT and CoQ10 anion radical and SOD levels. Reduction in gastric mucosal blood flow was consequently due to opening of arteriovenular shunt and hyperpermeability of true capillaries influenced by 5-HT. These results demonstrate that ischemia and reperfusion after reduction of the gastric mucosal blood flow resulted in the sequence of events that led to formation of acute gastric mucosal lesions.

[Smoking and alcohol drinking behavior among Japanese adolescents--results from "Japan Know Your Body Study"]

The "Japan Know Your Body Study" (JKYB) is an example of collaborative activities of technology transfer carried out in Japan in several phases. The first phase is a needs assessment and data collection survey and it was administered during 1989. A survey was conducted throughout 9 prefectures in Japan with participation by 49 schools. Subjects were students in elementary, junior and senior high schools who ranged in age from 6 to 18 years. Participants, 12,892 in total, completed a survey on knowledge, attitude and behavior regarding cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking, diet, exercise and so on. The main results concerning cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking behavior were as follows: 1) The percentage of monthly male smokers rose remarkably from 8% in the third grade of junior high school to 37% in the third grade of senior high school, while that of female smokers showed a slow rise from 3% to 15%. The sex difference for smoking behavior was clear among senior high school students. 2) Smoking rates increased in proportion to the numbers of parents, siblings and friends who smoked. Above all, smoking behavior of friends was strongly related. Among senior high school students, for example, 50% of males and 46% of females who had two or more smoking friends were smokers, as compared to 5% of males and 2% of females with no smoking friends. 3) The percentage of monthly drinkers rose at a steady pace from 13% of males and 7% of females in the fifth grade of elementary schools to 59% of males and 50% of females in the third grade of senior high schools. The sex difference for alcohol drinking behavior among senior high school students, while statistically significant, was not as pronounced as that for smoking behavior. These results suggest that tobacco- and alcohol-use prevention programs should be introduced in elementary schools and those programs should include components relating to the social influences of parents, siblings and friends.

Evolution of subpatent parasitaemia in Trypanosoma cruzi chronically infected mice with the help of a cyclophosphamide amplification transfer assay

We have evaluated the sensitivity of the classical blood subinoculation method, modified through cyclophosphamide treatment of transferred mice, for the detection of occult parasitaemias in Trypanosoma cruzi chronically infected mice. Besides its simplicity, the method was shown to be highly sensitive for both the "chronic" phase parasites (99% of chronic cases were shown to harbour occult parasitaemias) and for the acute phase parasites (T. cruzi could be detected in 53.8% of animals transferred with one Y strain parasite and in 20% of animals transferred with one CL strain parasite). Using acute phase bloodforms, the assay proved to be more sensitive than conventional subinoculation when dealing with the CL, but not the Y strain of the parasite. With the help of this parasite detection tool, we have studied during a one year period, the evolution of subpatent parasitaemias in a group of mice which survived through chemotherapy from lethal acute phase of T. cruzi infection. Cyclophosphamide transfer assay revealed occult parasitaemias in 100% of the chronic animals, nevertheless, continuous and discontinuous patterns of positivity were observed.

Human beta-galactosidase gene mutations in morquio B disease

Three different beta-galactosidase gene mutations--a 273Trp----Leu (mutation F) in both families, 482Arg----His (mutation G) in one family, and 509Trp----Cys (mutation H) in the other family--were identified in three patients with Morquio B disease who were from two unrelated families. Restriction-site analysis using StuI, Nsp(7524)I or RsaI confirmed these mutations. In human fibroblasts, mutation F expressed as much as 8% of the normal allele's enzyme activity, but the other mutations expressed no detectable enzyme activity. We conclude that the unique clinical manifestations are specifically associated with mutation F, a common two-base substitution, in this disease.