Analytical method to examine the effects of carbon dioxide lasers on skin: a study using wrinkles induced in hairless mice

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Investigation of the wrinkle smoothing process elicited by CO(2) laser treatment is important for understanding the mechanism involved in their repair.

STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS

Hairless mice with wrinkles induced in their dorsal skin by long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation in the wavelength range of 290-320 nm were treated with a CO(2) laser. By using this model, we investigated the external appearance, histologic changes, and the mechanical properties of the skin during the wrinkle repair.

RESULTS

Laser treatment with an appropriate intensity caused wrinkles to smooth completely. In the healing process, reepithelialization and collagen tissue regeneration in the upper dermis was observed. However, marked changes in the skin were noted, such as increases in the collagen layer and in the skin thickness, and changes in the mechanical properties of the skin, despite the favorable external appearance.

CONCLUSIONS

An abnormal state characterized by excessive collagen regeneration and other changes in the dermis occur concomitantly with wrinkle smoothing.

New formulation of chemical peeling agent: histological evaluation in sun-damaged skin model in hairless mice

BACKGROUND

chemical peelings injure the superficial skin, which is then restored by healing of the wound.

OBJECTIVES

to document the acute and chronic histological changes produced by applying chemical peeling agents used clinically to the UVB-irradiated skin of hairless mice, which served as a model of sun-damaged skin.

DESIGN

three chemical peeling agents, 30% salicylic acid, dissolved in macrogol (a new formulation), 35% trichloroacetic acid (TCA) dissolved in distilled water and 20% glycolic acid dissolved in glycerin were applied to the backs of UVB-irradiated hairless mice. Untreated, irradiated areas of skin served as controls. Specimens were evaluated histologically at 3, 14, 28, and 70 days.

RESULTS

chronic UVB irradiation produced an irregular hypertrophy of the epidermis. The treated areas of irradiated skin recovered by day 70. At 28 days, all skin specimens treated with chemical peeling agents exhibited a unique connective tissue layer composed of fine collagen fibers beneath the epidermis. While 35% TCA produced severe tissue damage marked by inflammation up to day 14, no inflammatory infiltrates were seen with 30% salicylic acid in macrogol at 70 days.

CONCLUSIONS

chemical peeling with 30% salicylic acid dissolved in macrogol led to reorganization of the epidermis and a rebuilding of the superficial dermal connective tissue important in reducing wrinkles, and without evidence of inflammatory infiltrates in an animal model of sun-damaged skin. Findings suggest a possible clinical benefit.

[Efficacy of low-dose mutant tissue-type plasminogen activator followed by planned rescue percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty as reperfusion therapy for acute myocardial infarction]

OBJECTIVES

The efficacy of injection of a low-dose mutant tissue-type plasminogen activator (mt-PA), monteplase, followed by planned rescue percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) was compared with that of primary PTCA.

METHODS

A total of 164 patients with acute myocardial infarction within 12 hr from onset were randomly assigned to a treatment with 80 x 10(4) U bolus of monteplase (Group M) or no administration (Group P) by the envelope method, followed by immediate angiography with angioplasty in patients with Thombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grade 0, 1 or 2.

RESULTS

There were no differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups. Initial angiography showed a higher reperfusion rate (TIMI 2 + 3: 21% + 38% vs 13% + 9%, p < 0.001) and the median time to TIMI 3 was shorter (63 vs 78 min, p < 0.005) in Group M than in Group P, but the final TIMI 3 rate was similar (93% vs 96%). Peak creatine kinase was lower, and predischarge left ventricular ejection fraction measured in 70% of all patients was higher (59 +/- 9% vs 54 +/- 14%, p = 0.02) in Group M than in Group P. Recurrent ischemia with ST elevation occurred in three patients in Group M, but death, re-acute myocardial infarction or stroke did not occur in either group and the rate of bleeding complication was similar (4.9% vs 3.7%). PTCA was performed less frequently in Group M, but medical expenses were comparable in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Low-dose mt-PA followed by rescue PTCA is effective for early recanalization and preservation of left ventricular function without increases in bleeding complications or medical expenses. These results suggest that low-dose mt-PA should be given to all patients with acute myocardial infarction who are scheduled to undergo primary PTCA.

Carbon dioxide laser treatment promotes repair of the three-dimensional network of elastic fibres in rat skin

BACKGROUND

We have previously reported that ultraviolet (UV) B irradiation induces a loss of linearity in the three-dimensional structure of dermal elastic fibres, which results in the reduction of elastic properties of the skin and leads to wrinkle formation. We further reported that repair of wrinkles by all-trans retinoic acid is accompanied by recovery of the linearity of elastic fibres. Carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers are widely used for treating wrinkles in cosmetic surgery.

OBJECTIVES

To perform CO2 laser treatment of wrinkles induced in rat skin by UVB irradiation and to evaluate changes in the three-dimensional structure of dermal elastic fibres during wrinkle repair.

METHODS

Wrinkles were induced in the hind limb skin of Sprague-Dawley rats by UVB irradiation (130 mJ cm-2 three times weekly for 6 weeks), followed by CO2 laser treatment (11.3 J cm-2). The surface appearance of the skin was evaluated by replica observation 6 and 10 weeks after CO2 laser treatment followed by measurement of mechanical properties using a Cutometer. Subsequently, perfusion fixation and digestion with formic acid were performed and elastic fibres were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Image analysis of SEM micrographs was carried out to evaluate the linearity in the three-dimensional structure of elastic fibres.

RESULTS

Six weeks after CO2 laser treatment, all parameters of skin mechanical properties in the UVB-irradiated group recovered to levels of the control non-irradiated group, accompanied by repair of wrinkles and a significant increase in linearity of the three-dimensional structure of elastic fibres.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that CO2 laser treatment has a therapeutic potential to repair wrinkles to non-irradiated levels through recovery of the three-dimensional structure of elastic fibres.

Schizosaccharomyces pombe och1(+) encodes alpha-1,6-mannosyltransferase that is involved in outer chain elongation of N-linked oligosaccharides

The fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe attaches an outer chain containing mannose and galactose to the N-linked oligosaccharides on many of its glycoproteins. We identified an S. pombe och1 mutant that did not synthesize the outer chains on acid phosphatase. The S. pombe och1(+) gene was a functional homolog of Saccharomyces cerevisiae OCH1, and its gene product (SpOch1p) incorporated alpha-1,6-linked mannose into pyridylaminated Man(9)GlcNAc(2), indicating that och1(+) encodes an alpha-1,6-mannosyltransferase. Our results indicate that SpOch1p is a key enzyme of outer chain elongation. The substrate specificity of SpOch1p was different from that of S. cerevisiae OCH1 gene product (ScOch1p), suggesting that SpOch1p may have a wider substrate specificity than that of ScOch1p.

Ovariectomy Accelerates Photoaging of Rat Skin¶

We have previously reported the formation of wrinkles, a decrease in skin elasticity and a loss in the linearity of dermal elastic fibers in rat hind limb skin irradiated with ultraviolet radiation in wavelength ranging 290-320 nm (UVB) at a suberythemal dose for 6 weeks. Estrogens are considered effective in preventing photoaging in postmenopausal females, but the role of estrogen in the skin remains unclear. In this study we have evaluated the influence of short-term chronic UVB irradiation at a suberythemal dose on the skin of ovariectomized rats. An ovariectomy or a sham operation was performed on each 3 week-old female Sprague-Dawley rat. Starting 1 week after the operation the hind limb skin of each rat was irradiated with UVB at a suberythemal dose (130 mJ/cm2) three times a week for 3 or 6 weeks. Decreases in elasticity and wrinkle formation in the skins of ovariectomized animals were induced more quickly than in the skins of sham-operated animals following UVB irradiation. The linearity of elastic fibers in the ovariectomy group decreased significantly compared with the sham-operation group, but erythema in the ovariectomy group was induced more readily than in the sham-operation group following UVB irradiation. These findings suggest that decreases in the estrogen levels after ovariectomy accelerate photoaging in terms of the morphology and physical properties of the skin surface and the three-dimensional structure of elastic fibers.

Intramolecular electron-transfer reaction within a diprotein complex of cytochrome c with ferrylmyoglobin modified with diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid

Horse heart metmyoglobins modified with diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, metMb(DTPA)n (n=1, 2, 4, and 5), were characterized by a MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, amino-acid sequence analysis, and UV-Vis and CD spectroscopies. The DTPA-binding sites on metMb were Lys47, Lys50, Lys87, Lys145, and Lys147 for metMb(DTPA)5, Lys47, Lys87, Lys145, and Lys147 for metMb(DTPA)4, Lys87 and Lys145 for metMb(DTPA)2, and Lys87 for metMbDTPA, respectively. The modified metMb(DTPA)n showed cytochrome c peroxidase-like activity more efficiently than native metMb: metMb(DTPA)5>metMb(DTPA)4>metMb(DTPA)2> metMbDTPA approximately equals native metMb. The first-order rate constants for the reactions of ferrylMb(DTPA)n (n=2, 4, and 5) with reduced cytochrome c [cyt c(II)] were saturated with concentrations of cyt c(II), suggesting that the electron transfer (ET) occurs within a diprotein complex. The intramolecular ET rate constants in the diprotein complex increased with increasing the number of DTPA ions. The reactions of native ferrylMb and ferrylMbDTPA with cyt c(II) obeyed a second-order rate law. A possible ET mechanism is proposed; cyt c(II) binds the DTPA-linked anionic patch around Lys87, Lys145, and Lys147 region of ferrylMb(DTPA)n.

Reaction mechanism of electron transfer from FeII(CN)6(4-) or W(IV)(CN)8(4-) to the cupric ions in human copper, zinc superoxide dismutase

The electron transfer reactions from FeII(CN)6(4-) and W(IV)(CN)8(4-) to the cupric ions in human copper, zinc superoxide dismutase were followed by the micro-stopped-flow method. The kinetic rate data clearly indicate that FeII(CN)6(4-) or W(IV)(CN)8(4-) first forms an adduct with the enzyme through the interaction with Arg143 of the active cavity and then an electron from FeII(CN)6(4-) or W(IV)(CN)8(4-) of the adduct transfers to the cupric ion in the enzyme. The dissociation constants of the adducts of FeII(CN)6(4-) and W(IV)(CN)8(4-) were 4.0(+/-0.3) x 10(-3) and 2.2(+/-0.3) x 10(-3) M, respectively. In spite of the difference between the standard redox potentials of FeIII(CN)6(3-)/FeII(CN)6(4-) (468 mV) and W(V)(CN)8(3-)/W(IV)(CN)8(4-) (556 mV), the electron transfer rate constant (0.148(+/-0.005) s(-1) of FeII(CN)6(4-) at 25 degrees C is very similar to that of W(IV)(CN)8(4-) (0.072(+/-0.011) s(-1)). The entropy values of the adduct formations and the activation energies of the electron transfer rates were determined by the temperature dependence of the dissociation constants of the adducts and the electron transfer rates. The enthalpy values of the formation of adducts are almost zero, so that the driving forces to form the adducts are mainly derived from the entropy. The activation energy of the electron transfer rate of FeII(CN)6(4-) is very similar to that of W(IV)(CN)8(4-). The formation of the adduct between FeII(CN)6(4-) and the enzyme was inhibited by the presence of various anions (ClO4-, SO4(2-), SCN-, and N3-). The bulky anions SO4(2-) and ClO4- behave as competitive inhibitors for FeII(CN)6(4-); these anions should interact mainly with Arg143, as it has a positive charge at the entrance of the active cavity. The competitive inhibition constants of ClO4-, SO4(2-), and SCN- were 0.010, 0.012, and 0.008 M. The azide ion, which is smaller than SO4(2-) or ClO4-, shows mixed inhibition, because N3- can interact with Arg143 (competitive inhibition) and also directly binds to the cupric ion in h-SOD (noncompetitive inhibition). The competitive and noncompetitive inhibition constants of N3- were 0.004 and 0.016 M, respectively.

Fucoidan is the active component of fucus vesiculosus that promotes contraction of fibroblast-populated collagen gels

The fibroblast-populated collagen gel culture method has been evaluated as a dermal model of wound contraction and granulation in tissues during the wound healing process and as an in vitro model of dermal tissue. We previously reported that an extract of Fucus vesiculosus promoted fibroblast-populated collagen gel contraction and that the promotion of the gel contraction was due to the increased expression of integrin alpha2beta1 on the surface of the fibroblasts. In this study, we investigated the active component of the extract of this alga using extraction and fractionation techniques. Water extraction of the alga was followed by precipitation with excess ethanol and then gel filtration with the boundary molecular weight of 30,000. The high molecular weight fraction obtained from gel filtration was fractionated by ion exchange chromatography on diethylaminoethyl cellulose column to give active fractions that have more polar properties. These polar, high molecular weight fractions which contained molecules with fucose and sulfate groups showed significant gel contraction-promoting activity and integrin expression-enhancing activity, and were estimated to be the sulfated-polysaccharide fucoidan. Commercially available fucoidan showed similar activities to the above-described fraction of this alga. Although it remains necessary to precisely identify the specific active component, the above results indicate that fucoidan is the active component which promotes collagen gel contraction, and also indicate the possibility that it dose so by enhancing the integrin alpha2beta1 expression.

Age-related alterations of echogenicity in Japanese skin

BACKGROUND

Ultrasonic methods are commonly used for the noninvasive measurement of skin thickness. The effects of ageing on the skin have been reported to differ between Asians and Caucasians. Therefore, it is possible that the echogenicity of the skin on ultrasonographic images reflects differences in the skin architecture and properties that may vary among races and environments.

OBJECTIVE AND METHODS

Since there have been a few reports on ageing-related changes in ultrasonic echogenicity in Caucasian skin, but not in Asian skin, we evaluated age-related changes in the echogenicity of ultrasonographic images by the ultrasonic B mode at 3 sites on the face (forehead, eye corners, cheeks) considered as sun-exposed areas and on the ventral forearms considered as weakly sun-exposed areas in 130 Japanese females aged from 18 to 83 years. The dermis was divided into 3 layers (upper, middle, lower), and echogenicity was evaluated in each area.

RESULTS

No age-related change in echogenicity was observed in the entire dermis. When the dermis was divided into 3 layers (upper, middle and lower dermis), the echogenicity was decreased in the upper layer and increased in the lower layer with age in all skin areas tested. In contrast, there were no age-related changes of echogenicity in the middle dermis.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that, as for Caucasians, echogenicity in the upper and lower dermis is a useful tool for evaluating skin ageing in the Japanese.

Tss (Tail-short Shionogi), a new short tail mutation found in the BALB/cMs strain, maps quite closely to the Tail-short (Ts) locus on mouse chromosome 11

A spontaneous morphological mutation characterized by a short and kinky tail (Tail-short Shionogi: Tss) was observed in a BALB/cMs mouse breeding colony. The inheritance mode of the Tss mutation is semi-dominant, and homozygotes (Tss/Tss) are probably embryonic lethal. The viability of the Tss/+ heterozygotes appear to be influenced by the mating partner: 47.1% of the (BALB/cMs-Tss/+ x C57BL/6J)F1 embryos were the mutant phenotype, whereas there were no (BALB/cMs-Tss/+ x A/J)F1 embryos with the mutant phenotype. The Tss locus was mapped by linkage analysis between microsatellite markers D11Mit128 and D11Mit256 on mouse Chromosome 11. These results suggest that the Tss mutation is a new allele on the Tail-short (Ts) locus.

Effects of natural product extracts on contraction and mechanical properties of fibroblast populated collagen gel

Fibroblast-populated collagen gel cultures have been used as a dermal model of wound contraction and granulation in the wound healing process and as an in vitro model of dermal tissue. We evaluated the effects of various natural product extracts on collagen gel contraction-promoting activity and mechanical properties (relaxation time) using this model, and observed that some natural product extracts, such as Hibamata extract (from Fucus vesiculosus) promoted gel contraction and increased the relaxation time of the gels. In addition, we investigated the mechanism of the promotion of the gel contraction, noting increased expression of integrin alpha2 and beta1 subunit molecules on the surface of the fibroblasts, suggesting that some extracts, such as Hibamata extract, promote gel contraction by increasing the expression of integrin molecules on the fibroblasts surface. For other types of natural product extracts, other mechanisms of the gel contraction-promoting activity, which were independent of an increase of integrins, were suggested. Although the mechanisms of promotion of gel contraction by these extracts are still unclear, it is at least clear that, more than one mechanism appears to be present. Therefore, more effective drug regimens for improving dermal tissues and wound healing may be achieved by combining drugs which increase integrin molecules and drugs with other mechanisms of action.

Organic acid consumption of phototrophic bacteria in a lighted upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor

It was previously suggested that a population of phototrophic bacteria, Rhodopseudomonas palustris strain RN1 and Blastochloris sulfoviridis strain GN1 could be induced from granules in a lighted upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (LUASB) reactor. The present study showed that both strains RN1 and GN1 could use acetate, propionate, butyrate, and lactate as electron donors under anaerobic light conditions. The composition of organic acids in the effluent from the LUASB reactor was studied to investigate competitive consumption between acetogenic bacteria, methanogens, and phototrophic bacteria in the reactor. When acetate, propionate and lactate were supplied to the reactor, a small amount of acetate and propionate was observed in the effluent under light conditions. The concentrations of acetate and propionate increased under dark conditions compared with those under light conditions using organic acid and peptone media as the influent. When starch was supplied to the reactor, the concentrations of formate, acetate, propionate, butyrate, and lactate in the effluent were less than 0.5 mg C.l(-1) during operation under light and dark conditions. The concentrations of ammonium and phosphate in the effluent under dark conditions were higher than those under light conditions. These results suggested that phototrophic bacteria in the LUASB reactor consumed acetate and propionate as well as ammonium and phosphate in competition with methanogens and acetogenic bacteria.

Electrophysiological properties of the left atrium evaluated by coronary sinus pacing in patients with atrial fibrillation

Repetitive atrial firing (RAF), marked fragmentation of atrial activity (FAA), and interatrial conduction delay (CD) have been shown to be electrophysiological features of the atrium in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Moreover, it has been observed that atrial extrastimuli are more likely to induce AF when delivered from the right atrial appendage (RAA) than from the distal coronary sinus (CSd). We examined the electrophysiological properties of the atrial muscle by CS and RAA stimulation in patients with paroxysmal AF. Patients were divided into two groups: group I, consisting of 18 patients with clinical paroxysmal AF; and group II, consisting of 22 patients with various cardiac arrhythmias in which the substrate does not exist in the atrium. In group I, the following values of electrophysiological parameters of the atrium indicated that AF was more likely to be induced during RAA pacing than CSd pacing: atrial effective refractory period (RAA vs CSd: 201 +/- 28 ms vs 240 +/- 35 ms, P < 0.001), RAF zone (16 +/- 25 ms vs 0 +/- 0 ms, P < 0.03), FAA zone (38 +/- 37 ms vs 5 +/- 19 ms, P < 0.01), maximum interatrial conduction time (144 +/- 19 ms vs 93 +/- 19 ms, P < 0.0001) and CD zone (53 +/- 21 ms vs 9 +/- 18 ms, P < 0.0001). The values of the electrophysiological parameters of the atrium evaluated by CSd pacing in group I patients were not significantly different from those in group II patients. In conclusion, when coronary sinus stimulation is performed, electrophysiological properties of the atrium in patients with AF show a significant decrease in atrial vulnerability compared to stimulation from RAA and also show similar values to those in patients without AF. It might be suggested that the left posterior or posterolateral atrium is electrophysiologically stable even in patients with paroxysmal AF.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha mediates antiapoptotic signals partially via p38 MAP kinase activation in human eosinophils

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is a proinflammatory cytokine with many biological effects on a variety of cells. In particular, TNF-alpha has been shown to act as a death or survival factor which mediates apoptosis or antiapoptotic signals in various types of cells. In eosinophils, TNF-alpha has been reported to activate eosinophil functions. However, it is not clearly defined whether TNF-alpha delivers antiapoptotic signals in eosinophils. In order to determine whether TNF-alpha prevents eosinophil apoptosis, we examined the effect of TNF-alpha on eosinophil apoptosis by the survival assay and cell cycle analysis. We also determined whether intracellular MAP kinases (ERKs, Jun kinase/JNK, and p38 MAP kinase) are involved in the TNF-alpha-induced signaling for the prevention of eosinophil apoptosis. We showed that TNF-alpha mediated antiapoptotic signals in human eosinophils in part via activation of p38 MAP kinase, but not via activation of ERKs and JNK. Our data suggest that TNF-alpha/p38 MAP kinase pathways are involved in the regulation of eosinophil survival and, thus, would be important for the development of allergic eosinophil-rich inflammation.

A transcutaneous energy transmission system with rechargeable internal back-up battery for a totally implantable total artificial heart

We have been developing an externally coupled transcutaneous energy transmission system (ECTETS) for a totally implantable total artificial heart (TITAH). When the ECTETS is unable to supply the energy to drive the TITAH from outside the body, a rechargeable internal back-up battery (RIBB) implanted inside the body is used as a back-up to supply the required energy. This paper reports on the performance characteristics of our ECTETS with an RIBB. In this study, a lithium-ion (Li+) secondary battery was used as the RIBB. The transcutaneous energy transmission and the charging control characteristics of the ECTETS, while simultaneously supplying energy to the TITAH and the RIBB, were evaluated in an in vitro experiment. The output power and transmission efficiency of the ECTETS operating in this mode were found to vary from 20 W to 34 W and from 84% to 71%, respectively. It was also found that a sufficient power of more than 20 W could be supplied to the TITAH. The time needed to fully charge the RIBB was 117 minutes, and a fully charged RIBB could drive the TITAH, consuming 20 W for 62 minutes. It may, therefore, reasonably be concluded that the ECTETS with the RIBB is sufficient to drive the TITAH.

Progress of an electrohydraulic total artificial heart system with a separate energy converter

We have been developing an electrohydraulic total artificial heart (EHTAH) system. The system consists of diaphragm blood pumps, an abdominally placed energy converter, an internal controller, a transcutaneous energy transfer (TET) system, a transcutaneous optical information transfer system, and internal and external lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. The energy converter was optimized to obtain better oil transfer. Maximum cardiac output and efficiency of the EHTAH were increased from 8 L/min to 10 L/min and from 10% to 12%, respectively. The volume of the energy converter was reduced from 280 to 210 ml. The pumping unit was successfully implanted in 68-85 kg calves without anatomic problems, and the calves survived up to 10 days with good circulatory results. The maximum temperature rise of the implanted energy converter was only 1 degrees C. Stable performance of the TET system was confirmed in goats for more than 1 month. DC-DC energy transfer efficiency with 20 W of energy transmission remained within the range of 80% to 85%, and no significant temperature rise was observed in the implanted circuit. The internal Li-ion battery was also evaluated in a goat, and the maximum temperature rise during the charging period was 1.5 degrees C, while the charging and discharging times were 72 and 58 min, respectively. We conclude that our system has progressed in its development as a practical implantable system.

All-trans retinoic acid promotes the repair of tortuosity of elastic fibres in rat skin

To elucidate the repair effects of all-trans retinoic acid (t-RA) on ultraviolet (UV)-induced tortuosity of elastic fibres in rat skin, the hind limbs of Sprague-Dawley rats were irradiated at a suberythemal dose of UV (three times/week for 6 weeks) and 0.025% t-RA in ethanol was applied topically five times/week for 6 weeks. The three-dimensional arrangement of elastic fibres with special reference to their linearity was quantified by image analysis using a scanning electron microscope following a combination of intravascular resin injection and selective digestion using formic acid. When t-RA was topically applied for 6 weeks on wrinkles formed by 6 weeks' exposure of the skin of rat hind limbs to UV radiation, the wrinkles disappeared to control levels, concomitant with an improvement in skin elasticity. The linearity of the elastic fibres was significantly (P < 0.01) increased compared with age-matched UV-irradiated controls. These findings suggest that the degeneration and deposition of elastic fibres accompanied by an increase in their linearity is involved in the process of wrinkle repair by topical application of t-RA.

Isolation of a mammalian homologue of a fission yeast differentiation regulator

In the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe the nrd1(+) gene encoding an RNA binding protein negatively regulates the onset of differentiation. Its biological role is to block differentiation by repressing a subset of the Ste11-regulated genes essential for conjugation and meiosis until the cells reach a critical level of nutrient starvation. By using the phenotypic suppression of the S. pombe temperature-sensitive pat1 mutant that commits lethal haploid meiosis at the restrictive temperature, we have cloned ROD1, a functional homologue of nrd1(+), from rat and human cDNA libraries. Like nrd1(+), ROD1 encodes a protein with four repeats of typical RNA binding domains, though its amino acid homology to Nrd1 is limited. When expressed in the fission yeast, ROD1 behaves in a way that is functionally similar to nrd1(+), being able to repress Ste11-regulated genes and to inhibit conjugation upon overexpression. ROD1 is predominantly expressed in hematopoietic cells or organs of adult and embryonic rat. Like nrd1(+) for fission yeast differentiation, overexpressed ROD1 effectively blocks both 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate-induced megakaryocytic and sodium butyrate-induced erythroid differentiation of the K562 human leukemia cells without affecting their proliferative ability. These results suggest a role for ROD1 in differentiation control in mammalian cells. We discuss the possibility that a differentiation control system found in the fission yeast might well be conserved in more complex organisms, including mammals.

In vivo evaluation of the national cardiovascular center electrohydraulic total artificial heart

We have been developing an electrohydraulic total artificial heart system. The system comprises an intrathoracic pumping unit composed of diaphragm type ellipsoidal blood pumps and an energy converter in addition to an electronics unit. The in vivo performance of the pumping unit was evaluated in a series of animal implantations with 3 calves weighing 62-85 kg. An interatrial shunt 4.5 mm in diameter was made in the atrial septum to compensate left-right imbalance. Two calves died early postoperatively, one of external controller power failure and the other of interatrial shunt stenosis due to thrombus formation. One calf, however, survived over 10 days under stable circulatory conditions. No abnormality was found in the oxygen metabolic condition or in major organ functions. The generation and dissipation of heat from the device was acceptable. This animal died of device malfunction caused by energy converter bearing breakdown. The device demonstrated a good anatomic fit without compromising the great vessels and adjacent tissues. It is concluded that the pumping unit has a sufficient in vivo basic performance although appropriate countermeasures are to be implemented against the detected problems concerning mechanical durability and interatrial shunt patency.

Lighted upflow anaerobic sludge blanket

The upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) method has been developed as an efficient anaerobic wastewater treatment process; however, the performance of this process in the removal nitrogenous compounds and phosphate is not high. Here, we present the water treatment performance of a lighted upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (LUASB) reactor and propose a novel LUASB concept. A population of phototrophic bacteria was induced from UASB granules under light conditions (100 microE x m(-2) x s(-1)). The ammonium and phosphate ion removal efficiencies of the LUASB reactor were higher than those of a UASB reactor. The difference in the results from runs under light and dark conditions suggests that the efficiencies of ammonium and phosphate ion removal were improved by an increase in the phototrophic bacteria in the LUASB reactor. The UASB granule can decompose a variety of organic substances; therefore, the LUASB method could also be effective for producing phototrophic bacterial biomass and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) from various wastewaters.

Wastewater treatment and poly-β-hydroxybutyrate production using lighted upflow anaerobic sludge blanket method

We investigated the performance of a lighted upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (LUASB) reactor for wastewater treatment and poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) production. Phototrophic bacteria were induced from UASB (upflow anaerobic sludge blanket) granules under light conditions (100 microE.m(-2).s(-1)). The ammonium and phosphate ion removal efficiencies of the LUASB reactor were higher than those of the UASB reactor. The difference in the results from runs under light and dark conditions suggested that the ammonium and phosphate ion removal efficiencies were improved by increasing the amount of phototrophic bacteria in the LUASB reactor. The average production rate of PHB from the biomass in the effluent from the LUASB reactor was 6.6-14.0 mg.l(-1)-reactor.d(-1) using acetate-based media and the average PHB content based on the dry bacterial biomass was 15.1-25.3%. The PHB concentration increased by reincubation of the effluent from the LUASB reactor with sodium acetate under light conditions. The UASB granular sludge can decompose a variety of organic substances and in addition the LUASB method can remove ammonium and phosphate ions. The LUASB method thus appears to be appropriate for wastewater treatment and production of phototrophic bacteria and PHB from various wastewaters.

Effects of glucose addition and light on current outputs in photosynthetic electrochemical cells using Synechocystis sp. PCC6714

The effects of glucose addition and light on the current outputs in electrochemical cells using a cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC6714 were investigated under photo- and chemoheterotrophical conditions. The addition of glucose to the anode solutions of the electrochemical cells resulted in a rapid increase in the current outputs under both light and dark conditions. Although the coulombic outputs were almost the same between under light and dark conditions, the rate of glucose consumption was faster under illumination than in the dark. The total sugar content in the cells of strain PCC6714 increased with the addition of glucose and the total sugar accumulated remained intact during the discharge under illumination, while it decreased gradually in the dark. When the light was switched off after the addition of glucose, the current output markedly increased. The coulombic outputs obtained after darkening were 10 to 80 times larger than that obtained by the addition of glucose under the continuous light or dark conditions. Synechocystis sp. completely incorporated 0.14 mM and 0.42 mM glucose for 1 h and 3 h, respectively, under illumination. There was no difference in the coulombic outputs between 1 h and 12 h illumination times in the electrochemical cells with 0.14 mM glucose. When the light was switched off after 1 h illumination in the electrochemical cells with 0.42 mM glucose, the coulombic output obtained from the electrochemical cell was lower than that in the electrochemical cell with 12 h illumination. This indicates that the current output was produced with higher efficiency with glucose incorporated under illumination than that in the case of glucose incorporated after darkening. The highest coulombic yield of 54% in this experiment was obtained by darkening in the electrochemical cell with 0.14 mM glucose.

Transcutaneous optical telemetry system with infrared laser diode

A transcutaneous telemetry system is indispensable when monitoring and controlling the operation of an artificial heart totally implanted inside the body. A telemetry system using light is more useful than radio waves from the viewpoint of electromagnetic interference and power consumption. In this report, a transcutaneous optical coupler consisting of an infrared laser diode (LD) and a PIN photodiode (PINPD) was evaluated, and the transcutaneous optical coupling and information transmission characteristics were evaluated in in vitro experiments. The wavelength and directional angle of the LD used were 830 nm and 9.5 degrees, respectively. With regard to the directional angle of PINPD, the authors found that a PINPD with a larger directional angle allowed for more deviation between the axes optical axes of the LD and the PINPD. It was also found that the transcutaneous coupler had an optimum distance for the permissible deviation to be maximized. The information signals modulated by the phase shift keying (PSK) were transmitted at a rate of 9,600 bps through goat skin 4 mm thick, and demodulated by the phase locked loop (PLL) on the receiving side. As a result, the information signals were demodulated without any errors in deviation within 10.5 mm at a distance of 11 mm. In conclusion, the transcutaneous optical telemetry system using an infrared LD has sufficient characteristics to monitor and control the operation of an artificial heart totally implanted inside the body.