Biological treatment of ammonia gas at high loading

The exhaust gas from compost processing plants contains a large amount of ammonia. To treat ammonia gas at high loads, bench-scale experiments were carried out. First, nitrifying bacteria were enriched from soil and immobilized on porous ceramics. The ceramics were packed in an acrylic cylinder (diameter, 100 mm; packed height, 190 mm) and ammonia gas was introduced to the top of the cylinder. The concentration and flow rate of ammonia gas were gradually increased and finally 85 ppm was introduced at a space velocity of 800 h(-1) (empty bed residence time (EBRT), 4.5 sec). The ammonia load was 1.0 kg N/m3 day(-1). The exhaust contained 1.5-2 ppm of ammonia. Then the packed ceramics were transferred to another acrylic cylinder (diameter, 50 mm; packed height, 800 mm). A high concentration of ammonia gas (1,000 ppm) was introduced at a space velocity of 96 h(-1) (ammonia loading, 1.44 kg N/m3 day(-1); EBRT, 37.5 sec). The exhaust contained 2 ppm of ammonia (removal rate, 99.8%). The packed bed was washed with water intermittently or continuously, and the wastewater from the cylinder contained a large amount of ammonium and nitrate ions of at a 1:1 ratio. Stoichiometric analysis showed that half of the introduced ammonia was oxidized to nitrate, and the rest was converted to ammonium ion. Thus, ammonia gas was effectively treated at a high load by biofiltration with nitrifying bacteria.

Neuro-Behçet's disease: analysis of apparent diffusion coefficients

Little is known about the diffusion properties of brain lesions in neuro-Behçet's disease (NBD). We looked at 19 NBD lesions (13 active, six chronic) in six patients, using diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI). We calculated the apparent diffusion coefficients (ADC) of the lesions and compared them with normal contralateral brain, expressing this ratio as relative ADC (rADC). The rADC was 1.29+/-0.33 in active and 1.44+/-0.47 in chronic lesions, i.e., significantly higher than in the control regions. Increased diffusivity in both active and chronic phases in NBD is different from the pattern in ischaemic infarcts, so that ADC analysis might be helpful for differentiating between these conditions.

Car seatbelt use during pregnancy in Japan: determinants and policy implications

CONTEXT

Pregnant women are exempted from the current seatbelt legislation in Japan despite the fact that seatbelt use is essential to reduce the risk of fatalities for these women and their fetuses in car crashes.

OBJECTIVE

To examine factors that might influence seatbelt use during pregnancy.

METHODS

A cross sectional study, with data collected via an anonymous, self administered questionnaire at obstetric clinics in suburban areas of Japan. Altogether 880 pregnant women receiving prenatal care in July 2001 were recruited. The relative effects of factors that might influence seatbelt use during pregnancy were estimated using logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Almost 70%-80% of pregnant women were consistent seatbelt wearers before pregnancy but seatbelt compliance was reduced by about half at 20 weeks or more gestation. Only 20% had received information on maternal seatbelt use, with one third reporting that seatbelt use is beneficial during pregnancy. Those who perceived that maternal seatbelt use is beneficial tended to maintain use, but daily car users and those who knew that they were exempted from seatbelt legislation were more likely to reduce use.

CONCLUSIONS

Knowledge of the legislative exemption for pregnant women, misunderstanding of the benefits, and daily car use contributed to the reduction in seatbelt use after pregnancy.

Cell death induced by the phenolic antioxidant tert-butylhydroquinone and its metabolite tert-butylquinone in human monocytic leukemia U937 cells

2-tert-Butyl-4-hydroquinone (TBHQ), a phenolic antioxidant used as a food additive, and its metabolite 2-tert-butyl-1,4-benzoquinone (TBQ) were both cytotoxic in human monocytic leukemia U937 cells, TBQ being the more strongly cytotoxic. Both compounds induced caspase activity towards DEVD-MCA as a substrate and the cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase in cells. Enzyme activities of caspase-3,-7,-6 and -9 seemed to be induced, and procaspases-3 and-7 were processed to active forms in cells treated with TBHQ and TBQ. They induced nuclear condensation and fragmentation in some cells. Electron microscopic examination revealed severe disruption of mitochondrial structure and the formation of intracellular vacuoles. Morphological changes were more marked in the cells treated with TBHQ than TBQ. Mitochondrial transmembrane potential was disrupted. Cytochrome c was released from mitochondria to cytosol and ATP level was moderately decreased by the treatment of cells with these chemicals. Cellular glutathione (GSH) appeared to contribute to defense against cell death induced by TBQ, but its contribution was not marked in the case of TBHQ. TBHQ and TBQ exhibited the apoptotic features in various assays, but the mode of cell death may not be defined as a typical apoptosis or necrosis.

Two-dimensional thick-slice MR digital subtraction angiography in the assessment of small to medium-size intracranial arteriovenous malformations

Assessment of intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) by conventional catheter angiography carries risks; moreover, this invasive procedure is often repeated for follow-up. We investigated the clinical applicability of two-dimensional thick-slice, contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance digital subtraction angiography (2D MRDSA) with high temporal resolution in the assessment of AVMs. We performed 78 2D MRDSA studies of treated or untreated small to medium-size AVMs on a 1.5 tesla imager. Two observers independently evaluated demonstration of nidus flow void on T2-weighted images and each component of the AVM on 2D MRDSA employing a three-point grading scale. In 55 patients with AVMs, the mean ratings of nidus flow voids, feeding vessels, nidi, draining vessels and early venous filling on MRI were 2.8, 2.4, 2.6, 2.8 and 2.8, respectively. sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for an AVM using 2D MRDSA were 87, 100, 100 and 78%, respectively and for nidus flow voids on T2-weighted images 80, 91, 96 and 66%, respectively. 2D MRDSA can thus demonstrate haemodynamic features of AVMs. It can be employed as a less invasive, dynamic angiographic tool for follow-up of AVMs previously delineated by catheter angiography.

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging of dural sinus thrombosis

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful to diagnose dural sinus thrombosis. However, the representative appearance of dural sinus thrombosis on diffusion-weighted MRI has not been established. This study was aimed at determining whether cytotoxic or vasogenic edema is more predominant in the affected cerebral parenchyma and assessing the time courses and prognosis of dural sinus thrombosis lesion. The studies on sixteen patients with dural sinus thrombosis who underwent diffusion-weighted MRI were retrospectively reviewed. The diagnosis was confirmed by digital subtraction angiography in 11 patients and magnetic resonance angiography in five patients. Diffusion-weighted images with echo-planar imaging were obtained using two or three b values, with the highest b value of up to 1,000 s/mm(2). A region of interest was placed on an area of abnormal signal intensity to calculate apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs). Nine of the 16 patients had lesions with an increased ADC, whereas, three of these nine patients also had lesions with a decreased ADC. Among 11 patients who underwent initial MRI within 7 days of their last episode, eight had lesions with an increased ADC, of whom three had lesions mixed with both decreased and increased ADC areas. Follow-up studies of these three patients revealed the development of hemorrhagic infarction in two and subcortical hemorrhage in one. Vasogenic edema develops more predominantly and earlier in dural sinus thrombosis, though cytotoxic edema was also associated with the pathological changes in the early phase. Decrease of ADC value is presumed to reflect severe pathological conditions and indicate possible future development of infarction or hemorrhage.

Association analysis of polymorphisms in the prepronociceptin gene and schizophrenia

The human prepronociceptin (ppNoc) gene is located on chromosome 8p21, and several linkage studies have suggested that the susceptibility locus for schizophrenia is present in this chromosomal region. We investigated genetic variations in the promoter and coding regions of the ppNoc gene to determine if there may be an association between naturally occurring mutations and the manifestation of schizophrenia. Association analyses for the variations found were conducted between 87 unrelated schizophrenic patients and 100 healthy controls. Polymorphisms were found at both the -503 locus (G/A) in the promoter region and the 353 locus (Ala118Gly) in exon 3. Additionally, rare variants were identified at the -261 locus (A/G) in the promoter region, the 515 locus (Gln172Arg) in exon 3, and the 561 locus (G/A) in the untranslated region of exon 3. A significant difference was observed in allele frequency at the 353 locus between controls and patients with continuous-course schizophrenia (P = 0.0237), and between patients with and without prominent negative symptoms (P = 0.0201). However, neither difference was significant after Bonferroni correction. In addition, there were no significant differences in genotype and allele frequencies at either the -503 or 353 locus between the control group and patients with schizophrenia. These results suggest that ppNoc gene polymorphisms have no association with schizophrenia.

Preparation, structure, and amphoteric redox properties of p-phenylenediamine-type dyes fused with a chalcogenadiazole unit

4,7-Bis(dialkylamino)benzo[c][1,2,5]chalcogenadiazoles are a novel class of organic dyes that undergo reversible two-stage one-electron oxidation as well as one-electron reduction. They exhibit absorption maxima in the long-wavelength region, which are assigned as intramolecular charge transfer bands from the phenylenediamine moiety to the electron-accepting heterocycle. Their redox properties as well as molecular and crystal structures are affected by the alkyl substituents on the amino nitrogen and/or by the chalcogen atom (O, S, Se) in the heterocycle.

Intramyocardial delivery of basic fibroblast growth factor-impregnated gelatin hydrogel microspheres enhances collateral circulation to infarcted canine myocardium

The present study examined whether basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)-impregnated acidic gelatin hydrogel microspheres (AGHM) would enhance collateral development to the infarct area in dogs with coronary occlusion. Studies were conducted in 28 dogs with a 2-week occlusion of the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). The dogs were divided into 3 groups according to treatment: Group A treated with bFGF-impregnated AGHM in the infarct area; Group B with free-form bFGF; Group C with AGHM alone. Coronary angiography (n=15; Group A, 7 dogs; Group B, 5 dogs; Group C, 3 dogs) and a regional myocardial blood flow study (n=13; Group A, 6 dogs; Group B, 4 dogs; Group C, 3 dogs) were repeated at a 2-week interval. Coronary angiography revealed that in Group A, antegrade flow in the LAD distal to the occlusion, which was assessed by Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) grade, was significantly increased after treatment. In contrast, in Groups B and C, the treatment did not change the flow grade in the LAD. In Group A, the regional myocardial blood flow in the collateral dependent area was significantly increased after treatment, and the regional myocardial blood flow reserve after adenosine injection was also significantly increased. These measurements remained after treatment in Groups B and C. The immunohistochemical study with factor VIII-related antigen revealed an increase of vascular density in the ischemic region in Group A. Intramyocardial delivery of bFGF-impregnated AGHM, but not free-form bFGF, improves the collateral circulation to the infarct area of a coronary occlusion in dogs.

Modulation of aromatase expression in human breast tissue

Aromatase plays an important role in breast cancer development through its role in the synthesis of estrogen. Aromatase expression in breast tissue can be regulated by several mechanisms. The major promoter usage for aromatase expression in breast tumors (i.e. cAMP-stimulated promoters I.3 and II) is different from that in normal breast tissue (i.e. glucocorticoid-stimulated promoter I.4). Recent characterization of transcription factors that interact with the two important regulatory elements near promoters I.3 and II, i.e. S1 and CREaro, helps us better understand the mechanism of the switch of promoter usage between normal breast tissue and cancer tissue. It is thought that in normal breast tissue, the function of promoters I.3 and II is suppressed through the binding of EAR-2, COUP-TFI, and EARgamma to S1, and through the binding of Snail/Slug proteins to their binding site that quenchs the CREaro activity. In cancer tissue, the expression levels of EAR-2, COUP-TFI, EARgamma, Snail, and Slug decrease, and aromatase expression is then up regulated through the binding of ERRalpha-1 to S1 and the binding of CREB or related factors to CREaro. Results from this and other laboratories reveal that aromatase activity in aromatase expressing cells can also be modified by treatment with aromatase inhibitors and the antiestrogen ICI 182, 780. While aromatase inhibitors are used to treat breast cancer, the treatment has been found to increase the level of aromatase in the breast tissue of some patients. The enhancement of aromatase activity by aromatase inhibitors is thought to be due to a decrease of aromatase protein degradation by enzyme-inhibitor complex formation, up-regulation of the aromatase gene transcription through a cAMP-mediated mechanism, and an induction of aromatase expression by gonadtropins that are released from the pituitary in response to a reduction of estrogen levels in circulation in premenopausal women. Antiestrogen ICI 182, 780 has been found to suppress aromatase expression, but the mechanism has not yet been determined. In addition, aromatase activity and expression can be affected by environmental chemicals. A detailed structure-function study has revealed that flavones, but not isoflavones, are inhibitors of aromatase. It was found that flavones bind to the active site of aromatase in an orientation in which their rings-A and -C mimic rings-D and -C of the androgen substrate. The modulation of aromatase expression by endocrine disrupting chemicals is exemplified by two organochlorine pesticides (i.e. toxaphene and chlordane) that have been found to be antagonists of ERRalpha-1 orphan receptor. These compounds reduce ERRalpha-1 activity, resulting in a suppression of aromatase expression.

ER-dependent estrogenic activity of parabens assessed by proliferation of human breast cancer MCF-7 cells and expression of ERalpha and PR

Estrogenic activities of the phenolic preservatives methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, isopropylparaben and isobutylparaben were examined by assaying estrogen-receptor (ER)-dependent proliferation of MCF-7 cells. All the compounds stimulated the proliferation to about the same level as the maximal cell yield attained with 3x10(-11) M 17beta-estradiol, but at a concentration in the order of 10(5) to 10(7) higher than 17beta-estradiol. The cell-proliferative effects of parabens were completely suppressed by anti-estrogen ICI 182,780. MCF-7 cells treated with butylparaben and isobutylparaben exhibited a decrease in gene expression of ERalpha and an increase in that of progesterone-receptor (PR), but the effects of these parabens were not as prominent as those of 17beta-estradiol. Western blot analysis indicated that these parabens caused a slight decrease in expression of ERalpha protein. Competitive binding to human ERalpha and ERbeta in vitro revealed that the parabens with longer side-chains showed greater affinity for estrogen receptors, and that they had similar relative binding affinity (RBA) values to both ERalpha and ERbeta. RBA values were much smaller than that of diethylstilbestrol. In conclusion, parabens have ER-dependent estrogenic activities, and their effects on the intracellular signaling pathway might be different from that of 17beta-estradiol.

Increase in diameter of ventricular septal defect and membranous septal aneurysm formation during the infantile period

Serial changes in diameters of ventricular septal defect (VSD), and in the formation patterns of membranous septal aneurysm (MSA), were evaluated using two-dimensional (2-D) echocardiography during the infantile period. We studied 65 patients with VSD, who were classified into three groups by clinical feature. The patients with severe respiratory symptoms and significant failure to thrive were classified as group A (n = 15). The patients with no respiratory symptoms and mild or moderate failure to thrive were classified as group B (n = 38). Group C had no or trivial clinical symptoms and no need for surgical repair (n = 12). Group A showed rapid enlargement of VSD during early infancy. In this group, the mean diameter of VSD at age 5 months was 75% larger than the mean diameter at age 1 month (an increase of 5.5 to 9.6 mm; p<0.05). The other two groups (B, C) showed a slower enlargement as compared with group A. The rapid enlargement of VSD in group A seemed to induce the rapid increase in pulmonary blood flow with severe clinical symptoms. We suggest that careful observation of the changes in VSD diameters by periodic echocardiography is important in predicting the clinical course and in deciding the operation indication.

Evidence of 29Si NMR paramagnetic shifts in rare-earth zeolite LSX

Paramagnetic shifts have been observed for the first time in rare-earth zeolites; the 29Si MAS NMR spectra of rare-earth ion-exchanged low silica X show a large range of isotropic chemical shifts that can be attributed to Fermi contact interactions with the lanthanide electronic moments.

Linked polymorphisms (-333G>T and -286A>G) in the promoter region of the CCK-A receptor gene may be associated with schizophrenia

Cholecystokinin A receptors (CCKAR) modulate CCK-stimulated dopamine release, and mutations in the CCKAR gene may predispose affected individuals to schizophrenia. Our previous study suggested that -286A>G polymorphism (previously named 201A>G) in the CCKAR gene promoter is associated with schizophrenia. In the present study, we carried out a further investigation of the promoter and intron 1 of the CCKAR gene. In addition to polymorphisms reported previously (-333G>T, -286A>G, -241G>A, 773A>T, and 779T>C), two novel polymorphisms (-388(GT)(8)>(GT)(9) and -85C>G) were identified. These polymorphisms were in a linkage disequilibrium. Association analyses between schizophrenic patients and controls revealed that the frequencies of the A allele and AA genotype at the -286 loci, as well as the frequency of the GG genotype at the -333 loci, were significantly higher in patients than in controls. Furthermore, patients with paranoid type schizophrenia, auditory hallucinations, or a positive family history had a significantly higher frequency of the -286A allele than the control group. The results supported our previous data, and suggest the possible involvement of the -333G>T and the -286A>G polymorphisms in the promoter region of the CCKAR gene in the predisposition to schizophrenia.

Identification of aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes by susceptibility testing: epidemiology of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Japan

A multiple-primer PCR was used to identify genes encoding aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes in 381 clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The technique used three sets of primers delineating specific DNA fragments of the aph(3')-III, ant(4')-I, and aac(6')-aph(2") genes, which influence the MICs of gentamicin, tobramycin, and lividomycin. Isolates with none of the three genes detected were susceptible to all three agents. Isolates with the aph(3')-III gene showed resistance to lividomycin (MIC > 1,024 microg/ml), and those with the ant(4')-I gene were resistant to tobramycin (MIC > or = 8 microg/ml). Isolates with only the aac(6')-aph(2") gene were resistant to gentamicin (MIC > or = 8 microg/ml) and tobramycin in decreasing order; those with both the ant(4')-I and aac(6')-aph(2") genes also were resistant to gentamicin and tobramycin, but in increasing order. Susceptibility testing, then, could detect specific genes. In 381 Japanese MRSA isolates, the ant(4')-I, aac(6')-aph(2"), and aph(3')-III genes were prevalent in 84.5, 61.7, and 8.9%, respectively. Isolates with only the ant(4')-I gene had coagulase type II or III, but isolates with both the ant(4')-I and aac(6')-aph(2") genes included all coagulase types. Most isolates with coagulase type IV or VII carried the aac(6')-aph(2") gene. Of the MRSA isolates with ant(4')-I and/or aac(6')-aph(2") genes, 97% were resistant to aminoglycosides in clinical use, but a new aminoglycoside, arbekacin, had excellent activity against these isolates.

Cigarette smoking depletes cells spontaneously secreting Th(1) cytokines in the human airway

Cigarette smoking may modify the immune balance in the airway since it alters the course of diseases in which immune system has an important role. This study examined whether cigarette smoking could affect the distribution of cells secreting Th(1) or Th(2) cytokines in the human airway. We utilized cytokine ELISPOT assay to detect and quantitate the frequencies of cells spontaneously secreting cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). BALF was collected from six non-smokers and four heavy cigarette smokers without clinical airway symptoms. Cytokine ELISPOT assay was performed to quantitate cells secreting interleukin (IL-)2, IL-4 and interferon (IFN-)gamma with or without phorbor 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) stimulation. There were no cells spontaneously secreting IL-2 detected in all samples from smokers whereas most of non-smokers had detectable IL-2-secreting cells. The number of IFN-gamma-secreting cells was also extremely decreased in smokers. Mitogen-stimulated Th(1) cytokine-secreting cells were again significantly decreased in smokers' airways. The frequency of IL-2-secreting cells and CD4/CD8 ratio in BALF had a weak positive correlation. IL-4-secreting cells were not detected in any samples from both groups. These results show that cigarette smoking depletes Th(1) cytokine-secreting cells in the human airway. It may explain the susceptibility of smokers to certain airway disease conditions such as viral or mycobacterial infections and allergic diseases.

Polymorphism of the 5'-upstream region of the human SNAP-25 gene: an association analysis with schizophrenia

Recent studies have suggested that synaptic abnormalities may be part of the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. SNAP-25 (synaptosomal-associated protein of 25 kD) is one of the synaptic proteins responsible for presynaptic neurotransmission, axonal elongation and synaptogenesis. Genetic variation in the 5'-upstream region of the SNAP-25 gene was analyzed in 87 unrelated schizophrenic patients and 100 healthy controls. A novel polymorphic (TAAA)(n) tandem repeat was identified in the 5'-upstream region. There were no significant differences between the patient and the control groups in the distribution of repeat numbers of alleles or genotypes. In addition, no associations were found between the polymorphism for subtypes, longitudinal courses or positive family history of the patients. Our results suggest that polymorphisms in the 5'-upstream region of the SNAP-25 gene have no association with schizophrenia.

Polymorphisms in the promoter and coding regions of the synapsin III gene. A lack of association with schizophrenia

The human synapsin III gene, located on chromosome 22q12-13, has previously been reported to indicate a susceptibility for schizophrenia. Noval rare variants (Thr136Thr in exon 3, Pro468Ser, Glu525Gln and Pro534Leu in exon 12, and 1769 G/C in the untranslated region of exon 13) were found in addition to the polymorphic variant (-196 G/A in the promoter region). No significant differences in genotypic or allelic frequencies of the -196 G/A polymorphism were found between 87 unrelated schizophrenic patients and 100 healthy controls, even when the patients were diagnostically subdivided into subtypes and course specifiers. Furthermore, allelic frequencies of the GATG repeat in intron 1 were not significantly different between the patients and the controls. These results suggest that synapsin III gene polymorphisms are not associated with schizophrenia.

Diffusion property in a hamartomatous lesion of neurofibromatosis type 1

Though diffusion-weighted MRI has been applied to various intracranial lesions, few reports had been presented about cerebral hamartomatous lesions in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). In this study, we report the interval changes of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in a presumed hamartomatous lesion. In our case, the ADC increased slightly over a 3 year period. This diffusion property may provide specific insight into the etiology of cerebral hamartomatous lesions observed in NF1.

Polymorphisms of the CCK, CCKAR and CCKBR genes: an association with alcoholism study

OBJECTIVE

Cholecystokinin (CCK) plays an important role in the functioning of the central nervous system via an interaction with dopamine and other neurotransmitters. The dopaminergic system has been implicated in the maladaptive behaviors associated with drugs of abuse (e.g., alcohol and cocaine). We analyzed genetic variations in the promoter and coding regions of the CCK, CCKA-receptor (CCKAR) and CCKB-receptor (CCKBR) genes, and performed association analyses with alcoholism.

METHOD

A total of 214 Japanese male patients with alcoholism (93 with delirium tremens, 49 with hallucinations, 38 with seizures and 83 without any of these symptoms) and 98 age-matched Japanese male controls were examined using PCR-based Single Strand Conformational Polymorphism (SSCP) analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 8 variants in the CCK gene, 11 variants in the CCKAR gene and 9 variants in the CCKBR gene were detected in the present study. Nominally significant differences between alcoholics and controls were found at the -85 locus of the CCKAR gene (p = .035). In addition, patients displaying hallucinations showed a higher frequency of the homozygous genotype of the allele (GT)8 at the -388 locus of the CCKAR gene (p = .042) and homo- and heterozygous genotypes of the T allele at the -333 locus (p = .025), relative to other patients. However, these differences were not significant after Bonferroni correction.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that polymorphisms of the CCK, CCKAR and CCKBR genes do not play a major role in alcohol withdrawal symptoms (even though significant associations were found among polymorphisms at the -388 and -333 loci of the CCKAR gene and hallucinations, the rate was nonsignificant after Bonferroni correction).

Polymorphism of the neuropeptide Y gene: an association study with alcohol withdrawal

BACKGROUND

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) exists in both the central and peripheral nervous system and is thought to modulate many functions such as feeding behavior, anxiety-associated behavior, circadian rhythm, seizure modulation, and hormone secretion. Recent studies have revealed that NPY influences alcohol consumption in mice and that alcohol-preferring rats showed lower concentrations of NPY-like immunoreactivity compared with alcohol-nonpreferring rats in several brain regions.

METHODS

In the present study, we analyzed the whole coding region and 5'-untranslating region of the NPY gene for 163 Japanese male alcoholics with different withdrawal symptoms (93 with delirium tremens, 71 with seizures, 49 with hallucinations) and 98 Japanese male controls. ALDH2 genotypes of all subjects tested were ALDH2*1 homozygote.

RESULTS

Three polymorphic nucleotide substitutions, namely -121C/A (promoter), 1258G/A (exon 2), and 5671C/T (exon 3), were detected in both groups. Substituting C to A in the -121 locus produced a putative binding site of GATA-1 and GATA-2. Also, -90G/A (promoter) as a rare variant and 5642-5651 single nucleotide repeats T10/T11 (intron 2) were found. Polymorphism (C/T) at the 1128 locus has been reported to be associated with a higher serum cholesterol level in obese white subjects, but such a polymorphism was not found in our samples. The genotypical distributions for these polymorphic loci (-121C/A, 1258G/A, 5642-5651 T10/T11, and 5671C/T) were not significantly different between the alcoholics and controls. However, frequency of the T allele and frequency of the genotype that possessed T alleles (CT, TT) at the 5671 locus were significantly higher in patients with seizure than in those without seizure (p < 0.05, p < 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Our data suggested that a C to T substitution at the 5671 locus of the NPY gene may be associated with seizure during alcohol withdrawal.

Synthesis and structure–affinity relationships of 4-(5-Aryl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridino)pyrimidine derivatives as corticotropin-releasing factor1 receptor antagonists

Recently, various non-peptide corticotropin-releasing factor(1) (CRF(1)) receptor antagonists have been reported. Structure-affinity relationships (SARs) of non-peptide CRF(1) antagonists suggest that such antagonists can be constructed of three units: a hydrophobic unit (Up-Area), a proton accepting unit (Central-Area), and an aromatic unit (Down-Area). We previously presented 4-aryl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridinopyrimidine derivatives including potent CRF receptor ligands 1a and 1b and proposed that the 4-aryl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridino moiety might be useful as a substituent in the Up-Area. Our interest shifted to 5-aryl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridinopyrimidine derivatives 2, among which compound 2m (CRA0165) had highest affinity for CRF(1) receptors (IC(50)=11nM). We report here the design, synthesis and SARs of derivatives 2.

Chemical modification of aryl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridinopyrimidine derivative to discover corticotropin-releasing factor1 receptor antagonists Aryl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridino-purine, -3H-1,2,3-triazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidine, -purin-8-one, and -7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives

Structure-affinity relationships (SARs) of non-peptide CRF(1) antagonists suggest that such antagonists can be constructed of three units: a hydrophobic unit (Up-Area), a proton accepting unit (Central-Area), and an aromatic unit (Down-Area). Recently, various non-peptide corticotropin-releasing factor(1) (CRF(1)) receptor antagonists obtained by modification of the Central-Area have been reported. In contrast, we modified the Up-Area and presented 4- or 5-aryl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridinopyrimidine derivatives including potent CRF receptor ligands 1a-c, and proposed that the 4- or 5-aryl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridino moiety might be useful as a substituent in the Up-Area. Our interest shifted to the chemical modification in which the pyrimidine ring of 1a-c was replaced by other heterocycles, purine ring of 2, 3H-1,2,3-triazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidine ring of 3, purin-8-one ring of 4 and 7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine ring of 5. Among them, 5-aryl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridinopurine compound 6j (CRA0186) had the highest affinity for CRF(1) receptors (IC(50)=20nM). We report here the synthesis and SARs of derivatives 6-9.

Stromal cells provide signals different from cytokines for STAT5 activation in hematopoietic cells

After detachment from the stromal cells, hematopoietic stem cells are thought to differentiate to the cytokine-dependent stages where their growth and differentiation are promoted by these cytokines. To examine the stromal regulation of hematopoietic stem cells, we previously established a primitive hematopoietic stem-like cell line, THS119, whose growth was dependent on the bone marrow stromal cell line, TBR59, and from which IL-3- (THS119/IL-3) or IL-7- (THS119/IL-7) dependent cell lines were then generated. Using these cell lines, we examined the difference in signals mediated by the stromal cells and cytokines. The cytokine-dependent cell lines (THS119/IL-3 and THS119/IL-7) showed induction of STAT5 phosphorylation and target genes for STAT5 such as CIS, pim-1, p21 and bcl-xL upon addition of IL-3 or IL-7. IL-3 or IL-7 also induced STAT5 phosphorylation and STAT5 target genes of the stromal cell-dependent cell line, THS119, in the absence of stromal cells at levels similar to the cytokine-dependent cell lines. However, quite interestingly, TBR59 stromal cells could not induce STAT5 phosphorylation of THS119 cells, although they did induce STAT5 target genes in THS119 cells. In addition, the mRNAs for STAT5 target genes in THS119 cells on the stromal cells seemed to be more stable than those in the cytokine-dependent cell lines. Expression of the antiapoptotic genes bcl-2 and bcl-xL was higher in the stromal cell-dependent cell line than in the cytokine-dependent cell lines. These results suggested that stromal cells and cytokines may provide different signals for growth and differentiation of the hematopoietic cells.

Repeated postpericardiotomy syndrome following a temporary transvenous pacemaker insertion, a permanent transvenous pacemaker insertion and surgical pericardiotomy

The postpericardiotomy syndrome is a well-known complication of opening and manipulating the pericardium. The occurrence of this syndrome following transvenous pacemaker insertion is very rare, and only 5 cases have been reported to date. The present patient repeated this syndrome 3 times in a short period following 3 different interventional techniques: a temporary transvenous pacemaker, a permanent transvenous pacemaker and surgical pericardiotomy.

Nitric oxide donor FK409 and 8-bromoguanosine-cyclic monophosphate attenuate cardiac contractility assessed by Emax

FK409 decomposes and releases nitric oxide (NO) spontaneously when it is dissolved in phosphate buffer solution at 37 degrees C. With the use of this NO donor, the effect of exogenous NO on cardiac contractility was examined by assessing Emax. alpha-chloralose-anaesthetized dogs were instrumented for measurements of left ventricular (LV) pressure and volume and coronary blood flow (CBF) in the left anterior descending artery (LAD). FK409, 8-bromoguanosine-cyclic-monophosphate (8-Br-cGMP) and papaverine were infused into the LAD, and Emax was determined by transient inferior vena cava occlusion when CBF was increased and reached its peak. Neither drug affected heart rate nor LV pressure just before the measurement of Emax. FK409 increased CBF and decreased Emax in a dose-dependent manner. 8-Br-cGMP also increased CBF and decreased Emax in a dose-dependent manner. Pretreating with propranolol did not affect the effects of FK4098-Br-cGMP on CBF and Emax. Papaverine increased mean CBF but did not affect Emax. In conclusion NO attenuates cardiac contractility in vivo, while increasing CBF. This effect seems to be mediated by cyclic-guanosine monophosphate, a second messenger of NO.

Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the cranial nerves in patients with acoustic schwannoma: correlation with surgical findings

Eighteen patients with acoustic schwannoma were examined on a 1.5-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) unit with precontrast and postcontrast T1-weighted spin-echo sequences. Each abnormality was assessed in terms of the size, location, extensions and signal intensity of the lesions. If a nerve was enhanced and was involved by the tumor around the fundus of the internal auditory canal (IAC), the nerve was interpreted to be the originating nerve. The postcontrast T1-weighted images revealed enhanced masses of the cerebellopontine angle and/or the IAC in all cases. In 11 of the 19 operated patients with shwannomas, the site of tumor origin (or origin nerve) was confirmed by surgery. In 2 of the 11 cases (18%), surgical findings coincided with the T1-weighted image findings. Facial nerve enhancement on the ipsilateral side of the tumor was noted in 10 cases (53%) and the contralateral facial nerve enhancement was demonstrated in 7 (70%). The enhancement of facial nerve associated with acoustic schwannoma was not correlated to the degree of nerve compression by the tumor. These results demonstrate that it was possible, although infrequent, to predict the site of origin of acoustic schwannoma before surgery in some patients. Improvement of the imaging matrix or multiplanar reconstruction techniques with three-dimensional data acquisition may make it possible to overcome the limitations of MRI.

Down-regulation of promoter 1.3 activity of the human aromatase gene in breast tissue by zinc-finger protein, snail (SnaH)

Aromatase (estrogen synthetase) is expressed in breast cancer tissue, and in situ expression of the enzyme stimulates breast cancer growth. Promoter I.3 is one of the major promoters that control the expression of aromatase in breast cancer tissue. Using the yeast one-hybrid approach to screen a human breast tissue hybrid cDNA expression library, we found that the zinc-finger transcriptional factor Snail (SnaH) interacted with a regulatory region near promoter I.3 of the human aromatase gene. DNA mobility shift assays and mutation analyses using recombinant SnaH protein expressed in Escherichia coli have revealed that this protein interacts with a segment, 5'-CTGATGAAGT-3', which is between 66 and 76 bp upstream from the transcriptional start site of promoter I.3. Using mammalian cell transfection experiments, SnaH was found to act as a repressor of promoter I.3 activity. Site-directed mutagenesis experiments have revealed that the NH2-terminal SNAG domain is important for the repressor activity of SnaH. To demonstrate the inhibitory activity against aromatase expression, a stable SnaH-expressing MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line was generated, and the aromatase RNA messages in the SnaH-transfected cell line were found to be 30% of those in the vector-transfected cell line. Reverse transcription-PCR analysis on RNAs isolated from 12 cell lines has confirmed that SnaH is expressed at a higher level in normal breast epithelial cell and stromal fibroblast cell lines than in breast cancer cell lines. In addition, SnaH mRNA was detected in only 16 of 55 breast cancer specimens. On the other hand, aromatase mRNA was detected in 54 of the 55 specimens. Our results indicate that SnaH acts as a repressor that down-regulates the expression of aromatase in normal breast tissue by suppressing the function of promoter I.3. A reduction of the expression of SnaH in breast cancer tissue further suggests a cancer-protective role for this protein in normal breast tissue.

Aromatase p450 expression in a feminizing adrenal adenoma presenting as isosexual precocious puberty

A 7-yr-old girl presented with isosexual precocious puberty secondary to a feminizing adrenal adenoma. The adrenal tumor was found to express aromatase messenger ribonucleic acid. Enzyme kinetic studies revealed a high level of aromatase activity in the adrenal tumor, with a K(m) of 45 nmol/L and a maximum velocity of 25.6 pmol/mg.h. Aromatase activity was approximately 500-fold higher in the tumor than in adjacent normal adrenal tissue. Although histopathological examination of the tumor was most consistent with a benign adenoma, the aromatase transcripts present in the tumor corresponded to those previously associated with malignant as well as benign tumors. We consider the pattern of aromatase expression sufficient to warrant continued follow-up for tumor recurrence. Our case demonstrates that isosexual precocious puberty secondary to a feminizing adrenal tumor can be due to estrogen synthesis from the tumor itself rather than peripheral aromatization as had been previously theorized.

[Cytomegalovirus antigenemia assay as a useful tool for early diagnosis and therapy for cytomegalovirus infections in three cases with collagen diseases]

We report here three cases of collagen diseases with cytomegalovirus infections. (1) A 21-year-old female, who had been diagnosed as systemic lupus erythematosus, lupus nephritis and lupus peritonitis, had fever. Cytomegalovirus antigenemia (CMV-Ag) assay was 10/8 positive. (2) A 33-year-old female, who had been diagnosed as Wegener glanulomatosis, had fever and liver dysfunction. CMV-Ag assay was 933/896 positive. (3) A 64-year-old female, who had been diagnosed as microscopic polyangitis, had fever, liver dysfunction and pneumonia. CMV-Ag assay was 6/2 positive. They were considered to be complicated with CMV infections. We could make early diagnoses of CMV infection by using CMV-Ag assay and treat them with anti-CMV therapy effectively.

Regulation of aromatase expression in human ovarian surface epithelial cells

Ovarian cancer originates mainly from surface epithelial cells, which are potential targets of estrogen action. Using immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR analysis, aromatase (estrogen synthetase) can be detected in human ovarian surface epithelial tumors. In this study, we functionally characterized the aromatase expressed in a primary cell culture, normal human ovarian surface epithelial (HOSE) 17. The apparent K(m) and V(max) values were determined to be 5.8 +/- 0.5 nM, and 0.3 +/- 0.0 pmol/mg.h, respectively. The aromatase activity in HOSE 17 cells can be induced effectively by phorbol esters and forskolin, suggesting that estrogen biosynthesis in HOSE 17 cells is mainly regulated through protein kinase C- and protein kinase A-mediated mechanisms. Exon I-specific RT-PCR revealed that phorbol esters predominantly up-regulated promoter II. Whereas forskolin treatment increased exon I.3A-containing messenger RNA, the aromatase activity remained low in the cells treated with this agent. In vitro transcription/translation analysis using plasmids containing T7 promoter and the human snail gene (SnaH) as a reporter capped with different untranslated exon Is revealed that exon PII-containing transcripts were translated more effectively than exon I. 3-containing transcripts. These findings explain why aromatase activity is higher in cells with the PII-containing transcripts than is cells with the I.3-containing transcripts. Our results indicate that aromatase is functionally expressed in human ovarian surface epithelial cells and its expression is regulated at both the transcriptional and translational levels.

Surgical treatment of coarctation complex in neonates and infants

BACKGROUND

There remains controversy regarding the appropriate surgical treatment of coarctation of the aorta associated with intracardiac anomalies in neonates and infants. Furthermore, the relative benefits of one versus two-stage repair, and subclavian flap aortoplasty versus end-to-end anastomosis for some of these lesions, remain controversial. The purpose of this paper is to review our experience with two-stage repair using subclavian flap aortoplasty and to seek an appropriate procedure.

METHODS AND RESULT

From June 1996 to November 1999, thirteen patients underwent subclavian flap aortoplasty in our department. The age range was 16 to 101 days (mean 52 days), and the body weight range was 1.9 to 4.5 kg (mean 3.0 kg). Anatomic diagnosis was coarctation with ventricular septal defect (six patients), double outlet right ventricle (two patients), atrioventricular canal defect (one patient), tricuspid atresia (two patients), mitral atresia (one patient), and single atrium and subaortic stenosis (one patient). There was one hospital death in our series due to the progression of pulmonary hypertension 3 months after the operation. The mean follow up for remaining twelve patients was 28 months (range 7 approximately 48 months). There was one reoperation for recurrent coarctation. Three patients underwent pulmonary artery plasty in a second operation because of right pulmonary artery stenosis. We performed the definitive operation for six patients with coarctation with ventricular septal defect and two patients with double outlet right ventricle, and we performed a bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt for four univentricular hearts who are candidates for the Fontan operation. Two patients required Damus-Kaye-Stansel procedure to release restrictive bulboventricular foramen. Three patients underwent a modified Fontan operation after these palliations. In our series, the intraoperative mortality rate for subclavian flap aortoplasty was 0% and the post operative mortality rate was 7.7% (1/13). Ten patients underwent the final operation successfully, and further two patients are considered good candidates for the final operation. The overall mortality was 7.7% (1/13).

CONCLUSION

Two-stage repair appears to offer a good prognosis for neonates and infants with a coarctation complex. Subclavian flap aortoplasty showed the lowest rate of restenosis. However, late mortality may be associated with the progression of pulmonary vascular disease and the presence of associated severe cardiac anomalies. Although Fontan candidates need staged operations, if biventricular repair is feasible, one-stage repair would be a reasonable procedure considering the progression of the pulmonary vascular disease and the distortion of the pulmonary artery due to pulmonary artery banding. It would appear to improve the quality of life of those children if a one-stage operation can be performed with reasonable risk and good midterm outcome.

[Two cases of HIV infection accompanied with borderline personality disorder]

We report here two cases of HIV infection with a borderline personality disorder. Case 1 was a 25-year-old male patient who was diagnosed with HIV infection 4 years ago. Borderline personality disorder was also diagnosed at that time. Although he was referred to our hospital in 1999, we had to refer him to another hospital for his regular outpatient hemodialysis. Case 2 was a 24-year-old male patient who had borderline personality disorder since 1996. He was diagnosed with HIV infection in 1999 and referred to our hospital. He ignored rules in visiting clinics such as prior reservations and frequently called doctors, case-workers and nurses. After several visit he intentionally took excessive sedative medicines and called a case-workers at our hospital. He was admitted to our hospital for three days. After he was discharged, we set limitations for his behavior not to harm himself and to obey the rules in visiting clinics. In other countries investigators report that borderline personality disorder is more common in HIV-infected persons. It may be because persons with borderline personality disorder are more likely to engage in high-risk sexual behavior, which is also applicable to these two cases. As HIV infection is rapidly prevailing in Japan, it is possible that the chance are that this disorder will be seen more frequently in HIV infected cases.

Changes in the apparent diffusion coefficient of water and T2 relaxation time in gerbil hippocampus after mild ischemia

Selective neuronal death of the hippocampal CA1 area after mild ischemia is known as delayed neuronal death (DND). Progression of DND was evaluated using 7T MRI in gerbils. In the CA1, the T2 relaxation time started to increase on day 3 and was significantly higher on day 4 than that of the control gerbils. However, the apparent diffusion coefficient of water (ADC) was significantly lower on day 1 than in the control and continued to decline up to day 4. Changes in T2 coincided with loss of MAP2 immunoreactivity, while the ADC decrease preceded these changes. After 1 month, the ADC had returned to within the normal range, while T2 had decreased to below the control level. These results suggest that MRI is useful for monitoring DND.

Catalytic differences between porcine blastocyst and placental aromatase isozymes

Two isozymes of porcine aromatase, the placental and the blastocyst forms, were expressed in CHO cells using the mammalian cell transfection method. Using an 'in-cell' assay (a 3H-water release method), catalytic parameters of the porcine placental aromatase were found to be very similar to those of the human enzyme; however, the activity of the blastocyst isozyme was found to be one-thirtieth that of the placental isozyme. Product isolation assay (using testosterone as the substrate) revealed that the major steroid products were 17beta-estradiol and 19-nortestosterone. The product ratio of estradiol/19-nortestosterone was found to be 94 : 6 for the porcine placental form, 6 : 94 for the porcine blastocyst form, and 92 : 8 for the human wild-type aromatase. Therefore, the porcine blastocyst aromatase isozyme catalyzes mainly androgen 19-desmethylation rather than aromatization. In addition, inhibition profile analyses on the placental and blastocyst isozymes were performed using three steroidal inhibitors [4-hydroxyandro-stenedione (4-OHA), 7alpha-(4'-amino)phenylthio-1, 4-androstandiene-3,17-dione (7alpha-APTADD), and bridge (2, 19-methyleneoxy) androstene-3,17-dione (MDL 101,003)], and four nonsteroidal inhibitors [aminoglutethimide (AG), CGS 20267, ICI D1033, and vorozole (R83842)]. While the two isozymes of porcine aromatase share 93% amino-acid sequence identity, our results indicate that the two porcine aromatase isozymes have distinct responses to various aromatase inhibitors.

Cardiac metastatic liposarcoma

Metastatic cardiac liposarcoma is extremely rare, with only 2 cases previously reported, to our knowledge; of those, only 5 involved surgical resection of right ventricular liposarcoma. The first such case in Japan involved a 61-year-old woman with metastatic liposarcoma of the right ventricle. Despite emergency resection, the patient died of severe congestive heart failure 6 days after operation. Her history included surgery for liposarcoma in the right knee 11 years previously, although it is very difficult to predict that metastasis would proceed thereafter to the cardiac cavity. This rare case suggests, however, that follow-up including examination for cardiac lesions is necessary long after resection of the primary lesion.

Kinetic Analyses of Colloidal Crystallization in a Wide Range of Sphere Concentrations as Studied by Reflection Spectroscopy

The nucleation and growth rates in the colloidal crystallization of silica spheres (103 nm in diameter) from 0.006 to 0.04 in volume fraction (straight phi) have been measured by reflection spectroscopy. Kinetics of the crystallization has been discussed in a wide sphere concentration range (from straight phi=0.0005 to straight phi=0.04) using the data of this work and the previous work (110 nm in diameter) in exhaustively deionized aqueous suspensions. The induction period for nucleation decreases sharply as the sphere concentration increases. The nucleation rate increases substantially from 1x10(-3) to 1x10(7) mm(-3) s(-1) when straight phi increases from 0.0005 to 0.04. The crystal growth process consists of the fast growing step toward metastable crystals (rate v(1)) and slow growth accompanied with the reorientation toward stable ones (rate v(2)). The v(1) values increase first from 5 to 20 µm/s and then turn back to 5 µm/s after passing a maximum. v(1) above straight phi=0.01 remains at 5 µm/s and is insensitive to sphere concentration. The slow step is observed in the high-sphere concentrations only, and v(2) decreases sharply from 3 µm/s to 0.7 nm/s when sphere concentration increases from 0.004 to 0.04 in volume fraction. Importance of the electrostatic intersphere repulsion by overlapping of the electrical double layers and the cooperative and synchronized fluctuation of colloidal spheres in the crystallization processes are supported strongly. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.

LiV2O4 spinel as a heavy-mass fermi liquid: anomalous transport and role of geometrical frustration

Transport and specific heat measurements on hydrothermally grown single crystals reveal the formation of a heavy-mass Fermi liquid in the LiV2O4 spinel, below a coherence temperature of T* = 20-30 K. A few observations which illustrate the uniqueness of this spinel are discussed in connection with the origin of the heavy mass, such as the anomalous absence of resistivity saturation above T* and the close proximity to a spin glass phase where the influence of the magnetic frustration is evident.

In vivo receptor labeling of peripheral benzodiazepine receptor by ex vivo binding of [3H]PK11195

In vivo receptor labeling of the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor was investigated using ex vivo binding of [3H]-(2-chlorophenyl)-N-methyl-N-(1-methylpropyl)-3-isoquinoline-carb ox-amide ([3H]PK11195). In autoradiographic studies, high level specific binding of [3H]PK11195 was observed in the olfactory bulb. Intravenous administration of PK11195 dose-dependently (0.03-3 mg/kg) inhibited ex vivo binding of [3H]PK11195 in the olfactory bulb. Likewise, N-(2,5-dimethoxybenzyl)-N-(5-fluoro-2-phenoxyphenyl)acetamide (DAA1106), a newly identified peripheral benzodiazepine receptor-specific ligand, dose-dependently (0.1-100 mg/kg) reduced ex vivo binding of [3H]PK11195, when administered intraperitoneally. In contrast, clonazepam, a central benzodiazepine receptor-specific agonist, had negligible effects on ex vivo binding of [3H]PK11195. We propose that the ex vivo receptor binding technique we used will facilitate determination of in vivo receptor occupancy of the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor.