Absolute cooling rates of freely decaying fullerenes

The cooling rates of C60- have been measured in an electrostatic storage ring between several hundred mus and several tens of ms with one-photon laser excitation. The absolute energy scale is established by the photon energy, and the cooling time interval is derived from the nonexponential decay of the ensemble of hot molecules. The energy decreases due to the combined action of depletion and thermal emission of IR photons with a total energy loss rate that varies inversely proportional to time, 0.9 eV/t. The radiative component decreases from a few hundred eV/s at submillisecond time scales to several tens of eV/s at 20 ms and confirms that the crossover from depletion to predominantly radiative cooling occurs around 5 ms. The method is applicable to any large molecule or cluster which decays spontaneously, irrespective of the specific decay channel.

Echinococcus multilocularis: two-dimensional Western blotting method for the identification and expression analysis of immunogenic proteins in infected dogs

Domesticated dogs are an important potential source of Echinococcus multilocularis infection in humans; therefore, new molecular approaches for the prevention of the parasite infection in dogs need to be developed. Here, we identified and characterized an immunogenic protein of the parasite by using a proteome-based approach. The total protein extracted from protoscoleces was subjected to two-dimensional Western blotting with sera from dogs experimentally infected with E. multilocularis. Two protein spots showed major reactivity to the sera from infected dogs. The N-terminal amino acid sequences of these spots were identical to the deduced amino acid sequence of the product of the putative hsp20 gene. RT-PCR and Western blot analyses revealed that the putative hsp20 gene and its products were expressed in almost all stages of the parasite life cycle. Furthermore, recombinant hsp20 showed specific reactivity to the sera from infected dogs, suggesting that this molecule may facilitate the development of a practical vaccine.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania (L.) major infection in Sindh province, Pakistan

Leishmaniasis is endemic in Pakistan and is wide-spread throughout the country. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to identify the Leishmania species present in cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) patients from new endemic areas of the central part of Sindh province, Pakistan. The PCR primers used were designed for the identification and differentiation of Leishmania (Leishmania) major and Leishmania (Leishmania) tropica species, and PCR bands at 620 and 830 bp of the parasite-specific kinetoplast DNA sequences was identified for L. (L.) major and L. (L.) tropica, respectively. Among a total of 144 DNA samples purified from the skin biopsies of clinically suspected CL patients, 108 (75%) were positive for PCR amplification. Out of the 108 cases, 105 (97.2%) were determined to be positive for L. (L.) major infection, and 3 (2.8%) were positive for L. (L.) tropica infection. It was concluded that CL caused by L. (L.) major is the main source of infection in the central part of Sindh province in Pakistan. This rapid screening technique could be used for the diagnosis of a large number of samples from skin lesions, which commonly contain other bacterial and fungal infections.

Molecular cloning and characterization of a T24-like protein in Echinococcus multilocularis

One tetraspanin, designated as E24, was cloned from a full-length enriched vector-capping cDNA library of Echinococcus multilocularis metacestode. The amino acid sequence and phylogenetic analysis suggested that E24 is a T24-like protein. The crucial, functional large extracellular loop (LEL) domain of E24 was expressed and characterized using a polyclonal antiserum by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. The results showed that anti-recombinant-E24 (anti-recE24) antibody can specifically recognize approximately 25 kDa recombinant protein and 25 kDa cyst-extracted antigen; the germinal layer of both the protoscolex-free and protoscolex-formed cysts were intensely labeled by immunofluorescent antibody. This study revealed that E24 is an antigenic, germinal layer-located protein of E. multilocularis metacestode, implying for its potential in diagnostic and vaccine development.

Functional analysis of synaptotagmin gene regulatory regions in two distantly related ascidian species

We have studied the structure and function of a promoter region of the Halocynthia synaptotagmin (Hr-Syt) gene, which is abundantly expressed in neuronal cells. Our previous analysis suggested that the expression of Hr-Syt is regulated by at least one epidermal and two neuronal regulatory regions. In this study, the regulatory regions of Hr-Syt promoter were further characterized by using two species of ascidians, Halocynthia roretzi and Ciona intestinalis embryos. A putative GATA transcription factor binding site in the epidermal regulatory region has ectodermal enhancer activity in the Halocynthia embryo. Neuronal expression of Hr-Syt was regulated by multiple redundant enhancer regions. Among these enhancer regions, a 200-bp (-2900/-2700) region drove the reporter expression in neurons in both species of ascidian. Although the synaptotagmin promoter sequences did not show overall similarity between Hr-Syt and Ciona synaptotagmin (Ci-Syt), 5'-upsteream two short sequences of Ci-Syt have similarity to the -2766/-2732 region of the Hr-Syt promoter. The homeodomain binding sites in this region are required for the neuronal enhancer activity. These results suggest that GATA and homeodomain transcription factors regulate the expression of synaptotagmin.

Particle inflow gun-mediated transformation of multiple-shoot clumps in rhodes grass (Chloris gayana)

Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) is one of the most important warm-season forage grasses. It is cultivated in tropical and subtropical parts of the world and is mostly used for grazing and hay production. We have established a particle-bombardment transformation protocol for rhodes grass using multiple-shoot clumps (MSCs) as the target tissue. A vector pAHC25 containing a herbicide-resistance gene (bar) together with the beta-glucuronidase (GUS) gene was used in transformation experiments. The most efficient recovery of bialaphos-resistant tissue was achieved when the bombarded MSCs were first cultured for 15 d on bialaphos-free medium before being subjected to selection pressure. The resistant tissues regenerated transgenic plants that displayed GUS gene expression. Under optimized conditions, 251 target pieces yielded 46 transgenic plants from 4 independent transgenic lines.

Functional analysis of synaptotagmin gene regulatory regions in two distantly related ascidian species

We have studied the structure and function of a promoter region of the Halocynthia synaptotagmin (Hr-Syt) gene, which is abundantly expressed in neuronal cells. Our previous analysis suggested that the expression of Hr-Syt is regulated by at least one epidermal and two neuronal regulatory regions. In this study, the regulatory regions of Hr-Syt promoter were further characterized by using two species of ascidians, Halocynthia roretzi and Ciona intestinalis embryos. A putative GATA transcription factor binding site in the epidermal regulatory region has ectodermal enhancer activity in the Halocynthia embryo. Neuronal expression of Hr-Syt was regulated by multiple redundant enhancer regions. Among these enhancer regions, a 200-bp (-2900/-2700) region drove the reporter expression in neurons in both species of ascidian. Although the synaptotagmin promoter sequences did not show overall similarity between Hr-Syt and Ciona synaptotagmin (Ci-Syt), 5'-upsteream two short sequences of Ci-Syt have similarity to the -2766/-2732 region of the Hr-Syt promoter. The homeodomain binding sites in this region are required for the neuronal enhancer activity. These results suggest that GATA and homeodomain transcription factors regulate the expression of synaptotagmin.

Improved genome assembly and evidence-based global gene model set for the chordate Ciona intestinalis: new insight into intron and operon populations

An improved assembly of the Ciona intestinalis genome reveals that it contains non-canonical introns and that about 20% of Ciona genes reside in operons.

Background

The draft genome sequence of the ascidian Ciona intestinalis, along with associated gene models, has been a valuable research resource. However, recently accumulated expressed sequence tag (EST)/cDNA data have revealed numerous inconsistencies with the gene models due in part to intrinsic limitations in gene prediction programs and in part to the fragmented nature of the assembly.

Results

We have prepared a less-fragmented assembly on the basis of scaffold-joining guided by paired-end EST and bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) sequences, and BAC chromosomal in situ hybridization data. The new assembly (115.2 Mb) is similar in length to the initial assembly (116.7 Mb) but contains 1,272 (approximately 50%) fewer scaffolds. The largest scaffold in the new assembly incorporates 95 initial-assembly scaffolds. In conjunction with the new assembly, we have prepared a greatly improved global gene model set strictly correlated with the extensive currently available EST data. The total gene number (15,254) is similar to that of the initial set (15,582), but the new set includes 3,330 models at genomic sites where none were present in the initial set, and 1,779 models that represent fusions of multiple previously incomplete models. In approximately half, 5'-ends were precisely mapped using 5'-full-length ESTs, an important refinement even in otherwise unchanged models.

Conclusion

Using these new resources, we identify a population of non-canonical (non-GT-AG) introns and also find that approximately 20% of Ciona genes reside in operons and that operons contain a high proportion of single-exon genes. Thus, the present dataset provides an opportunity to analyze the Ciona genome much more precisely than ever.

Airborne myxomycete spores: detection using molecular techniques

Myxomycetes are organisms characterized by a life cycle that includes a fruiting body stage. Myxomycete fruiting bodies contain spores, and wind dispersal of the spores is considered important for this organism to colonize new areas. In this study, the presence of airborne myxomycetes and the temporal changes in the myxomycete composition of atmospheric particles (aerosols) were investigated with a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based method for Didymiaceae and Physaraceae. Twenty-one aerosol samples were collected on the roof of a three-story building located in Sapporo, Hokkaido Island, northern Japan. PCR analysis of DNA extracts from the aerosol samples indicated the presence of airborne myxomycetes in all the samples, except for the one collected during the snowfall season. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis of the PCR products showed seasonally varying banding patterns. The detected DGGE bands were subjected to sequence analyses, and four out of nine obtained sequences were identical to those of fruiting body samples collected in Hokkaido Island. It appears that the difference in the fruiting period of each species was correlated with the seasonal changes in the myxomycete composition of the aerosols. Molecular evidence shows that newly formed spores are released and dispersed in the air, suggesting that wind-driven dispersal of spores is an important process in the life history of myxomycetes. This study is the first to detect airborne myxomycetes with the use of molecular ecological analyses and to characterize their seasonal distribution.

Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 HBZ protein bypasses the targeting function of ubiquitination

Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) encodes an antisense viral gene product termed HTLV-1 basic leucine-zipper factor (HBZ). HBZ forms heterodimers with c-Jun, a member of the AP-1 family, and promotes its proteasomal degradation. Although most proteasomal substrates are targeted for degradation via conjugation of polyubiquitin chains, we show that ubiquitination is not required for HBZ-mediated proteasomal degradation of c-Jun. We demonstrate that HBZ directly interacts with both the 26 S proteasome and c-Jun and facilitates the delivery of c-Jun to the proteasome without ubiquitination. HBZ acts as a tethering factor between the 26 S proteasome and its substrate, thereby bypassing the targeting function of ubiquitination. These findings disclose a novel viral strategy to utilize the cellular proteolytic system for viral propagation.

[Adult Bochdalek hernia with volvulus of the stomach]

We report a rare case of Bochdalek hernia, congenital posterolateral diaphragmatic hernia with volvulus of the stomach, in an adult A 74-year-old man was admitted to our hospital complaining of sudden abdominal pain and vomiting. Roentgenologic examination of the chest showed air above the left diaphragm, and the mediastinum was displaced to the right. Upper gastrointestinal series revealed volvulus of the stomach in which the pylorus was displaced to the left. The surgical repair was done through left thoracotomy with combining laparoscopy and thoracoscopy without surgical complications, 1 year later the patient is asymptomatic.

Angle-resolving time-of-flight electron spectrometer for near-threshold precision measurements of differential cross sections of electron-impact excitation of atoms and molecules

This article presents a new type of low-energy crossed-beam electron spectrometer for measuring angular differential cross sections of electron-impact excitation of atomic and molecular targets. Designed for investigations at energies close to excitation thresholds, the spectrometer combines a pulsed electron beam with the time-of-flight technique to distinguish between scattering channels. A large-area, position-sensitive detector is used to offset the low average scattering rate resulting from the pulsing duty cycle, without sacrificing angular resolution. A total energy resolution better than 150 meV (full width at half maximum) at scattered energies of 0.5-3 eV is achieved by monochromating the electron beam prior to pulsing it. The results of a precision measurement of the differential cross section for electron-impact excitation of helium, at an energy of 22 eV, are used to assess the sensitivity and resolution of the spectrometer.

The vaccination potential of EMY162 antigen against Echinococcus multilocularis infection

Alveolar echinococcosis is caused by infection with the larval stage of Echinococcus multilocularis. We recently identified a cDNA clone, designated as emy162, that encodes a putative secreted protein. EMY162 shares structural features with the EM95 antigen, which is a host-protective antigen. The amino acid sequence of EMY162 shows 31.4% identity to EM95 whereas these antigens are distinguishable with respect to their predicted secondary structure and antigenicity on Western blot analysis. RT-PCR analysis revealed that the gene expression of emy162 was significantly higher than that of em95 at each life-cycle stage. Recombinant EMY162 antigen induced a significant level of host-protection (74.3%) in experimental infection with E. multilocularis eggs in mice. Notably, recombinant EMY162 antigen showed significant reactivity to the sera from alveolar echinococcosis patients. These results may help in the development of a practical vaccine to reduce the level of alveolar echinococcosis in humans.

Schistosoma mekongi and Schistosoma japonicum: Differences in the distribution of eggs in the viscera of mice

The difference in the distribution of Schistosoma eggs in the viscera has not been clearly elucidated in the two closely related species Schistosoma japonicum and Schistosoma mekongi. In this study, we quantitatively compared the distribution of eggs in mice infected with the two species. In S. mekongi-infected mice, 56.6% to 69.4% of total eggs were found in the distal small intestine 9 to 15 weeks after infection, while in S. japonicum-infected mice, 48.8% to 71.8% of eggs were found in the proximal small intestine during the same period. There were significantly more eggs in the liver in mice infected with S. japonicum than in those infected with S. mekongi. The number of adult worms recovered did not differ between the two species during the study period. The total number of eggs laid in the tissues also did not differ between the two species at 12 to 15 weeks postinfection, but in the earlier period the total number of eggs was significantly fewer in S. mekongi-infected than in S. japonicum-infected mice, suggesting the delayed maturation of the former compared with the latter. These results clearly show that S. japonicum and S. mekongi exhibit different oviposition behavior in their hosts.

[Esophago-bronchial fistula confirmed with bronchoscopy utilized an indocyanine green]

The patient was a 54-year-old female with both headache and vomit presented to the emergency room. Endoscopic examination revealed an advanced esophageal cancer located on the middle thoracic esophagus. Histological analysis revealed squamous cell carcinoma. The clinical stage was diagnosed as T4N2M0 and this case was treated by the chemoradiation. She presented progressive moist cough after chemoradiotherapy. Esophagography demonstrated esophago-bronchial fistula (EBF). EBF was not detected by routine broncoscopy. To confirm fistula, we were performed the bronchoscopy which utilized an indocyanine green. Contrast media colored green were over from the superior segmental bronchus in a bronchoscope. The bronchoscope which utilized an indocyanine green is effective for EBF.

Pulmonary Intimal Sarcoma Treated by a Left Pneumonectomy with Pulmonary Arterioplasty Under Cardiopulmonary Bypass: Report of a Case

Intimal sarcoma of the pulmonary artery is a rare disease. This neoplasm was characterized by an aggressive extension to the lumen of the pulmonary artery, thus mimicking a pulmonary thromboembolism. We herein report a 44-year-old woman who was diagnosed as having primary intimal sarcoma of the left lung preoperatively by transbronchial biopsy. The tumor originated in the pulmonary artery in the left lung, extending to the main pulmonary trunk via the pulmonary arterial lumen, thus resulting in stenosis of the main pulmonary trunk. A complete resection of the tumor with the left pneumonectomy and the pulmonary arterioplasty was successfully performed under cardiopulmonary bypass with vacuum assisted venous drainage.

Diurnal variations in H2O2, O3, PAN, HNO3 and aldehyde concentrations and NO/NO2 ratios at Rishiri Island, Japan: potential influence from iodine chemistry

The presence of iodine chemistry, hypothesized due to the overprediction of HO(2) levels by a photochemical box model at Rishiri Island in June 2000, was quantitatively tested against the observed NO/NO(2) ratios and the net production rates of ozone. The observed NO/NO(2) ratios were reproduced reasonably well by considering the conversion of NO to NO(2) by IO, whose amount was calculated so as to reproduce the observed HO(2) levels. However, the net production rates of ozone were calculated to be negative when such high mixing ratios of IO were considered, which was inconsistent with the observed buildup of ozone during daytime. These results suggest that iodine chemistry may not be the sole mechanism for the reduced mixing ratios of HO(2), or that "hot spots" for iodine chemistry were present. Diurnal variations in the mixing ratios of HCHO, CH(3)CHO, peroxy acetyl nitrate (PAN) and HNO(3) observed during the study are presented along with the simulated ones. The box model simulations suggest that the effect of iodine chemistry on these concentrations is small and that important sources of CH(3)CHO and sinks of PAN are probably missing from our current understanding of the tropospheric chemistry mechanism.

Direct activation by Ets and Zic is required for initial expression of the Brachyury gene in the ascidian notochord

Extrinsic fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signal and intrinsic factors that determine the response of the signal-receiving blastomeres to FGF regulate mesoderm patterning in embryos of the ascidian Halocynthia roretzi. To investigate how cells integrate information from extrinsic and intrinsic inputs, we examined Brachyury (Hr-Bra) promoter activity in the early embryo. Hr-Bra, which encodes a key transcription factor for notochord development, is expressed exclusively in notochord precursors in a manner dependent on the FGF-MEK-MAPK-Ets signaling pathway and on the intrinsic factors Zic and FoxA. Reporter gene expression driven by the 900-bp upstream region of the Hr-Bra promoter was detected as early as the 110-cell stage in notochord precursors by in situ hybridization with a LacZ probe. Deletion analysis combined with MEK inhibitor treatment demonstrated that the -598/-499 region carries FGF-responsiveness. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay identified three Ets-binding sites in this region that were required for promoter activity. Further deletion analysis conducted by injecting eggs with reporter constructs at higher concentration suggested that the -398/-289 region also has enhancer activity, although ectopic reporter expression was detected in nerve cord and endoderm precursors. The -398/-289 region has a Zic-binding site that was also essential for the enhancer activity. These results indicate that Ets- and Zic-binding sites are critical for the initiation of Hr-Bra expression. In conclusion, information from both extrinsic and intrinsic factors is integrated at the level of enhancer of the target gene by direct binding of the transcription factors to the enhancer region.

99mTc-DTPA-galactosyl-human-serum-albumin liver scintigraphy for evaluating hepatic functional reserve before hepatectomy in a patient with indocyanine green excretory defect: report of a case

A 78-year-old woman with indocyanine green (ICG) excretory defect underwent left hepatectomy for cystadenocarcinoma. The retention rate of ICG at 15 min (ICGR(15)) was high, at 79.3%, despite all other liver function tests showing normal values. Conversely, 99mTc-DTPA-galactosyl-human-serum-albumin (GSA) liver scintigraphy showed a reduced accumulation of GSA in the left lateral lobe, the hepatic uptake ratio of the GSA scintigraphy was 0.96, and the arterial ketone body ratio was 1.67. Based on these results, we judged that the hepatic functional reserve of this patient was adequate for left hepatectomy, which was subsequently performed uneventfully. Histopathological examination of the resected liver showed neither fibrosis nor inflammatory cell infiltration. Thus, we consider that GSA liver scintigraphy is the best diagnostic modality for evaluating hepatic functional reserve in a patient with ICG excretory defect.

Real-Time Analysis of Secondary Organic Aerosol Particles Formed from Cyclohexene Ozonolysis Using a Laser-Ionization Single-Particle Aerosol Mass Spectrometer

A real-time analysis of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) particles formed from cyclohexene ozonolysis in a smog chamber was performed using a laser-ionization single-particle aerosol mass spectrometer (LISPA-MS). The instrument obtains both size and chemical compositions of individual aerosol particles with a high time-resolution (approximately 2 s at the maximum). Both positive and negative-ion mass spectra are obtained. Standard particles generated from dicarboxylic acid solutions using an atomizer were also analyzed. For both standard and SOA particles, the negative-ion mass spectra provided information about the molecular weights of the organic compounds in the particles, since the intense ions in the negative-ion mass spectra are mainly attributable to the molecular-related ions [M-H]-. It was demonstrated that the real-time single-particle analysis of SOA particles by the LISPA-MS technique can reveal the formation and transformation processes of SOA particle in smog chambers.

Expression and diversity of Echinococcus multilocularis AgB genes in secondarily infected mice: evaluating the influence of T-cell immune selection on antigenic variation

The T-cell-mediated immune response exhibits a crucial function in the control of the intrahepatic proliferation of Echinococcus multilocularis larvae in mice and humans, both being natural intermediate hosts of the parasite. Antigen B (AgB), a metabolized Echinococcus spp. lipoprotein, contributes to the modulation of the T-cell immune response, and distinct sites of the corresponding AgB1, AgB3 and AgB4 genes were shown to be under positive selection pressure. Since several AgB gene variants are present in a single Echinococcus metacestode, we used secondary E. multilocularis infections in BALB/c and in athymic nude mice (devoid of T-cell responses) to analyze the effect of the cellular immune response on the expression and diversity of EmAgB1-EmAgB4 genes. We demonstrated hereby that EmAgB transcripts were less abundant in nude mice during the early phase of infection (at one month post-infection), and that EmAgB2 is simultaneously down-regulated when compared to the other three genes. A negative relationship exists between the level of transcription and diversity of EmAgB genes. Moreover, no excess of non-synonymous substitutions was found among the distinct EmAgB alleles from a single host. Together, these results pointed to the effect of purifying selection, which seemed to eliminate the detrimental AgB variants generated during the development of the metacestode within the peritoneal cavity of its intermediate host.

Hyperphosphorylation at serine 199/202 of tau factor in the gerbil hippocampus after transient forebrain ischemia

We examined the phosphorylation state of tau factor in hippocampal delayed neuronal death (DND) after transient forebrain ischemia. A transient phosphorylation increase at serine 199/202 but not serine 396 of tau factor after transient ischemia was clearly observed. Intraventricular injections of olomoucine and U-0126 (CDK5 and MAP kinase inhibitors, respectively) inhibited hyperphosphorylation. In contrast, wortmannin (PI3 kinase inhibitor) increased phosphorylation at serine 199/202 and corresponded with an increase in GSK3 phosphorylation. Our findings suggest that CDK5, MAP kinase, and GSK3 phosphorylate these sites after ischemia. We prepared recombinant normal human tau (N-Tau40) with TAT-HA protein and dephosphorylated-form human Tau-40 (D-tau40) in which 199/202 serines were changed to alanine by site-directed mutagenesis. Intraventricularly injected D-tau40 protected somewhat against DND while N-Tau40 did not. These data suggest that hyperphosphorylation at serine 199/202 of tau factor is induced by MAP kinase, CDK5, and GSK3, and contributes to ischemic neuronal injury.

Sodium orthovanadate enhances proliferation of progenitor cells in the adult rat subventricular zone after focal cerebral ischemia

Neuronal progenitor cells able to produce new neuron and glia persist in the adult central nervous system (CNS). Their proliferation is up-regulated by growth factors or cytokines under some pathological conditions, including ischemia. Because sodium orthovanadate (SOV), a protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor, can up-regulate tyrosine kinase-linked growth factor receptor signaling via the inhibition of tyrosine residue dephosphorylation, it may be capable of enhancing progenitor cells. To investigate the effect of SOV on progenitor cells in the subventricular zone (SVZ), we injected rats intraperitoneally with 50 mg/kg bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) and 12.5 or 25 mM SOV or BrdU and saline (control) on days 1 to 7 after middle cerebral artery occlusion. The density of BrdU-positive cells in the ipsilateral SVZ showed a significant SOV dose-dependent increase. This effect was found only in the ipsilateral and not contralateral SVZ, and it was not found in nonischemic rats. Double immunolabeling with BrdU and double cortin, a marker of migrating neuroblast, revealed that the density of double-positive cells increased significantly in an SOV dose-dependent manner. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling staining suggested that the SOV-induced increase was not due to antiapoptotic effects. Treatment with SOV also significantly increased the density of cells positive for BrdU and phosphorylated Akt and BrdU and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). We postulate that ischemia triggers off the proliferation of SVZ cells by bioactive factors such as growth factors and that SOV enhances the proliferation of only triggered-off SVZ cells with Akt and ERK activation. Our findings suggest that SOV may aid in the self-repair of the postischemic CNS.

14-3-3- and II/3-10-gene expression as molecular markers to address viability and growth activity of Echinococcus multilocularis metacestodes

The present study aimed to search for and characterize parasite molecules, whose expression levels correlate with the viability and growth activity of Echinococcus multilocularis metacestodes. We focused on the expression profiles of 2 parasite-derived genes, 14-3-3 and II/3-10, as putative molecular markers for viability and growth activity of the larval parasite. In experiments in vivo, gene expression levels of 14-3-3 and II/3-10 were relatively quantified by real-time reverse transcription-PCR using a housekeeping gene, beta-actin, as a reference reaction. All three reactions were compared with growth activity of the parasite developing in permissive nu/nu and in non-permissive wild type BALB/c mice. At 2 months p.i., the transcription level of 14-3-3 was significantly higher in parasites actively proliferating in nu/nu mice compared to parasites moderately growing in wild type mice. Immunoblotting experiments confirmed at the protein level that 14-3-3 was over-expressed in parasites derived from nu/nu mice at 2 months p.i. In vitro treatment of E. multilocularis with an anti-echinococcal drug nitazoxanide resulted in a significant decrease of both 14-3-3 and II/3-10 transcription levels found after 8 days of treatment, which correlated with the kinetics of a housekeeping gene, beta-actin. The conclusion is that 14-3-3, combined with II/3-10, exhibits good potential as a molecular marker to assess viability and growth activity of the parasite.

Enhancement of splenic glucose metabolism during acute malarial infection: correlation of findings of FDG-PET imaging with pathological changes in a primate model of severe human malaria

In the current study, to elucidate the clinical features of severe malaria, we performed whole-body positron emission tomography (PET) with (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) of Plasmodium coatneyi-infected acute-phase Japanese macaques. The infected monkeys clearly exhibited increase in splenic FDG uptake indicating marked enhancement of glucose metabolism. The standardized uptake values (SUVs) of the spleen in the infected monkeys were significantly higher than those in the uninfected monkey. At autopsy, splenomegaly was clearly present in all infected monkeys, and histopathologic findings included hyperplasia of lymphoid follicles in white pulp, a large number of activated macrophage, and congestion of parasitized red blood cells (PRBCs) and malaria pigments in red pulp. We suggest that increase in splenic glucose uptake may thus be closely related to activation of splenic clearance system against blood-stage malarial parasites.

Therapeutic Time Window and Dose Dependence of Neuroprotective Effects of Sodium Orthovanadate following Transient Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion in Rats

Vanadium is widely distributed in the environment and exhibits various biological and physiological effects in the human body. We previously documented the neuroprotective effect of sodium orthovanadate (SOV) against in rodents i.v. injected with 2 ml/kg 50 mM SOV just after the induction of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO; 0 min post-MCAO). To evaluate its potential clinical use, we determined here therapeutic time window (0, 45, and 90 min post-MCAO) and the neuroprotective dose (2 ml/kg, 12.5, 25, 37.5, and 50 mM) of SOV in rats. A single injection of 50 mM SOV at 0 or 45 min post-MCAO produced similar neuroprotective effects, and even 50 mM delivered 90 min post-MCAO exerted significant neuroprotection. Although the maximal neuroprotective effect was obtained at 50 mM SOV, 25 mM injected once and 12.5 mM delivered at 0 and 45 min post-MCAO significantly reduced the infarct volume. We also documented that SOV treatment ameliorates ischemic neuronal cell injury via the activation of both protein kinase B (Akt) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), inhibits serum glucose, and elicits the gradual recovery of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) after transient MCAO in rats. To elucidate the important factor(s) involved in the neuronal protection afforded by SOV, we measured Akt and ERK activity, physiological parameters, blood glucose levels, and rCBF following various SOV treatments. In conclusion, Akt activation was the most important factor in SOV-induced neuroprotection; ERK activation, the gradual recovery of rCBF, and decreased blood glucose were weak contributors.

A long-term ventricular drainage for patients with germ cell tumors or medulloblastoma

BACKGROUND

Hydrocephalus associated with intracranial germ cell tumors or disseminated medulloblastoma has been treated with ventriculoperitoneal shunt. However, this procedure has a potential risk of intraperitoneal metastasis of these brain tumors. To prevent this potential risk and to minimize the risk of infection, we developed a percutaneous long-tunneled ventricular drainage (PLTVD). To confirm the effectiveness, we retrospectively analyzed the results of this procedure.

METHODS

From 1979 to 2003, we have treated 96 patients with germ cell tumors and medulloblastoma in our hospital. Of 96 patients, 59 (germ cell tumor, 31; medulloblastoma, 28) had hydrocephalus and 13 needed long-term cerebrospinal fluid drainage to manage the obstructive hydrocephalus due to persistent tumor or communicating hydrocephalus due to dissemination. We performed PLTVD for these cases using a flow-controlled shunt device and percutaneous long-tunneled shunt tube (peritoneal catheter) exiting at the upper abdomen and connecting to a closed drainage system. The occurrence of extraneural metastasis and the incidence of infection were evaluated.

RESULTS

The average duration of drainage was 74 days (range, 34-115 days). All 13 cases received full-dose chemotherapy and radiotherapy without infectious complications or extraneural metastasis.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous long-tunneled ventricular drainage was an effective method to manage long-lasting obstructive or communicating hydrocephalus with germ cell tumors and medulloblastoma.

Molecular survival strategies of Echinococcus multilocularis in the murine host

Larval infection with Echinococcus multilocularis starts with the intrahepatic postoncospheral development of a metacestode that-at its mature stage-consists of an inner germinal and an outer laminated layer (GL & LL). In certain cases, an appropriate host immune response may inhibit parasite proliferation. Several lines of evidence obtained in vivo and in vitro indicate the important bio-protective role of the LL. For instance, the LL has been proposed to protect the GL from nitric oxide produced by periparasitic macrophages and dendritic cells, and also to prevent immune recognition by surrounding T cells. On the other hand, the high periparasitic NO production by peritoneal exsudate cells contributes to periparasitic immunosuppression, explaining why iNOS deficienct mice exhibit a significantly lower susceptibility towards experimental infection. The intense periparasitic granulomatous infiltration indicates a strong host-parasite interaction, and the involvement of cellular immunity in control of the metacestode growth kinetics is strongly suggested by experiments carried out in T cell deficient mouse strains. Carbohydrate components of the LL, such as Em2(G11) and Em492, as well as other parasite metabolites yield immunomodulatory effects that allow the parasite to survive in the host. I.e., the IgG response to the Em2(G11)-antigen takes place independently of alpha-beta+CD4+T cells, and in the absence of interactions between CD40 and CD40 ligand. Such parasite molecules also interfere with antigen presentation and cell activation, leading to a mixed Th1/Th2-type response at the later stage of infection. Furthermore, Em492 and other (not yet published) purified parasite metabolites suppress ConA and antigen-stimulated splenocyte proliferation. Infected mouse macrophages (AE-MØ) as antigen presenting cells (APC) exhibited a reduced ability to present a conventional antigen (chicken ovalbumin, C-Ova) to specific responder lymph node T cells when compared to normal MØ. As AE-MØ fully maintain their capacity to appropriately process antigens, a failure in T cell receptor occupancy by antigen-Ia complex or/and altered co-stimulatory signals can be excluded. Studying the status of accessory molecules implicated in T cell stimulation by MØ, it could be shown that B7-1 (CD80) and B7-2 (CD86) remained unchanged, whereas CD40 was down-regulated and CD54 (=ICAM-1) slightly up-regulated. FACS analysis of peritoneal cells revealed a decrease in the percentage of CD4+ and CD8+T cells in AE-infected mice. Taken together the obstructed presenting-activity of AE-MØ appeared to trigger an unresponsiveness of T cells leading to the suppression of their clonal expansion during the chronic phase of AE infection. Interesting information on the parasite survival strategy and potential can be obtained upon in vitro and in vivo treatment. Hence, we provided very innovative results by showing that nitazoxanide, and now also, respectively, new modified compounds may represent a useful alternative to albendazole. In the context of chemotherapeutical repression of parasite growth, we searched also for parasite molecules, whose expression levels correlate with the viability and growth activity of E. multilocularis metacestode. Expression levels of 14-3-3 and II/3-10, relatively quantified by realtime reverse transcription-PCR using a housekeeping gene beta-actin, were studied in permissive nu/nu and in low-permissive wild type BALB/c mice. At 2 months p.i., the transcription level of 14-3-3 was significantly higher in parasites actively proliferating in nu/nu mice compared to parasites moderately growing in wild type mice. Immunoblotting experiments confirmed at the protein level that 14-3-3 was over-expressed in parasites derived from nu/nu mice at 2 months p.i. In vitro-treatment of E. multilocularis with an anti-echinococcal drug nitazoxanide for a period of 8 days resulted in a significant decrease of both 14-3-3 and II/3-10 transcription levels, which correlated with the kinetics of a housekeeping gene, beta-actin. This indicates that 14-3-3-exhibits a good potential as a molecular marker to assess viability and growth activity of the parasite.

Appraisal of surgical treatment for pulmonary metastasis from hepatocellular carcinoma

The outcome of pulmonary metastasectomy of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was appraised in this study. Twenty patients with pulmonary metastasis from HCCs undergoing pulmonary resection between 1990 and 2003 were included in this study. They had undergone curative treatment for the primary lesion and were candidates for a pulmonary metastasectomy for complete resection. Among the 20 patients, 13 died: 5 from hepatic failure, 5 from respiratory failure, and 2 from brain metastasis due to recurrence of the HCC. One patient died from cardiac failure without HCC recurrence. At the latest observation, three of the seven survivors were doing well without HCC recurrence, and others survived with recurrence. The overall survival rates after the initial lung surgery were 45.3% at 1 year and 23.8% at 3 years, respectively. The survival rates without recurrence were 32.4% at 1 year and 21.6% at 3 years, respectively. A Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that multiple lung surgeries and a negative histologic finding of the liver cut surface were favorable characteristics for survival without recurrence. In conclusion, the selected patients were Candidates for pulmonary metastasectomy after a curative hepatectomy for HCC and could benefit from the complete resection. Also, repeated pulmonary resections through thoracoscopy could result in the long-term survival of patients with pulmonary recurrence of HCC.

Multiseptate gallbladder with anomalous pancreaticobiliary ductal union: A case report

Multiseptate gallbladder, characterized by the presence of multiple septa dividing the gallbladder lumen, is a very extremely rare congenital anomaly of the gallbladder. On the other hand, anomalous pancreaticobiliary ductal union is also one of the congenital anomalous biliary diseases and thought to be related with choledochal cyst or biliary tract malignancies. In this paper, we describe a unique and first patient of multiseptate gallbladder with anomalous pancreaticobiliary ductal union and a review of the literature. To clarify more characters of the multiseptate gallbladder, examination of a larger patient population will be needed and further studies will be required.

Schistosoma mekongi: a prominent neutrophil chemotactic activity of egg antigen with reference to that of Schistosoma japonicum

Schistosoma mekongi causes granulomatous lesions around eggs deposited in the liver with neutrophil-rich inflammatory reactions in the early stage of the egg laying. To define the aspects of the typical pathogenesis of S. mekongi infection, we determined the difference between soluble egg antigen (SEA) from S. mekongi and S. japonicum with a focus on chemotactic factors for neutrophils or eosinophils. Mean volume and protein amount of S. mekongi eggs was 71 and 58% of those of Schistosoma japonicum eggs, respectively. Neutrophil chemotactic activity of S. mekongi SEA was about two times higher than that of S. japonicum. In contrast, eosinophil chemotactic activity of S. mekongi SEA was about half of that of S. japonicum SEA. Molecular analysis revealed that S. mekongi SEA contains higher molecular-weight components with a lower level of glycosylation, and this is likely to be related to the intense neutrophil chemotactic activity in comparison with S. japonicum SEA. The prominent chemotactic reactivity for neutrophils is likely to be involved in the typical pathogenesis of mekongi schistosomiasis.

Rearrangement of T-cell receptor beta and gamma genes in thymoma

To investigate the differentiation stage of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in thymoma tissue, we performed Southern blot analysis of T-cell receptor beta and gamma genes in thymomas resected from 19 patients. At the same time, we conducted flow cytometric analysis of T-cell surface markers and examined the clinicopathological features of the thymomas. We found that the incidence of T-cell receptor gamma gene rearrangement was significantly higher in Masaoka stage I thymomas (11 of 12 cases) than in stage II or III invasive thymomas (3 of 7 cases). Moreover, gamma gene rearrangement was observed in all 10 type AB and B1 thymoma specimens and in 4 of 6 type B2 thymoma specimens. The 2 specimens of type B3 thymomas, which were classified as stage III, showed neither gamma nor beta gene arrangement and were single-positive for CD4 or CD8. Six thymoma specimens that showed beta gene rearrangement expressed both CD4 and CD8. In conclusion, thymomas have the capability of T-lineage cell differentiation, except for a subset of invasive thymomas with malignant characteristics.

Early specification of ascidian larval motor neurons

In the tadpole larvae of the ascidian Halocynthia roretzi, six motor neurons, Moto-A, -B, and -C (a pair of each), are localized proximal to the caudal neural tube and show distinct morphology and innervation patterns. To gain insights into early mechanisms underlying differentiation of individual motor neurons, we have isolated an ascidian homologue of Islet, a LIM type homeobox gene. Earliest expression of Islet was detected in a pair of bilateral blastomeres on the dorsal edge of the late gastrula. At the neurula stage, this expression began to disappear and more posterior cells started to express Islet. Compared to expression of a series of motor neuron genes, it was confirmed that early Islet-positive blastomeres are the common precursors of Moto-A and -B, and late Islet-positive cells in the posterior neural tube are the precursors of Moto-C. Overexpression of Islet induced ectopic expression of motor neuron markers, suggesting that Islet is capable of regulating motor neuron differentiation. Since early expression of Islet colocalizes with that of HrBMPb, the ascidian homologue of BMP2/4, we tested a role of BMP in specification of the motor neuron fate. Overexpression of HrBMPb led to expansion of Lim and Islet expression toward the central area of the neural plate, and microinjection of mRNA coding for a dominant-negative BMP receptor weakened the expression of these genes. Our results suggest that determination of the ascidian motor neuron fate takes place at late gastrula stage and local BMP signaling may play a role in this step.