Characterization of compounds that induce symbiosis between sea anemone and anemone fish

The species-specific partnership between the sea anemone and anemone fish in many parts of the Indo-Pacific region is a well-known phenomenon. Chemicals secreted by the sea anemone to elicit symbiotic behavior of the fish have been studied for two host-guest pairs, Radianthus kuekenthali (sea anemone)-Amphiprion perideraion (anemone fish) and Stoichactis kenti-A. ocellaris. A new pyridinium compound, amphikuemin, which induces characteristic attracted swimming (toward the chemical stimulus) in A. perideraion, has been isolated from R. kuekenthali and characterized. Several other chemicals that elicit characteristic symbiotic movements have also been identified.

Chemical characterization of a hormone that promotes cell arrest in g2 in complex tissues

A G(2|)factor in the cotyledons of Pisum sativum, which arrests the growth of cells in both roots and shoots in the G(2) stage of the cell cycle, has been isolated and identified as trigonelline (N-methylnicotinic acid). To our knowledge, trigonelline is the first hormone that effects cell arrest in complex tissues of plants and animals to be chemically identified.

What is molt-inhibiting hormone? The role of an ecdysteroidogenesis inhibitor in the crustacean molting cycle

The in vivo molt-inhibitory effects of the ecdysone biosynthesis inhibitors 3-hydroxy-L-kynurenine and xanthurenic acid were investigated. These ecdysone biosynthesis inhibitors, isolated from the eyestalks of blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus), were injected into eyestalk-ablated crayfish (Procambarus clarkii). The active factor was found to be species-nonspecific within crabs and crayfish. The seasonal profiles of the xanthurenic acid and ecdysone titers exhibited a staggered relationship. Moreover, the activity of a 3-hydroxy-L-kynurenine aminotransferase varied during the molting cycle. The data suggested that 3-hydroxy-L-kynurenine, which is secreted from the X-organ-sinus gland complex of crustaceans, is released into the hemolymph, and after accumulating at the surface of the Y-organ, is converted into the active form, xanthurenic acid. Xanthurenic acid was found to profoundly repress ecdysteroidogenesis in vitro.

Vascular supply with angio-CT for superselective intra-arterial chemotherapy in advanced maxillary sinus cancer

Recently popularised, the combined angiography and CT (angio-CT) system is useful for correctly identifying the feeding arteries and their perfusion in various organs. We applied this system for advanced maxillary cancer to expose its feeding arteries and their supplying territories. In addition to the maxillary artery, extramaxillary feeding arteries were usually observed, including the ophthalmic, accessory meningeal, facial, transverse facial and ascending palatine arteries. These extramaxillary feeding arteries exhibited uniform tendencies, depending on the site of extramaxillary tumour extension.

Protein kinase C mRNA and protein expressions in hypobaric hypoxia-induced cardiac hypertrophy in rats

AIM

Protein kinase C (PKC), cloned as a serine/threonine kinase, plays key roles in diverse intracellular signalling processes and in cardiovascular remodelling during pressure overload or volume overload. We looked for correlations between changes in PKC isoforms (levels and/or subcellular distributions) and cardiac remodelling during experimental hypobaric hypoxic environment (HHE)-induced pulmonary hypertension.

METHODS

To study the PKC system in the heart during HHE, 148 male Wistar rats were housed for up to 21 days in a chamber at the equivalent of 5500 m altitude level (10% O(2)).

RESULTS

At 14 or more days of exposure to HHE, pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) was significantly increased. In the right ventricle (RV): (1) the expression of PKC-alpha protein in the cytosolic and membrane fractions was increased at 3-14 days and at 5-7 days of exposure respectively; (ii) the cytosolic expression of PKC-delta protein was increased at 1-5, 14 and 21 days of exposure; (3) the membrane expressions of the proteins were decreased at 14-21 (PKC-betaII), 14-21 (PKC-gamma), and 0.5-5 and 21 (PKC-epsilon) days of exposure; (4) the expression of the active form of PKC-alpha protein on the plasma membrane was increased at 3 days of exposure (based on semiquantitative analysis of the immunohistochemistry). In the left ventricle, the expressions of the PKC mRNAs, and of their cytosolic and membrane proteins, were almost unchanged. The above changes in PKC-alpha, which were strongly evident in the RV, occurred alongside the increase in PAP.

CONCLUSION

PKC-alpha may help to modulate the right ventricular hypertrophy caused by pulmonary hypertension in HHE.

SPIO Enhanced MR Imaging for the Detection of Metastases in Sentinel Nodes Localized by CT Lymphography in Patients with Breast Cancer

Background: Ultrasonography, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and computed tomography (CT) may detect nodal metastases in patients with breast cancer, but there is not sufficient accuracy with the conventional methods. Recently, superparamagnetic nanoparticles-enhanced MR imaging has been reported to be a promising improvement for diagnostic imaging of lymph node metastases from various tumors. Moreover, sentinel nodes have been reported to be well-identified using CT lymphography in patients with breast cancer. This study evaluated MR imaging with superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) enhancement for the detection of metastases in sentinel nodes localized by CT lymphography in patients with breast cancer, with histopathologic findings as the reference standard.Methods: This study included 102 patients with breast cancer with clinically negative nodes. Each contrast agent was injected intradermally into the skin overlying the breast tumor and in the subareolar region. Sentinel nodes were identified by CT lymphography, and SPIO-enhanced MR imaging of the axilla was performed to detect metastases in the sentinel nodes. A node was considered non-metastatic if it showed a homogenous low signal intensity and metastatic if the entire node or a focal area did not show a low signal intensity on MR imaging. Sentinel node biopsy was performed using a combination of dye and radiocolloid. Imaging results were correlated with histopathologic findings.Results: The mean number of sentinel nodes identified by CT lymphography was 1.1 (range 1–3). Twenty-one of 25 patients with positive sentinel nodes definitively diagnosed by pathology demonstrated metastases on SPIO-enhanced MR imaging. Seventy of 77 patients with negative sentinel nodes definitively diagnosed by pathology were non-metastatic on imaging studies. The sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy of MR imaging for the diagnosis of sentinel node metastases were 84%, 91%, and 89%, respectively. In four of 10 patients with micrometastases, the metastases were not detected, but all 15 patients with macrometastases were successfully demonstrated. There were no adverse events associated with either CT or MR imaging.Conclusions: SPIO-enhanced MR imaging is a useful method of detecting metastases in sentinel nodes localized by CT lymphography in patients with breast cancer. Patients with clinically negative nodes may be spared sentinel node biopsy when the sentinel node is diagnosed as disease-free using SPIO-enhanced MR imaging.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 1010.

Salivary duct carcinoma of the parotid gland: clinical and MR features in six patients

This study reports the clinical and MR features of salivary duct carcinoma (SDC) of the parotid gland, which is a rare and highly malignant tumour. We assessed retrospectively the clinical and MR features of six patients with histologically proven SDC of the parotid gland. The five men and one woman, ranging in age from 65-71 years (mean, 67 years), had undergone MRI before surgery. All patients presented with parotid masses and four patients had facial paralysis. Two had been aware of the parotid mass for more than 10 years. On MRI, all of the tumours had an ill-defined margin along either the entire circumference or part of the circumference. Four tumours showed infiltration into the subcutaneous or parapharyngeal space. Two tumours showed a wholly solid internal content, and four tumours had varying proportions of cystic content. The signal intensity of the solid portion was low to intermediate on both T(1) weighted and T(2) weighted images. Three patients showed multiple cervical lymph node swellings. Although SDC can show non-specific MRI findings, the combined findings (e.g. low-to-intermediate signal intensities on T(2) weighted images, ill-defined boundaries, infiltration into the surrounding fat space, facial nerve paralysis and associated cervical lymphoadenopathy, seem to suggest a high-grade malignancy.

Verification of the FEFF simulations to K-edge XANES spectra of the third row elements

Availability of the FEFF simulations to K-edge x-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectra of the third row elements has been investigated. The FEFF simulations reproduce the spectra from simple substances (Al, Mg, Si, P and S) well, but do not always reproduce those from chemical compounds containing the third row elements. The FEFF simulation has a tendency to underestimate the white line intensity of the XANES spectra in these compounds. This situation is much improved by the Z+1 approach, in which the central atom is replaced by an atom with the atomic number larger by one.

Association of serum interleukin-33 level and the interleukin-33 genetic variant with Japanese cedar pollinosis

BACKGROUND

IL-33, an IL-1-like cytokine, is a ligand for IL1RL1, which is an important effector molecule of type 2 T helper responses. Although IL-33/IL1RL1 interaction has been suggested to be important in induction of allergic airway inflammation, serum levels of IL-33 and the genetic influences of the polymorphisms of IL-33 in human allergic diseases are unclear.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to examine whether the serum IL-33 level and polymorphisms in IL-33 are associated with Japanese cedar (JC) pollinosis, the most common form of allergic rhinitis, and a major public health problem, in Japan.

METHODS

We performed linkage disequilibrium (LD) mapping of the gene using the HapMap database, and two selected tag single nucleotide polymorphisms were genotyped. We conducted an association study of IL-33 (JC pollinosis, n=170; normal controls, n=100) and measured the IL-33 levels in sera of the 270 subjects by ELISA.

RESULTS

Serum levels of IL-33 were significantly higher in patients with JC pollinosis (P=0.0018) than in controls. In genetic association analysis, we found a positive association between the polymorphism and JC pollinosis (P=0.048).

CONCLUSION

Our results support a role for IL-33 in the pathogenesis of JC pollinosis.

Osteopontin expression in normal and hypobaric hypoxia-exposed rats

AIM

Experimental pulmonary hypertension induced in a hypobaric hypoxic environment (HHE) is characterized by structural remodelling of the heart and pulmonary arteries. Osteopontin (OPN) has emerged as a key factor in cardiovascular remodelling in response to pressure or volume overload. We studied the possible effects of HHE on the OPN synthesis system.

METHODS

One hundred and forty-eight male Wistar rats were housed in a chamber with conditions equivalent of an altitude of 5500 m for up to 21 days.

RESULTS

Plasma OPN protein level was found to be significantly decreased on day 0.5 of exposure to HHE, as was the level in the adrenal gland (which secreted highest levels of OPN protein). In the right ventricle of the heart (mRNA) and the lung (protein), OPN expression was found to be significantly increased only on day 1 and day 5, respectively, of exposure to HHE. By immunohistochemistry, the distribution and intensity of OPN protein in several organs were found to alter during exposure to HHE. However, these changes in OPN synthesis did not coincide with the moderate increase in pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) (maximal mean PAP, 24.5 mmHg) during HHE.

CONCLUSION

Pulmonary hypertension in HHE with conditions equivalent of an altitude of 5500 m may induce little or no OPN in heart and lung. Sustained induction may require a more severe PAP overload.

Measurement of human and mouse interleukin 18

IL-18, originally designated as interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)-inducing factor (IGIF), is a pleiotropic cytokine secreted by activated macrophages and Kupffer cells. The major activity associated with this cytokine is induction of IFN-gamma production from T cells, B cells, and NK cells, especially in collaboration with IL-12. IL-18 is synthesized without a signal peptide and must be enzymatically cleaved to become active. Therefore, it is important to determine whether the produced IL-18 is an active or precursor form. This unit describes functional assays for measurement of bioactive human and mouse IL-18 and ELISAs for measurement of murine and human IL-18 proteins. The functional assays are based on the induction of IFN-gamma production by IL-18. The ELISA measures the concentration of human or mouse IL-18. Using a combination of monoclonal antibodies against human or mouse IL-18, the proform and/or mature form of IL-18 can be detected by ELISA.

Molecular analysis of digenic inheritance in Bartter syndrome with sensorineural deafness

BACKGROUND

Bartter syndrome (BS) is a genetic disorder accompanied by hypokalaemic metabolic alkalosis. BS with sensorineural deafness (SND, OMIM602522) is a newly identified phenotype caused by mutations in the BSND gene that encodes barttin, a beta-subunit for chloride channel ClC-Ka and ClC-Kb and classified as type IV BS. Type IV BS features the most severe phenotype entailing life-threatening neonatal volume depletion and chronic renal failure developing during infancy. A recent report described a case of BS with SND from a consanguineous family who showed homozygous mutations in the CLCNKA and CLCNKB genes. This case indicated the possibility of the occurrence of digenic inheritance in BS with SND resulting from double mutations in the CLCNKA and CLCNKB genes.

SUBJECT AND RESULTS

The current report concerns a 2-year-old girl from a non-consanguineous family with BS accompanied by SND. In our case, four loss-of-function mutations, consisting of mutations in both parental alleles in both CLCNKA and CLCNKB, were identified. The paternal allele had a nonsense mutation (Q260X) in CLCNKA and a splicing site mutation (IVS17+1 g>a) in CLCNKB. The maternal allele had a large deletion mutation (about 12 kbp) extending from CLCNKA to CLCNKB. Our case provides clear evidence that loss-of-function alleles in both alleles of both CLCNKA and CLCNKB results in a phenotype indistinguishable from that of mutations in BSND (type IV BS).

CONCLUSIONS

Recent advances in genetics have resulted in a better understanding of many human inherited diseases, but most of them are monogenic disorders and more complex inheritance patterns remain unresolved. Our case provides clear evidence of digenic inheritance outside the scope of Mendelian inheritance disorders.

Extraction of weak transition strengths via the (3He, t) reaction at 420 MeV

Differential cross sections for transitions of known weak strength were measured with the (3He, t) reaction at 420 MeV on targets of 12C, 13C, 18O, 26Mg, 58Ni, 60Ni, 90Zr, 118Sn, 120Sn, and 208Pb. Using these data, it is shown that the proportionalities between strengths and cross sections for this probe follow simple trends as a function of mass number. These trends can be used to confidently determine Gamow-Teller strength distributions in nuclei for which the proportionality cannot be calibrated via beta-decay strengths. Although theoretical calculations in the distorted-wave Born approximation overestimate the data, they allow one to understand the main experimental features and to predict deviations from the simple trends observed in some of the transitions.

Isotopic dependence of the giant monopole resonance in the even-A 112-124Sn isotopes and the asymmetry term in nuclear incompressibility

The strength distributions of the giant monopole resonance (GMR) have been measured in the even-A Sn isotopes (A=112-124) with inelastic scattering of 400-MeV alpha particles in the angular range 0 degrees -8.5 degrees . We find that the experimentally observed GMR energies of the Sn isotopes are lower than the values predicted by theoretical calculations that reproduce the GMR energies in 208Pb and 90Zr very well. From the GMR data, a value of Ktau = -550 +/- 100 MeV is obtained for the asymmetry term in the nuclear incompressibility.