Flowering response of rice to photoperiod and temperature: a QTL analysis using a phenological model

In this study we have attempted to quantify the thermal and photoperiodical responses of rice (Oryza sativa L.) flowering time QTLs jointly by a 'date-of-planting' field experiment of a mapping population, and a 'phenological model' analysis that separately parameterizes the two responses, based on daily temperature, daily photoperiod and flowering date. For this purpose, the 'three-stage Beta model', which parameterizes the sensitivity to temperature (parameter alpha), the sensitivity to photoperiod (parameter beta), and earliness under optimal conditions (10 h photoperiod at 30 degrees C) (parameter G), was applied to 'Nipponbare' x 'Kasalath' backcross inbred lines that were transplanted on five dates. QTLs for the beta value were detected in the four known flowering time QTL (Hd1, Hd2, Hd6 and Hd8) regions, while QTLs for the G value were detected only in the Hd1 and Hd2 regions. This result was consistent with previous reports on near-isogenic lines (NILs) of Hd1, Hd2 and Hd6, where these loci were involved in photoperiod sensitivity, and where Hd1 and Hd2 conferred altered flowering under both 10 and 14 h photoperiods, while Hd6 action was only affected by the 14 h photoperiod. Hd8 was shown to control photoperiod sensitivity for the first time. Interestingly, Hd1 and Hd2 were associated with a QTL for the alpha value, which might support the previous hypothesis that the process of photoinduction depends on temperature. These results demonstrate that our approach can effectively quantify environmental responses of flowering time QTLs without controlled environments or NILs.

Retinoic acid-inducible gene-I is induced by interleukin-1beta in cultured human gingival fibroblasts

Retinoic acid-inducible gene-I (RIG-I) is a member of the DExH box family protein, and details of its biological function are not known. We have studied the mechanism of the interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta)-induced RIG-I expression in human gingival fibroblasts in culture. We also addressed the possibility of enhanced expression of COX-2, RANTES and galectin-9 in fibroblasts overexpressed RIG-I. We stimulated cultured human gingival fibroblasts with IL-1beta and examined the expression of RIG-I mRNA and protein by reverse transcriptase-mediated polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. The effect of cycloheximide, a protein synthesis inhibitor, on the IL-1beta-induced expression of RIG-I was examined. The expression of COX-2, RANTES, galectin-9 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in gingival fibroblasts transfected with RIG-I cDNA was also examined. IL-1beta stimulated the expressions of mRNA and protein for RIG-I, in cultured fibroblasts, in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Cycloheximide did not suppress the IL-1beta-induced RIG-I expression. Introduction of RIG-I cDNA into fibroblasts resulted in enhanced expression of COX-2 mRNA, and slightly enhanced the expression of mRNA for RANTES and galectin-9. In contrast, RIG-I overexpression did not alter the level of mRNA for monocyte chemoattractant protein-1. We conclude that IL-1beta stimulates RIG-I expression in human gingival fibroblasts.

Phenotype and functional identity of GM-CSF–independent dendritic cells generated by long-term propagation of DC progenitor cells in bone marrow cells and skin langerhans cells

Evidence is provided that dendritic cells (DC) generated by either long-term bone marrow cell (BMC) culture with Flt3L and interleukin-6 (IL-6), or after short-term BMC culture with granulocyte macrophage-colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and interleukin-4 (IL-4), contain heterogeneous cell populations of admixed DC and Mphi, regardless of the cytokine source. By employing GM-CSF-independent culture systems with the aid of Flt3/Flk-2 ligand and IL-6 and phenotypic characterization of BMC-derived DC and skin Langerhans cells (LC), revealed similar phenotypes. Furthermore, CD103 (OX62), which is widely used for rat DC separation, was found to be insufficient to enrich DC, due to downregulation of the marker. In this regard, the most efficient selection of rat DC, was obtained by CD161a (NKR-P1A), a member of the C-type lectin family. Despite the phenotypic similarity with BMC-derived DC, the nucleus of LC showed a distinct morphology. A large population of DC generated by Flt3L/IL-6 from GM-CSF receptor-deficient mice by do not express NK1.1 (NKR-P1B and NKR-P1C). The profiles for BMC-derived DC were the same as for skin Langerhans cells.

Specific alcoholic beverage and blood pressure in a middle-aged Japanese population: the High-risk and Population Strategy for Occupational Health Promotion (HIPOP-OHP) Study

The purpose of this study was to clarify the effects of popular Japanese alcoholic beverages on blood pressure. We performed a cross-sectional study on 4335 Japanese male workers using baseline data from an intervention study. We defined six groups according to the type of alcoholic beverage that provided two-thirds of the subject's total alcohol consumption: beer, sake (rice wine), shochu (traditional Japanese spirits), whiskey, wine and others. The partial regression coefficients of daily alcohol intake (1 drink=11.5 g of ethanol) to systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were 0.87(P<0.001, standard error (s.e.)=0.09) and 0.77(P<0.001, s.e.=0.06), respectively. A comparison among the types of alcoholic beverages mainly consumed revealed significant differences in SBP and DBP. Both SBP and DBP were highest in the shochu group. However, an analysis of covariance adjusting for total alcohol consumption resulted in the disappearance of these differences. Although after adjustment for total alcohol consumption, the shochu group exhibited a significant positive association with 'high-normal blood pressure or greater' (odds ratio 1.43, 95% confidence interval 1.06-1.95) compared with the beer group, this significant relation disappeared after adjusting for the body mass index (BMI), urinary sodium and potassium excretion. The pressor effect, per se, of popular Japanese alcoholic beverages on blood pressure may not be different among the types of alcoholic beverages after adjusting for other lifestyle factors.

C7 fracture treated with a pedicle screw system under navigation guidance

A 51-year-old woman with traumatic fracture-subluxation of C6-C7 vertebrae was treated by pedicle screw fixation. Among several methods for surgical treatment of the cervical spine, this technique provides a more rigid anchor to prevent collapsing or instability of the spinal column, particularly at the cervicothoracic junction. However, the risk of injuring the adjacent neurovascular structures cannot be completely eliminated. The characteristics of the cervicothoracic junction, surgical approaches and pedicle screw fixation techniques are emphasised.

The high-risk and population strategy for occupational health promotion (HIPOP-OHP) study: study design and cardiovascular risk factors at the baseline survey

In order to establish the methodology of a population strategy for improving cardiovascular risk factors, we have planned the High-risk and Population Strategy for Occupational Health Promotion Study (HIPOP-OHP study). This study is a nonrandomized control trial in approximately 6500 participants in six intervention and six control companies. Our population strategy is based on three factors, nutrition, physical activity, and smoking. For each factor, a researcher's working team was organized and has been supporting the intervention. A standardized method to obtain comparable data has also been established. In the baseline survey, urinary sodium excretion in male subjects was higher, and urinary potassium excretion was lower in both genders in the intervention group compared to the control group. The prevalence of hypertension for both genders was also higher in the intervention group. Male subjects in the intervention group had higher serum total cholesterol than controls, while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was lower in both genders in the intervention group compared to the control group. These differences were reflected by our finding that the predicted relative risk of coronary heart disease for male subjects was significantly higher in the intervention group (relative risk, RR: 1.17; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI.: 1.09, 1.25) and significantly lower in the control group (RR: 0.93; 95% CI.: 0.89, 0.98) compared to a model Japanese population. Similar results were observed in the female subjects. Taken together, these findings indicate that it is possible to compare trends of predicted relative risk for coronary heart disease between two groups.

Heat-induced growth inhibition and apoptosis in transplanted human head and neck squamous cell carcinomas with different status of p53

To examine p53-dependency in hyperthermic cancer therapy, heat-induced growth inhibition and apoptosis in transplanted human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) tumours were analysed with different status of p53 into nude mice. The tumour tissue from HNSCC cell line (SAS) transfected with mutant p53 gene (SAS/mp53) or control vector containing neo gene (SAS/neo) was transplanted into the subcutaneous tissue of the thigh of nude mice using a trocar. Hyperthermia was performed at 42 degrees C when the mean diameter of tumour was 5-6mm. The diameter of tumours was measured using vernier calipers and tumour weight (TW) and the relative tumour weight (RW) was calculated. Tumour regrowth delay was evaluated when the RW reached 5-fold against the control group. The accumulation of p53 and Bax proteins was examined by an immunohistochemical technique. Apoptotic cells in the sections were detected by staining of DNA ends using an immunohistochemical technique. SAS/mp53 tumours showed more heat-resistance than SAS/neo tumours. The p53-positively staining cells were observed in untreated SAS/mp53 tumours, but not in untreated SAS/neo tumours. After heat treatment, the accumulation of p53 and Bax proteins was observed in SAS/neo tumours, but little in SAS/mp53 tumours. The incidence of apoptotic cells induced by heat treatment was very low in SAS/mp53 tumours compared with SAS/neo tumours. In conclusion, the heat-induced growth inhibition of a transplanted HNSCC may be correlated with the induction of p53-dependent Bax-mediated apoptosis. Thus, p53 status appears to be one of the useful parameters for the predictive assays in hyperthermic cancer therapy.

Exercise blood pressure in young adults as a predictor of future blood pressure: a 12-year follow-up of medical school graduates

It has not been fully clarified whether exercise blood pressure (BP) in young adult men and women is useful to predict future BP, especially in Asian people. A long-term prospective study was conducted in graduates of a medical school in Japan; 138 men and 76 women whose mean age was 19.8 and 19.2, respectively, at baseline. A 5-min exercise tolerance test was performed at baseline, and BP immediately after exercise was measured. BP at 50% intensity exercise was also calculated. Multiple regression analysis was carried out to clarify the relationship of exercise BP at baseline to follow-up BP after an average of 12 years. In multivariate-adjusted models, the relationship of systolic blood pressure (SBP) at follow-up was stronger to SBP immediately after exercise (F=7.7, P=0.006) than to resting SBP (F=3.7, P=0.055) in men. The models in men showed that SBP immediately after exercise was a stronger predictor of follow-up SBP than SBP at 50% intensity exercise, and the results were similar for diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in men. For SBP in women, resting SBP was the strongest predictor of follow-up SBP (F=14.3, P<0.001), and exercise SBP was not significant predictor. For DBP in women, any DBP at rest or after exercise was not significantly related to DBP at follow-up. In young adult men, SBP and DBP immediately after exercise would be a stronger predictor of future SBP and DBP rather than BP at rest. However, in young adult women, resting SBP rather than exercise SBP would be better to predict future SBP.

Association of Pontine Small Infarction (Lacuna) with Disturbance of Postural Stability

Neuronal degeneration within the brainstem has been reported in patients with impaired postural stability. However, the functional significance of these abnormalities is unknown at present. In the present study, we evaluated the relationship between the presence of pontine lacunae and postural stability measured by stabilometry. A total of 209 consecutive patients without neurological signs were divided into three groups according to the territory of lacunae on magnetic resonance imaging: (1) non-lacunar group, (2) pontine lacunar group, and (3) non-pontine lacunar group. Stabilometry was performed and statokinesigram measures including each Romberg quotient were compared among the three groups. Using multivariate analysis, postural stability was found to be disturbed in the pontine lacunar group compared with the other groups. The data of stabilometry in this group were compatible with disturbance of the central controlling system for keeping postural stability. Pontine lacuna is associated with patients with postural instability. This result may be related to the deterioration of the central coordination system for posture and locomotion.

Ciclosporin in psoriasis clinical practice: an international consensus statement

The main recommendations for the use of ciclosporin in the management of psoriasis are: (i) intermittent short courses (average of 12 weeks duration) of ciclosporin are preferable; (ii) ciclosporin should be given in the dose range 2.5-5.0 mg kg(-1) day(-1) (doses greater than 5.0 mg kg(-1) day(-1) should only be given in exceptional circumstances); (iii) treatment regimens should be tailored to the needs of each patient; (iv) selection of patients should take into account psychosocial disability, as well as clinical extent of disease and failure of previous treatment; (v) each patient's renal function (as measured by serum creatinine) should be thoroughly assessed before and during treatment; (vi) each patient's blood pressure should be carefully monitored before and during treatment; (vii) adherence to treatment guidelines substantially reduces the risk of adverse events; (viii) long-term continuous ciclosporin therapy may be appropriate in a subgroup of patients; however, duration of treatment should be kept below 2 years whenever possible; and (ix) when long-term continuous ciclosporin therapy is necessary, annual evaluation of glomerular filtration rate may be useful to accurately monitor renal function.

Theoretical analysis of the pathophysiology of syringomyelia associated with adhesive arachnoiditis

OBJECTIVE

To apply a theoretical model to analyse the derangement of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics in syringomyelia associated with adhesive arachnoiditis.

METHODS

An electrical circuit model of CSF dynamics in the spine was used. With this model, the derangement of CSF dynamics in adhesive arachnoiditis was simulated. The effects of various surgical procedures were then analysed, such as syringo-subarachnoid shunting, subarachnoid bypass, and foramen magnum decompression.

RESULTS

When CSF flow in the subarachnoid space was obstructed at a certain point, the pressure inside the spinal cord increased in the segment immediately distal to the blockage. This location of increased pressure corresponded to the preferred site of syrinx formation in adhesive arachnoiditis. Syringo-subarachnoid shunting, subarachnoid bypass, and foramen magnum decompression were all effective at reducing this pressure gradient.

CONCLUSIONS

Blockage of the spinal subarachnoid CSF pathway produces a relative increase in the pressure inside the spinal cord distal to the blockage point. Repetitive formation of this pressure gradient then induces CSF leakage into the spinal parenchyma, leading to the formation of syringomyelia. Using this model, alternative surgical procedures could be suggested that might be effective in treating this disease.

Impaired stem cell function of CD34+ cells selected by two different immunomagnetic beads systems

We have been investigating the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) activity of peripheral blood-derived CD34(+) cells selected by two different laboratory immunomagnetic beads systems (MiniMACS and Isolex 50). In this study, the quality of purified CD34(+) cells was directly compared using clonal cell culture, a cobblestone area-forming cell (CAFC) assay, and an in vivo severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)-repopulating cell (SRC) assay. It was found that CD34(+) cells selected by these two immunomagnetic methods showed a reduced yield of colony-forming cells and CAFCs compared with cells enriched by the StemSep device (a negative selection method). However, these CD34(+) cells still showed significant SRC activity, including multilineage lymphomyeloid reconstitution. The percentage of human CD45(+) cells in murine bone marrow after transplanting 5 x 10(5) CD34(+) cells selected by the Isolex 50 was significantly lower than after transplanting cells selected by the MiniMACS or the StemSep. Our findings clearly demonstrated that CD34(+) cells selected by the MiniMACS system had superior HSC functions, including SRC activity, compared with cells separated by the Isolex 50 system. More detailed functional analysis of immunomagnetically separated CD34(+) cells may provide useful knowledge for basic research on HSCs as well as for clinical HSC transplantation.

Differences in cardiovascular disease risk factors between Japanese in Japan and Japanese-Americans in Hawaii: the INTERLIPID study

Despite increase in serum total cholesterol, high smoking rate, and frequency of adverse blood pressure levels in Japan, coronary heart disease (CHD) incidence and mortality apparently remain substantially lower at all ages in Japan than in the US and other Western societies. To better understand these differences, we compared CHD biomedical risk factors and dietary variables in Japanese living in Japan and 3rd and 4th generation Japanese emigrants living a primarily Western lifestyle in Hawaii, in an ancillary study of the INTERMAP. Men and women aged 40-59 years were examined by common standardized methods-four samples in Japan (574 men, 571 women) and a Japanese-American sample in Hawaii (136 men, 131 women). Average systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressures were significantly higher in men in Japan than in Hawaii; there were no significant differences in women. The treatment rate of hypertension was much lower in Japan than Hawaii. Smoking prevalence was higher, markedly so for men, in Japan than Hawaii. Body mass index, serum total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, HbA1c, and fibrinogen were significantly lower in Japan than in Hawaii; high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was higher in Japan. Total fat, saturated fatty acid intake, and Keys dietary lipid score were lower in Japan than in Hawaii. Polyunsaturated/saturated fatty acid ratio and omega-3 fatty acid intake were higher in Japan than in Hawaii. In conclusion, levels of several, especially lipid, CHD risk factors were generally lower in Japanese in Japan than in Japanese in Hawaii. These differences were smaller for women than men between Japan and Hawaii. They may partly explain lower CHD incidence and mortality in Japan than Western industrialized countries.

Hard-food mastication suppresses complete Freund's adjuvant-induced nociception

The effect of food hardness during mastication on nociceptive transmission in the spinal cord was studied by analyzing complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) induced nocifensive behavior and Fos expression. The behavioral study showed that the shortening of the withdrawal latency following CFA injection into the hind paw was depressed after a change in the given food hardness from soft to hard. The depression of nocifensive behavior in the rats with hard food was reversed after i.v. injection of naloxone. Fos protein-like immunoreactive cells (Fos protein-LI cells) were expressed in the superficial and deep laminae of the L4-6 spinal dorsal horn after s.c. injection of CFA into the hind paw during soft food mastication. The number of Fos protein-LI cells was decreased in the rats with hard food mastication followed by soft food. This reduction of Fos protein-LI cells following change in food hardness was reversed after i.v. application of naloxone. Furthermore, the depression of Fos protein-LI cells following hard food intake was significantly inhibited after bilateral inferior alveolar nerve transection or bilateral ablation of the somatosensory cortex. These findings suggest that the change in food hardness during mastication might drive an opioid descending system through the trigeminal sensory pathway and somatosensory cortex resulting in an antinociceptive effect on chronic pain. However, IAN transection and cortical ablation did not induce 100% reversal of Fos expression, suggesting other than trigeminal sensory system may be involved in this phenomena, such as the pathway through the brainstem reticular formation.

Destruxins, cyclodepsipeptides, block the formation of actin rings and prominent clear zones and ruffled borders in osteoclasts

Bone-resorbing osteoclasts exhibit polarized morphological structures such as actin rings, clear zones, and ruffled borders. To gain insight into the mechanism of bone-resorbing activity of osteoclast and to discover new types of anti-resorptive agents, we have screened for natural compounds that inhibit the bone-resorbing activity of osteoclast-like multinucleated cells (OCLs). Destruxin B (DestB) and E (DestE), cyclodepsipeptides, were found to inhibit pit formation without affecting osteoclast differentiation and survival. Destruxins reversibly induced morphological changes in OCLs in a dose-dependent manner (DestB, 0.2-1 microM; DestE, 0.01-0.05 microM) and inhibited pit formation. Destruxin-induced morphological changes were accompanied by disruption of the actin rings in OCLs. The formation of actin rings in OCLs after adhesion was also inhibited by destruxins. Electron microscopical analysis revealed that destruxin-treated OCLs on dentine slices have no prominent clear zones and ruffled borders. The effective concentrations of destruxins on the morphological changes were almost the same as those that inhibited bone resorption in organ culture system. These results suggest that the anti-resorptive effects of destruxins result from induction of a disorder of the morphological structures in polarized OCLs.

Addition of fexofenadine to a topical corticosteroid reduces the pruritus associated with atopic dermatitis in a 1-week randomized, multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study

BACKGROUND

Fexofenadine, a nonsedating, H1-receptor selective antihistamine, exhibits consistent efficacy and safety in the treatment of allergic rhinitis and urticaria. The pruritus associated with atopic dermatitis is considered to be induced, in part, by histamine. Therefore, we thought that fexofenadine may be useful in the relief of pruritus associated with atopic dermatitis.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy of twice-daily fexofenadine hydrochloride (HCl) 60 mg vs. placebo in reducing the pruritus associated with atopic dermatitis.

METHODS

In this randomized, multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, patients (aged >or= 16 years) with atopic dermatitis underwent a 1-week placebo lead-in period, followed by randomization to fexofenadine HCl 60 mg twice daily or placebo for 1 week. All patients also received topical treatment with 0.1% hydrocortisone butyrate twice daily throughout the study. The primary efficacy endpoint was mean change in pruritus score from baseline. Patients reflectively recorded pruritus scores twice daily (day and night) using a five-point scale (0 = none; 4 = very severe).

RESULTS

Fexofenadine (n = 201) significantly decreased the severity of pruritus compared with placebo (n = 199) (mean change in score -0.75 (unadjusted 95% confidence interval [-0.88, -0.62]) vs. -0.5 [-0.62, -0.38], respectively; P = 0.0005). This improvement was seen after just 1 day of treatment (P = 0.039) and was maintained throughout the treatment period (P = 0.019). Compared with placebo, fexofenadine significantly improved both diurnal (P = 0.0001) and nocturnal pruritus (P = 0.013). In addition, significantly more patients in the fexofenadine group experienced a reduction in the ratio of pruritus area to body surface area compared with those in the placebo group (P = 0.007). The incidence of adverse events was low and similar across all treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Fexofenadine HCl 60 mg twice daily demonstrated a rapid, significant improvement in the pruritus associated with atopic dermatitis, with a safety profile equivalent to that of placebo.

p53-dependent hyperthermic enhancement of tumour growth inhibition by X-ray or carbon-ion beam irradiation

To elucidate p53-dependency on combined treatment with radiation and hyperthermia, growth inhibition and apoptosis were analysed using transplantable human tumour. Human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells carrying different p53 genes were transplanted into the thigh of nude mice. When the mean diameter of tumour reached 5-6 mm, the tumours were exposed to X-rays (2 Gy) or Carbon-ion (C-) beams (1 Gy) followed by heating at 42 degrees C for 20 min. Tumour growth inhibition was evaluated by measuring the diameters of tumour. The induction of apoptosis and accumulation of apoptosis-related proteins were also analysed by immunohistochemical staining. Synergistic enhancement of tumour growth inhibition by hyperthermia was observed in wild-type p53 tumours treated with X-rays or C-beams but not in mutant p53 tumours. The incidence of apoptotic cells and activated-caspase-3-positive cells after combined treatment with them were significantly high in wild-type p53 tumours compared with that in mutant p53 tumours. The hyperthermic enhancement of tumour growth inhibition by X-ray- or C-beam-irradiation was p53-dependent, suggesting that it might be highly correlated with p53-dependent apoptosis.

Identification of a deletion in the mismatch repair gene, MSH2, using mouse-human cell hybrids monosomal for chromosome 2

Hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer is characterized by mutations in one of the DNA mismatch repair genes, primarily MLH1, MSH2, or MSH6. We report here the identification of a genomic deletion of approximately 11.4 kb encompassing the first two exons of the MSH2 gene in two generations of an Ohio family. By Southern blot analysis, using a cDNA probe spanning the first seven exons of MSH2, an alteration in each of three different enzyme digests (including a unique 13-kb band on HindIII digests) was observed, which suggested the presence of a large alteration in the 5' region of this gene. Mouse-human cell hybrids from a mutation carrier were then generated which contained a single copy each of human chromosome 2 on which the MSH2 gene resides. Southern blots on DNA from the cell hybrids demonstrated the same, unique 13-kb band from one MSH2 allele, as seen in the diploid DNA. DNA from this same monosomal cell hybrid failed to amplify in polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) using primers to exons 1 and 2, demonstrating the deletion of these sequences in one MSH2 allele, and the breakpoints involving Alu repeats were identified by PCR amplification and sequence analysis.

Hypothesis on the pathophysiology of syringomyelia based on simulation of cerebrospinal fluid dynamics

OBJECTIVES

Despite many hypotheses, the pathophysiology of syringomyelia is still not well understood. In this report, the authors propose a hypothesis based on analysis of cerebrospinal fluid dynamics in the spine.

METHODS

An electric circuit model of the CSF dynamics of the spine was constructed based on a technique of computational fluid mechanics. With this model, the authors calculated how a pulsatile CSF wave coming from the cranial side is propagated along the spinal cord.

RESULTS

Reducing the temporary fluid storage capacity of the cisterna magna dramatically increased the pressure wave propagated along the central canal. The peak of this pressure wave resided in the mid-portion of the spinal cord.

CONCLUSIONS

The following hypotheses are proposed. The cisterna magna functions as a shock absorber against the pulsatile CSF waves coming from the cranial side. The loss of shock absorbing capacity of the cisterna magna and subsequent increase of central canal wall pressure leads to syrinx formation in patients with Chiari I malformation.

A mouse model of the atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome by repeated application of a crude extract of house-dust mite Dermatophagoides farinae

BACKGROUND

We cultured Dermatophagoides farinae (Df), one of the most common mites in house dust and the most important allergen among natural allergens. With this material, we attempted to produce an animal model of the atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome (AEDS).

METHODS

We cultured Df mites in high density and prepared a crude extract of Df (DfE) together with the culture medium. We applied the extract to the back skin of NC/Nga and BALB/c mice three times per week for 8 weeks.

RESULTS

In the NC/Nga group, dryness or scaling appeared on the skin, and scratching behavior increased at the second week in the DfE-treated group. Skin erosion and hemorrhage occurred at the fourth week. The epidermis thickened and deepened into the upper dermis, in which mast cells were highly accumulated, corresponding with the skin lesion of AEDS patients. Specific IgE and IgG to DfE and total IgE were elevated in the sera. Mice treated with an extract of mite culture medium did not develop skin lesions. In the BALB/c group, mice developed specific IgE and IgG to DfE, however, no typical skin lesions appeared. Mast cells in the upper dermis did not increase.

CONCLUSIONS

Repeated painting of Dermatophagoides extract produced IgE-associated AEDS-like lesions on the skin of NC mice.

Complete remission of metastatic clear cell sarcoma with DAV chemotherapy

We report the first case of metastatic clear cell sarcoma with dramatic response to DAV treatment (DTIC + ACNU + VCR). Clear cell sarcoma of tendons and aponeuroses, or malignant melanoma of soft parts, is a rare tumour that occurs predominantly in the extremities of young adults. It tends to recur locally or metastasize and the prognosis is poor. Although the importance of surgery has been established, the role of adjuvant chemotherapy has yet to be determined. DAV should be considered as a first-line palliative treatment in disseminated disease as well as adjuvant therapy after surgery of primary clear cell sarcoma.

Fishing for bioactive substances from scorpionfish and some sea urchins

Venom proteins from the dorsal spine of two scorpionfish, Hypodytes rubripinnis and Synanceia verrucosa were assayed for mitogenicity and cytotoxicity. The two venoms had both mitogenic and cytotoxic activity on murine splenocytes and murine P388 leukemic cells. In H. rubripinnis, the second gel chromatographic fraction showed cytotoxic activity on P388 leukemic cells. On native PAGE, the glycoprotein isolated by concavalin A sepharose chromatography appeared to have a molecular mass of 110 kDa. In addition, two D-galactose-binding lectins (SUL-I and SUL-II) and a heparin-binding lectin (TGL-I) were purified from the globiferous pedicellariae of the toxopneustid sea urchins, Toxopneustes pileolus and Tripneustes gratilla, respectively. SUL-I (Nakagawa et al., 1999a) had mitogenic activity and cytotoxic activity but SUL-II and TGL-I did not. SUL-I did not show sequence homology to SUL-II. A hemolytic lectin with a molecular mass of 29 kDa was isolated from the coelomic fluid of T. gratilla. The hemolytic activity of the lectin was dependent on Ca2+ concentration and inhibited by lactose. The present results suggest that some species of scorpionfish and sea urchins may be novel sources for biologically active substances such as anti-tumor compounds or new lectins.

Influence of years engaged in agriculture and number of pregnancies and deliveries on mortality of inhabitants of the Jinzu River basin area, Japan

BACKGROUND

The occurrence of itai-itai disease is thought to be affected by such factors as pregnancy, lactation, hormonal disorders, aging, and calcium deficiency.

AIMS

To study the influence of years engaged in agriculture and number of pregnancies and deliveries on the mortality of inhabitants of the Jinzu River basin area, which has been an endemic region for itai-itai disease.

METHODS

From 6,667 participants (3,181 men, 3,486 women; participation rate 93.4%) in the 1967 health survey, 3,639 subjects (1,591 men, 2,048 women) whose years engaged in agriculture were established, and 2,559 women/2,410 women with a known number of pregnancies/deliveries were selected as the target population. These data were confirmed on the basis of self reported replies confirmed afterwards by interview. The survival survey was conducted for 6,127 days from 1 August 1967 to 10 May 1984. Subjects were divided according to three water systems: the Jinzu River, non-Jinzu River, and mixed water system; the influence on mortality of the years engaged in agriculture and the number of pregnancies/deliveries was analysed using a Cox's proportional hazards model according to the water systems.

RESULTS

The mean years engaged in agriculture and mean number of pregnancies/deliveries were not different among the three water systems. Cox's hazard ratios of these parameters to mortality were not statistically significant in the any of the water systems.

CONCLUSIONS

Neither the years engaged in agriculture nor the number of pregnancies/deliveries influenced mortality in subjects living not only in the non-Jinzu River basin but also in the Jinzu River basin using a Cox's proportional hazards model.

Late infantile Hirschsprung disease-mental retardation syndrome with a 3-bp deletion in ZFHX1B

A 48-year-old woman with late infantile onset mental retardation developed megacolon. Although the patient had no typical clinical features of Hirschsprung disease-mental retardation syndrome, a new 3-base pair deletion, eliminating an Asn, was identified in the responsible gene ZFHX1B. This suggests that screening for ZFHX1B mutations is warranted even in the absence of typical clinical features of the syndrome.

The transradial approach for selective carotid and vertebral angiography

PURPOSE

The transradial approach is not so popular in cerebral angiography. The purpose of this study was therefore to present our experience of success rate and safety of this method.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

From December 1998 to June 2001, 526 carotid and vertebral angiographies with DSA were performed via the radial artery. A 1.4-mm catheter was used through a 1.4-mm introducer sheath. We evaluated the procedure as successful if sufficient images for diagnosis were obtained of the bilateral carotid arteries and unilateral vertebral artery. Each patient was reassessed for any complications, occurring until the next morning. The length of time needed for an examination was measured in the last 10 cases.

RESULTS

In all but 5 cases, the procedures were evaluated as successful (99.0%). Unsuccessful cases manifested severe pain at the radial puncture, angiospasm at the radial artery, loop formation at the radial artery, occlusion at the subclavian artery, and an aberrant right subclavian artery. No severe complications including neurological ones were encountered. Minor complications were noted in 17 cases (3.2%): 4 cases of thrombus at the ulnar artery, 1 angiospasm at the radial artery, and 12 cases of small hematoma at the puncture site. The radial approach took 14 min less in the common carotid study and 3 min 30 s less in the internal carotid study than by the femoral approach.

CONCLUSION

The transradial approach enabled selective studies for carotid and vertebral angiography with a high success rate and safety with few complications.

The transradial approach for selective carotid and vertebral angiography

PURPOSE

The transradial approach is not so popular in cerebral angiography. The purpose of this study was therefore to present our experience of success rate and safety of this method.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

From December 1998 to June 2001, 526 carotid and vertebral angiographies with DSA were performed via the radial artery. A 1.4-mm catheter was used through a 1.4-mm introducer sheath. We evaluated the procedure as successful if sufficient images for diagnosis were obtained of the bilateral carotid arteries and unilateral vertebral artery. Each patient was reassessed for any complications, occurring until the next morning. The length of time needed for an examination was measured in the last 10 cases.

RESULTS

In all but 5 cases, the procedures were evaluated as successful (99.0%). Unsuccessful cases manifested severe pain at the radial puncture, angiospasm at the radial artery, loop formation at the radial artery, occlusion at the subclavian artery, and an aberrant right subclavian artery. No severe complications including neurological ones were encountered. Minor complications were noted in 17 cases (3.2%): 4 cases of thrombus at the ulnar artery, 1 angiospasm at the radial artery, and 12 cases of small hematoma at the puncture site. The radial approach took 14 min less in the common carotid study and 3 min 30 s less in the internal carotid study than by the femoral approach.

CONCLUSION

The transradial approach enabled selective studies for carotid and vertebral angiography with a high success rate and safety with few complications.

[[Comparison of mortality rates of elderly people in China and Japan]]

"The mortality rates and causes of death among elderly people aged sixty five and over were compared between China and Japan. The data used for comparison was China's 1990 and Japan's 1990 vital statistics. It appears that the mortality rate in China was higher than Japan. Comparing the causes of death, it was found that the death rates involving cerebrovascular diseases, malignant neoplasms and heart diseases in urban districts of China [were] higher than those in Japan. Also the death rate of people with bronchitis in rural districts was significantly higher in China.... The differences in the medical systems and life styles in China and Japan were suspected as the reasons for the differences of death rates and causes of death...." (SUMMARY IN ENG)

Atopic dermatitis management: comparing the treatment patterns of dermatologists in Japan, U.S.A. and U.K

BACKGROUND

The incidence of atopic dermatitis (AD) is increasing worldwide. No large-scale study has previously compared the therapeutic management of this condition in different countries.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to determine the treatment preferences of dermatologists in Japan, the U.S.A. and the U.K., and investigate their relationship with certain factors pertaining to the physician and his practice.

METHODS

A questionnaire was sent to all registered members of dermatological societies in Japan, the U.S.A. and the U.K. Responses were collated and statistical analysis performed using chi2, Mantel-Haenszel and Breslow heterogeneity tests.

RESULTS

Three thousand six hundred and eighty-eight completed surveys were returned. U.S.A. and U.K. physicians were significantly more aggressive in prescribing systemic medications, such as steroids, antibiotics and immunosuppressants, compared with those in Japan. Japanese dermatologists also utilized topical steroids significantly less. The use of alternative remedies was highest in Japan. All three countries had a relatively high degree of optimism for topical immunosuppressants, but less so for other emerging therapies.

CONCLUSIONS

Both similarities and differences in the therapy of AD exist in the three countries studied. Factors related to the physician, patient population and culture may influence these observations.

Age-related changes in skin wrinkles assessed by a novel three-dimensional morphometric analysis

BACKGROUND

A system has been developed whereby the morphology of the skin surface can be evaluated directly in three dimensions. This system employs a non-invasive device that utilizes white light of halogen origin, and which allows the computation of wrinkle depth and width, and other parameters of skin surface morphology. Using innovative engineering, an optical system has been devised so that light is transmitted via a slit and can be used to measure not only replicas of the skin but also the skin surface directly. The measurement area is 6.4 x 6.4 mm, and the theoretical resolution with a x 50 magnification lens is within 12.5 micro m.

OBJECTIVES

To use this system to study age-related changes in the morphology of wrinkles at the eye corner areas of women of varying ages.

METHODS

One hundred and one healthy women (age range 20-80 years) residing in the Tokyo area were the subjects used in this study.

RESULTS

Wrinkles demonstrated a rapid increase in depth in women aged 40 years or older, and plateaued at the age of 60 years. Surface morphology parameters yielded results similar to those of age-related changes in wrinkles.

CONCLUSIONS

This new analytical system provides a rapid and convenient non-invasive method to evaluate skin surface morphology in three dimensions, especially with respect to wrinkle formation. The results obtained using this system provide a deeper insight into the mechanistic relationship between wrinkles and skin elasticity.

Cervical amyotrophy caused by hypertrophy of the posterior longitudinal ligament

STUDY DESIGN

A case report.

OBJECTIVES

To report a case of cervical amyotrophy caused by hypertrophy of the posterior longitudinal ligament (HPLL).

SETTING

Department of Neurological Surgery, Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan.

METHODS

The patient had severe muscular atrophy in the deltoid and triceps with slight localized hypesthesia in the C5 area and severely unstable gait due to diminished vibration sense in the knees and ankles. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed expanded cord compression from C4 to C6 with intramedullary high-signal intensity due to HPLL. Transverse image MRI was useful to identify the HPLL.

RESULTS

Resection of HPLL was achieved by an anterior approach. Histological findings of the surgical specimens showed thickening of the ligamentous tissue with proliferation of chondrocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

HPLL should be included as a causative pathology of cervical spondylotic amyotrophy. Careful neurological examination including sensory examination of the lower limbs should be performed to avoid confusion with motor neuron disease.

Characterization of chemokine receptor expression and cytokine production in circulating CD4+ T cells from patients with atopic dermatitis: up-regulation of C-C chemokine receptor 4 in atopic dermatitis

BACKGROUND

Th2 and Th1 cells have been suggested to express CCR3/CCR4 and CCR5/CXCR3, respectively.

OBJECTIVE

We examined CCR3, CCR4, CCR5 and CXCR3 expression and cytokine production in peripheral blood CD4+ T cells from patients with atopic dermatitis (AD), which has been postulated to be a Th2-type cell-mediated disease, and then analysed the possible correlation between these values and the levels of several clinical parameters.

METHODS

Intracellular cytokine production and chemokine receptor expression in peripheral blood CD4+ T cells from 40 AD patients and 20 sex- and age-matched healthy control subjects were studied by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

The frequencies of IL-4- and IL-13-producing CD4+ T cells from patients with AD were significantly higher than those from healthy control subjects (IL-4:3.9 +/- 2.1% vs. 1.6 +/- 0.7%, P = 0.0005, IL-13:4.0 +/- 2.1% vs. 1.8 +/- 0.8%, P = 0.0023), whereas the frequencies of IL-2- and IFN-gamma-producing CD4+ T cells were significantly decreased in AD patients (IL-2:38.1 +/- 10.3% vs. 51.3 +/- 6.3%, P = 0.0003, IFN-gamma: 9.9 +/- 3.5% vs. 26.4 +/- 4.6%, P < 0.0001). The percentage of CCR4+ cells in CD4+ CD45RO+ T cells in AD patients was significantly higher than that in healthy control subjects (24.4 +/- 8.0% vs. 10.9 +/- 2.3%, P < 0.0001) and was correlated positively with the total serum IgE, serum lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) level, eosinophil number, eruption score, and IL-4 and IL-13 secretion in CD4+ T cells, and inversely with IL-2 and IFN-gamma secretion in CD4+ T cells. In contrast, CCR3 was not detected on circulating CD4+ T cells even in AD patients. On the other hand, the percentage of CCR5+ or CXCR3+ cells in CD4+ CD45RO+ T cells in AD patients was significantly decreased (CCR5:23.2 +/- 7.0% vs. 28.4 +/- 5.4%, P = 0.023, CXCR3:29.9 +/- 11.4% vs. 38.5 +/- 6.7%, P = 0.028) and was positively correlated with eruption score (P < 0.05). Multiple regression analyses showed that the percentage of CCR4 expression highly correlated with serum IgE, LDH, eosinophil number and eruption in AD patients.

CONCLUSION

CCR4+ cells might be involved in the aetiopathogenesis of AD.

The actin-depolymerizing factor destrin has an actin-stabilizing domain

Destrin is a 19 kDa actin-depolymerizing protein of the ADF-cofilin family. Destrin was digested with trypsin to a structurally stable 9.2 kDa fragment that contains the actin-binding sequence. The purified 9.2 kDa fragment has an actin filament stabilizing activity, rather than an actin filament depolymerizing activity. The deleted region is probably essential for the actin filament depolymerizing activity of intact destrin. Surprisingly, the 9.2 kDa fragment also has an assembly-promoting activity in the absence of ATP.

Ventricular mapping during atrial and ventricular pacing. Relationship of multipotential electrograms to ventricular tachycardia reentry circuits after myocardial infarction

AIMS

Conduction through separated myocyte bundles causes multipotential electrograms and reentrant ventricular tachycardia. We hypothesized that without initiating tachycardia, the reentry region could be detected by analysing the change in multipotential electrograms during two different activation sequences.

METHODS AND RESULTS

During catheter mapping and ablation in 16 patients with ventricular tachycardia late after infarction ventricular electrograms were recorded from 1072 sites during atrial and right ventricular paced ventricular activation. Multipotential electrograms were present during both activation sequences at 285 (27%) sites, during atrial pacing only at 159 (15%) sites and during right ventricular pacing only at 152 (14%) sites. Sites with multipotential electrograms during both activation sequences were more often related to a ventricular tachycardia circuit isthmus (43%) as compared to sites where such electrograms were present during one activation sequence (20%). Multipotential electrograms with >2 low amplitude deflections and a >100 ms difference in duration between the two activation sequences were infrequent but highly predictive of the reentry circuit.

CONCLUSION

Regions with fixed multipotentials consistent with conduction block might be useful guides for ablation approaches that target large regions of the infarct, but are not sufficiently specific to be the sole guide for focal ablation approaches.

Effects of maternal exposure to cadmium on pregnancy outcome and breast milk

OBJECTIVE

The effects of cadmium (Cd) on birth weight have been discussed in the scientific literature. However, investigations on the effects of maternal body burden of Cd on the next generation during pregnancy and lactation have been limited. The relation between maternal exposure to Cd and pregnancy outcome or Cd in breast milk in Japanese mothers was investigated.

METHODS

Cd concentrations in urine and colostrum milk samples of 57 mothers were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometery. The relations between maternal urinary Cd and infant growth, gestational age at birth, and Cd in breast milk were investigated.

RESULTS

The rate of perterm deliveries of mothers with higher urinary Cd (> or =2 nmol/mmol creatinine (Cr)) was higher than that of mothers with lower urinary Cd (<2 nmol/mmol Cr). The gestational age was significantly correlated with urinary Cd even after adjustment for maternal age. The height and weight of newborn infants of mothers with higher urinary Cd were significantly lower than those of the newborn infants of mothers with lower urinary Cd, but these decreases were ascribed to early delivery induced by Cd. The Cd in breast milk of mothers with higher urinary Cd was significantly higher than that of mothers with lower urinary Cd. A significant positive correlation was found between maternal urinary Cd and Cd in breast milk.

CONCLUSION

Maternal exposure to Cd seems to increase early delivery, which leads to a lower birth weight. Also, the Cd is transferred in part to the next generation through breast milk after birth.