168FACTORS AFFECTING ON EMBRYO TRANSFER PREGNANCY RATES OF IN VITRO-PRODUCED BOVINE EMBRYOS

The objective of this study was to analyze factors affecting the pregnancy rates after transfer of IVF-derived Japanese Black embryos. Holstein cows and heifers (n=7250) were selected as recipients, and embryo transfers were performed for 3yr (between 1998 and 2000). The IVM-IVF procedure was performed according to a method previously described (Hamano S and Kuwayama M 1993 Theriogenology 39, 703–712). IVF-derived embryos that developed into expanded blastocysts (grade 1, manual of IETS) after 7 to 8 days (insemination=Day 0) were used for this study. Some of these embryos were frozen in TCM-199 supplemented with 1.4M glycerol, 20% calf serum, and 0.25M sucrose. The embryos were seeded at −6°C, held at −6°C for 10min, and then cooled to −25°C at a rate of 0.33°Cmin−1. Frozen embryos were thawed in a 30 to 35°C water bath after 10s of air thawing. Fresh (n=3952) or frozen-thawed (n=3298) embryos were nonsurgically transferred to recipients on Days 6 to 9 of the estrous cycle. Data collected at the time of embryo transfer included recipient parity (cow or heifer), whether recipient estrus was natural or synchronized with PGF2α, cloprostenol or CIDR, methods of estrous confirmation (showing standing heat, rectal palpation of ovary without standing heat, or showing only mucous vulvular discharge), number of examinations of the CL by palpation per rectum (twice on the day before embryo transfer and the day of embryo transfer, or once on the day of embryo transfer), type of embryos (fresh or frozen), and day of the estrous cycle at the time of embryo transfer. CATMOD procedures of SAS were used to determine the factors affecting the pregnancy rate. Overall pregnancy rates were 37.3% (n=2704). Whether recipient estrus was natural or synchronized and the type of embryos did not influence the pregnancy rates. Heifers had significantly higher pregnancy rates than cows (44.0% v. 33.0%, respectively, P<0.05). Pregnancy rates among the subset of heifers and cows showing standing heat were significantly higher than those showing only mucous vulvular discharge (39.5% v. 33.5%, respectively, P<0.05). Examining the CL twive had a significantly higher pregnancy rate than did a single examination of the CL (41.1% v. 35.6%, respectively, P<0.05). Pregnancy rate on Day 8 (38.4%, 1358/3533) of the estrous cycle at the time of embryo transfer was significantly higher than on Days 6 (27.7%, 23/83) and 7 (36.2%, 1235/3408) (P<0.05), and the pregnancy rate on Day 6 of the estrous cycle at the time of embryo transfer tended to be lower than on Day 9 (38.9%, 88/226) (P<0.08). These results demonstrate that confirming standing heat, performing CL examination twice before embryo transfer, freezing high quality embryos, and performing embryo transfers on Day 8 resulted in an improved pregnancy rate for the transfer of IVF-derived embryos.

B(0)-B(0) mixing in unquenched lattice QCD

We present an unquenched lattice calculation for the B(0)-B(0) transition amplitude. The calculation, carried out at an inverse lattice spacing 1/a=2.22(4) GeV, incorporates two flavors of dynamical quarks described by the O(a)-improved Wilson fermion action and heavy quarks described by nonrelativistic QCD. Particular attention is paid to the uncertainty that arises from the chiral extrapolation, especially the effect of pion loops, for light quarks, which we find could be sizable for the leptonic decay constant, whereas it is small for the B parameters. We obtain f(B(d))=191(10)(+12-22) MeV, f(B(s))/f(B(d))=1.13(3)(+13-2), B(B(d))(m(b))=0.836(27)(+56-62), B(B(s))/B(B(d))=1.017(16)(+56-17), and xi=1.14(3)(+13-2), where the first error is statistical, and the second is systematic, including uncertainties due to chiral extrapolation, finite lattice spacing, heavy quark expansion, and perturbative operator matching.

Three-dimensional white matter tractography by diffusion tensor imaging in ischaemic stroke involving the corticospinal tract

Diffusion tensor MR imaging (DTI) provides information on diffusion anisotropy, which can be expressed with three-dimensional (3D) white matter tractography. We used 3D white matter tractography to show the corticospinal tract in eight patients with acute or early subacute ischaemic stroke involving the posterior limb of the internal capsule or corona radiata and to assess involvement of the tract. Infarcts and the tract were shown simultaneously, providing information on their spatial relationships. In five of the eight patients, 3D fibre tract maps showed the corticospinal tract in close proximity to the infarct but not to pass through it. All these patients recovered well, with maximum improvement from the lowest score on manual muscle testing (MMT) up to the full score through rehabilitation. In the other three patients the corticospinal tract was shown running through the infarct; reduction in MMT did not necessarily improve favourably or last longer, other than in one patient. As 3D white matter tractography can show spatial relationships between the corticospinal tract and an infarct, it might be helpful in prognosis of gross motor function.

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

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

Voxel-based analysis of MRI reveals anterior cingulate gray-matter volume reduction in posttraumatic stress disorder due to terrorism

MRI studies using the manual tracing method have shown a smaller-than-normal hippocampal volume in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, these studies have yielded inconsistent results, and brain structures other than the hippocampus have not been well investigated. A recently developed, fully automated method called voxel-based morphometry enables an exploration of structural changes throughout the brain by applying statistical parametric mapping to high-resolution MRI. Here we first used this technology in patients with PTSD. Participants were 9 victims of the Tokyo subway sarin attack with PTSD and 16 matched victims of the same traumatic event without PTSD. The voxel-based morphometry showed a significant gray-matter volume reduction in the left anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in trauma survivors with PTSD compared with those without PTSD. The severity of the disorder was negatively correlated with the gray-matter volume of the left ACC in PTSD subjects. There were no significant differences in other gray-matter regions or any of the white-matter regions between two groups. The present study demonstrates evidence for structural abnormalities of ACC in patients with PTSD. Together with previous functional neuroimaging studies showing a dysfunction of this region, the present findings provide further support for the important role of ACC, which is pivotally involved in attention, emotional regulation, and conditioned fear, in the pathology of PTSD.

MR imaging of postischemic neuronal death in the substantia nigra and thalamus following middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats

The goal of this study was to investigate apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and T(2) relaxation time (T(2)) in the substantia nigra and thalamus after middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats. In the substantia nigra ipsilateral to infarct, ADC was significantly lower and T(2) was significantly higher on the third and fourth days, but they did not change significantly on the first, second, eighth and 15th days. In the ipsilateral thalamus, ADC and T(2) did not change significantly between the first and fourth days, but were significantly lower on the eighth and 15th days. This combination of MR findings suggested that secondary degeneration in the thalamus was different from that in the substantia nigra.

Diffusion-weighted MRI of subdural and epidural empyemas

We reviewed diffusion-weighted images (DWI) from eight patients with subdural and four with epidural empyemas to assess the possibility of differentiating between these lesions by DWI. The signal intensities of the empyemas on DWI, and maps of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were analysed in seven patients. In seven of the eight patients with subdural empyema, the lesions appeared as areas of high signal. The ADC maps confirmed that these areas were the result of restricted diffusion. (In the remaining patient, the lesion showed a mixture of high and low signal.) The epidural empyemas contained areas of low signal in all four patients; part of the empyema was isointense or gave high signal in two. DWI may be an adjunct to conventional sequences for differentiating between subdural and epidural empyemas.

Congestive heart failure is associated with the rate of bone loss

AIMS

To characterize relationships between mineral homeostasis, bone turnover, bone mass, and congestive heart failure (CHF), we evaluated 75 women with mild to moderate CHF.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We examined the association in annual rate of change in spinal bone mineral density (BMD) with polymorphism of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene. Compared with the control group, the CHF group had reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF: 68.2 +/- 7.5% vs. 60.2 +/- 12.9%; P = 0.0249), human atrial natriuretic peptide (hANP) was elevated (hANP: 10.7 +/- 4.7 pmol L-1 vs. 25.8 +/- 24.2 pmol L-1; P = 0.001) and had lower peak VO2 (22.3 +/- 7.5 mL kg-1 min-1 vs. 15.8 +/- 7.4 mL kg-1 min-1; P = 0.0429). The CHF patients with the VDR FF genotype had a significantly high annual rate of decrease in BMD. In the CHF patients with the VDR FF genotype, urinary calcium excretion (FECa) was elevated (1.40 +/- 0.91% vs. 2.39 +/- 1.40%; P = 0.028), and serum bone-type alkaline phosphatase (B-ALP) was reduced (62.6 +/- 13.7 IU L-1 vs. 47.0 +/- 18.6 IU L-1; P = 0.0123). Also, FECa was correlated positively with furosemide dose (R = 0.881; P = 0.0087) and hANP concentrations (R = 0.635; P = 0.0147) and negatively with DeltaBMD (R = 0.72; P = 0.044) in the CHF patients with the VDR FF genotype.

CONCLUSION

The CHF patients with the VDR FF genotype have higher rates of bone loss. These patients may need to increase their calcium intake and BMD may need to be followed more carefully over time.

Detection of Legionella DNA by PCR of whole-blood samples in a mouse model

A detection system for Legionella DNA in blood samples based on the PCR was developed and evaluated in A/J mice with experimentally induced Legionella pneumonia. Primers were designed to amplify a 106 bp DNA fragment of the 16S rRNA gene specific to Legionella species. The PCR system could detect clinically relevant Legionella species including Legionella pneumophila, Legionella micdadei, Legionella bozemanae, Legionella dumoffii, Legionella longbeachae, Legionella gormanii and Legionella jordanis. The sensitivity of the PCR system was 20 fg extracted DNA. In the mouse model, the blood PCR was compared with results obtained by PCR on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples, cultures of blood and BALF and detection of Legionella urinary antigen. Blood PCR was positive until 8 days after infection, while BALF PCR became negative on day 4. These results indicate that PCR using blood samples may be a useful, convenient and non-invasive method for the diagnosis of Legionella pneumonia.

Prognostic significance of dysadherin expression in advanced colorectal carcinoma

A novel glycoprotein, dysadherin, has an anti-cell - cell adhesion function through downregulating E-cadherin. In this study, we investigated the expressions of dysadherin and E-cadherin in 82 patients with stage II and III colorectal carcinomas to determine the correlation between the two molecules and the clinicopathologic features of each tumour. Dysadherin was not expressed in normal colorectal epithelium. Fifty-one per cent of tumours showed dysadherin immunopositivity in over 50% of cancer cells. Thirty-eight per cent of tumours showed reduced E-cadherin immunopositivity. The increased expression of dysadherin was significantly associated with lung metastasis (P=0.003). The increased expression of dysadherin had a significant impact on patient survival (P=0.0099 and 0.0036, log-rank test for overall and recurrence-free survival rate, respectively). Furthermore, tumour with increased expression of dysadherin and reduced expression of E-cadherin showed the worst prognosis (P=0.0043 and 0.0028, log-rank test for overall and recurrence-free survival rate, respectively). These results suggest that increased dysadherin expression is a significant indicator of poor prognosis for patients with advanced colorectal carcinoma.

Indications of neutrino oscillation in a 250 km long-baseline experiment

The K2K experiment observes indications of neutrino oscillation: a reduction of nu(mu) flux together with a distortion of the energy spectrum. Fifty-six beam neutrino events are observed in Super-Kamiokande (SK), 250 km from the neutrino production point, with an expectation of 80.1(+6.2)(-5.4). Twenty-nine one ring mu-like events are used to reconstruct the neutrino energy spectrum, which is better matched to the expected spectrum with neutrino oscillation than without. The probability that the observed flux at SK is explained by statistical fluctuation without neutrino oscillation is less than 1%.

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

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

Mitochondrial 5178A/C genotype is associated with acute myocardial infarction

A single nucleotide polymorphism of mitochondrial 5178A/C, causing a Met to Leu replacement within the NADH dehydrogenase subunit, is reported to be associated with longevity. The purpose of the present study was to assess the contribution of mitochondrial polymorphisms, particularly the 5178A/C genotype, to the susceptibility to acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in a Japanese study population. There were 4 groups: 150 patients with AMI, 150 with essential hypertension, 100 with diabetes mellitus, and 150 subjects matched for age and sex who served as the control group. Mitochondrial 5178A/C was detected by the polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism method. The allelic frequency of 5178C was significantly higher in the AMI group than in the control group, and this difference was more marked in younger patients. There were differences in allelic frequencies among the essential hypertension group, diabetes mellitus group and control group, but a higher frequency of the C allele was seen in the AMI group compared with the essential hypertension and diabetes mellitus groups. This particular polymorphism was found to be associated with development of AMI, especially in younger patients and constitutes a new risk factor for AMI.

Detection of peritoneal micrometastases by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction targeting carcinoembryonic antigen and cytokeratin 20 in colon cancer patients

Peritoneal recurrence after curative resection of malignant tumor with negative cytology is considered to be caused by microscopic dissemination of the exfoliated cancer cells from primary tumors to serosal surfaces at the time of operation, not detectable with conventional diagnostic tools. We applied the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cytokeratin 20 (CK 20) to detect micrometastatic foci in the peritoneal cavity of colon cancer patients. Cytological samples taken by peritoneal lavage from a series of 79 colon cancer patients were analyzed microscopically, for CEA levels, and by RT-PCR analysis using nested primers for CEA and CK 20. Cases with both CEA and CK 20 signals were defined as PCR-positive. This RT-PCR method proved both sensitive (1 tumor cell/10(6) non-tumor cells on preparation of serial colorectal cancer cell dilutions) and specific (no false positive results, 0/23 tested in our control experiment). Intraperitoneal micrometastatic cells were detected in peritoneal lavage 7.6% by cytology, 17.7% by CEA levels, and 24.1% by RT-PCR (significantly higher than by cytology: p=0.0046). RT-PCR detection rate increased in parallel with pathological depth of tumor invasion, and also a pathological stage-dependence was suggested according to the tumor-node-metastasis classification of the International Union Against Cancer. Our results suggest that CEA and CK 20 mRNA identification by RT-PCR appeared to be reliable and may be useful for early diagnosis in peritoneal dissemination of colon cancer.

Association of polymorphisms of the renin-angiotensin system and bradykinin B2 receptor with ACE-inhibitor-related cough

The use of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors to treat hypertension has recently increased. However, their use is associated with a persistent dry cough in a significant percentage of such patients. The present study was designed to assess the contribution of polymorphisms as a genetic marker of ACE-inhibitor-related cough in a Japanese hypertensive population. Genotyping was carried out in 190 patients, 70 with cough and 120 without cough, who had been treated with ACE inhibitors. Polymorphisms of ACE insertion/deletion (I/D), angiotensin II type 1 receptor (1166A/C), type 2 receptor (3123C/A), and bradykinin B2 receptor (-58T/C, exon 1, I/D), were analyzed in these subjects. The TT genotype and T allele of bradykinin B2 receptor (-58T/C) were identified at a significantly higher frequency in the cough (+) patients than in the cough (-) patients. This difference was even more pronounced in women. However, there was no significant relationship between polymorphisms of ACE, angiotensin II receptors, or bradykinin B2 receptor exon 1, and occurrence of ACE-inhibitor-related cough. The transcriptional activity of the bradykinin B2 receptor promoter is involved in the occurrence of cough, and this new marker may provide a valuable tool to detect patients at risk of developing this side effect of ACE inhibitors. In conclusion, Susceptibility to develop cough is associated with a genetic variant of the bradykinin B2 receptor promoter; thus, it may be possible to identify those patients who will develop this adverse reaction to ACE inhibitors in advance.

1H-MR spectroscopy and gray matter volume of the anterior cingulate cortex in schizophrenia

Schizophrenic and normal control subjects were examined using both H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and structural MR imaging, in order to accurately assess the partial volume within the spectroscopic volume of interest (VOI) in the anterior cingulate cortex. The gray matter volume within VOI correlated positively with the N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA) to choline (Cho) ratio in schizophrenics only, not in controls. Schizophrenic patients had a reduced NAA/Cho ratio and an elevated Cho/creatine ratio compared to controls after the partial volume effect was eliminated. There was a significant negative correlation between the NAA/Cho ratio and the severity of blunted affect symptom in schizophrenics. These results provide further support to the idea that the measures of H-MRS indicate not only neuronal loss but also neuronal dysfunction in schizophrenia.

Hemorrhagic brain metastases with high signal intensity on diffusion-weighted MR images. A case report

Diffusion-weighted MR imaging has been applicable to the differential diagnosis of abscesses and necrotic or cystic brain tumors. However, restricted water diffusion is not necessarily specific for brain abscess. We describe ring-enhancing metastases of lung carcinoma characterized by high signal intensity on diffusion-weighted MR images. The signal pattern probably reflected intralesional hemorrhage. The present report adds to the growing literature regarding the differential diagnosis of ring-enhancing brain lesions.

Hemorrhagic brain metastases with high signal intensity on diffusion-weighted MR images. A case report

Diffusion-weighted MR imaging has been applicable to the differential diagnosis of abscesses and necrotic or cystic brain tumors. However, restricted water diffusion is not necessarily specific for brain abscess. We describe ring-enhancing metastases of lung carcinoma characterized by high signal intensity on diffusion-weighted MR images. The signal pattern probably reflected intralesional hemorrhage. The present report adds to the growing literature regarding the differential diagnosis of ring-enhancing brain lesions.

[Seven cases of remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pitting edema (RS3PE) syndrome]

Among the elderly patients with seronegative polyarthritis, McCarty et al. (1985) proposed a disease entity of "remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pitting edema (RS3PE) syndrome", but only a few cases have been reported in Japan. Here we report 7 cases suspicious of RS3PE syndrome, 2 men and 5 women with an average age of 75.9 years, ranging from 67-82 years. Their common findings were (1) relatively acute onset, (2) polyarthritis, (3) pitting edema of the dorsum of both hands and both feet, and (4) negative rheumatoid factor and antinuclear antibody. McCarty et al. found that RS3 PE syndrome was more prevalent in men; however, in our experience, the opposite was observed. The clinical courses of all patients were good, and they were effectively treated either by small dosages of oral prednisolone, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, or Chinese herbal (Kampo) medicines. Since this syndrome might not be rare in Japan, it seems necessary to evaluate elderly patients with seronegative polyarthritis with pitting edema as RS3PE syndrome in their routine medical examinations.

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging of dural sinus thrombosis

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

Evaluation of gastric emptying measured with the 13C-octanoic acid breath test in patients with functional dyspepsia: comparison with ultrasonography

BACKGROUND

As a non-invasive modality by which to evaluate the gastric emptying of a solid meal, the 13C-octanoic acid breath test has recently become more widely used. Previously, we reported that ultrasonography was another non-invasive and reliable method for assessing gastric motility. The aim of this study was to compare the reliability of these two methods.

METHODS

Seventeen patients with functional dyspepsia and 10 healthy volunteers were studied. The solid test meal consisted of a scrambled egg labeled with 13C-octanoic acid (100 mg) and served with a bowl of rice and boiled chicken (total 424 kcal). After ingestion of the test meal, all subjects were examined in the sitting position. Ultrasonography images were obtained every 15 min for 3 h. Breath sampling followed the same time schedule as for the ultrasonography, with an additional 3 h of sampling at 30-min intervals. We investigated the half emptying time (T1/2) and the lag phase with both methods.

RESULTS

The T1/2 by the ultrasonography method and the breath test were positively correlated (r2 = 0.638); however, there was no significant agreement between the study groups. Both the T1/2 and the lag phase were prolonged in the functional dyspepsia patients compared with the healthy volunteers, regardless of the method of measurement. The lag phase was significantly correlated (r2=0.864) with the T1/2 by the breath test.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the 13C-octanoic acid breath test cannot assess the gastric emptying of solids as reliably as ultrasonography, both tests are useful for evaluating functional dyspepsia patients with delayed gastric emptying.

Neuropsychological changes after surgical treatment for temporal lobe epilepsy

PURPOSE

The effect of unilateral temporal lobectomy on seizure frequency is well recognized, but little is known about the neuropsychological changes that occur after surgical treatment. We assessed neuropsychological status in 26 patients with an average age of 35 years before and after unilateral temporal lobectomy for medically intractable TLE.

METHODS

Neuropsychological examination to assess cognitive function, memory, attention, visuospatial analysis, language, and emotional functions was performed preoperatively and at 1 month and 1 year after the surgery.

RESULTS

At both 1 month and 1 year after the surgery, the patients had improved scores, compared with the preoperative scores, on the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R: verbal IQ, performance IQ, and full-scale IQ), Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised (WMS-R: verbal, general, and delayed paired associates memory), and Raven Colored Progressive Matrices. In the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), significant decreases were observed at 1 year after the surgery in the scores for infrequency, hypochondriasis, psychasthenia, and schizophrenia. Patients in whom the seizures had been relieved postoperatively also had improved scores on the WAIS-R, WMS-R, and Raven Colored Progressive Matrices.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that neuropsychological improvement postoperatively is influenced by the reduction in the frequency of seizures after surgery.

Chemiluminescence of superoxide generated by Candida albicans: differential effects of the superoxide generator paraquat on a wild-type strain and a respiratory mutant

We previously reported that a respiration-competent parent strain (K) of Candida albicans was more susceptible to the intracellular superoxide radical (O2-) generator paraquat (PQ) than was a respiration-deficient mutant (KRD-19), although both showed a similar sensitivity to extracellularly generated O2-. To clarify the cause of the differential PQ lethality, we developed a chemiluminescence method for measuring O2- generated by C. albicans cells by using the probe methyl-Cypridina-luciferin analogue (MCLA), and examined the effects of PQ on O2- generation in both parent and mutant strains. Endogenous O2- generation without stimulation by PQ was unexpectedly low in both strains. PQ-induced O2- generation in the parent strain was maximal in logarithmic phase cells and lowered in stationary phase cells. In contrast, O2- generation in the mutant remained low throughout the growth phase, even when stimulated by PQ. The extent of PQ-induced O2- generation in the parent strain depended on the carbon source added to the assay mixture; in decreasing order, glucose, glycerol, no carbon source. The inhibitor of the cytochrome respiratory chain, antimycin A, suppressed almost completely the PQ-induced O2- generation in the parent strain. It has been established that PQ is converted to its radical form (PQ+) by receiving a single electron in cells. PQ+ then reduces molecular oxygen to O2- by redox cycling. Thus, the high tolerance to PQ of the respiration-deficient mutant can be explained by minimal PQ+/O2- production due to the limited supply of electrons from the impaired respiratory system.

[The ubiquitin-proteasome system and neurodegeneration]

Many studies have suggested the ubiquitin-proteasome system played an essential role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders. In 1999, we provided evidence that a mutation of the system could directly cause neurodegeneration using the gad mouse. Namely, we identified the gad mutation was caused by an intragenic deletion of a gene encoding ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase 1(UCH-L1), which is a member of de-ubiquitinating enzyme family. In human, missense mutation of UCH-L1 gene was reported in a German family with Parkinson's disease. As well, the parkin gene product was revealed to be an E3 ubiquitin ligase which recognize a form of alpha-synuclein as a substrate. Thus, the investigation of the ubiquitin-proteasome system should provide a clue for understanding neurodegeneration. We have characterized UCH-L1 and identified candidates of endogenous substrates as well as interacting proteins of UCH-L1. In addition, we found amount of monomeric ubiquitin was decreased in the brain of the gad mouse compared with wild type mice. We have also tried to develop "protein therapy" using UCH-L1 protein with TAT sequence. We observed the protein was delivered to brain after intraperitoneal injection in the wild type mouse. This approach would provide a new therapeutic strategy for neurodegeneration.

Clinical study of transitional cell carcinoma of the prostate associated with bladder transitional cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Transitional cell carcinoma of the prostate in patients with bladder cancer appears to influence the prognosis and affects the decision about therapeutic modality. Therefore, it is important to characterize transitional cell carcinoma associated with bladder cancer.

METHODS

From April 1980 to December 1998, 81 male patients underwent total cystoprostatectomies for transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. The 81 cystoprostatectomy specimens were examined to clarify the characteristics of prostatic involvement by transitional cell carcinoma. The extent, origin, mode of spread and risk factor of prostatic involvement as well as the prognosis were investigated. In 13 of 15 patients with prostatic involvement the prostate was examined by sequential step sections.

RESULTS

Prostatic involvement was observed in 15 of 81 patients (18.5%). Prostatic urethral involvement, invasion to prostatic duct/acinus, prostatic stromal invasion and extraprostatic extension and/or seminal vesicle involvement were recognized in 12 (80%), 14 (93.3%), six (40%), and five (33.3%) of the 15 patients, respectively. Twelve of the 15 patients (80%) with prostatic involvement had papillary or non-papillary tumors (i.e. carcinoma in situ) both in the prostatic urethra and prostatic duct. In 10 of these 12 patients (88.3%), there was contiguity between prostatic urethral and ductal tumors. Seven of the 23 patients (30.4%) with carcinoma in situ of the bladder showed prostatic involvement, which increased to 50% in the presence of carcinoma in situ of the trigone or bladder neck.

CONCLUSIONS

Eighty per cent of the patients with prostatic involvement showed papillary or non-papillary tumors both in the prostatic urethra and prostatic duct. There was a high level of contiguity between both tumors. Patients with carcinoma in situ of the trigone or bladder neck revealed significantly higher incidence of prostatic involvement.

Role of T cells in development of chronic pancreatitis in male Wistar Bonn/Kobori rats: effects of tacrolimus

We assessed T cell association with acinar cell apoptosis and a preventive effect of tacrolimus, a T cell suppressant, on the development of chronic pancreatitis in male Wistar Bonn/Kobori rats. At 15 wk, cellular infiltrates composed of F4/80-positive cells (monocytes/macrophages), CD4-positive cells, and CD8-positive cells were extensive in the interlobular connective tissue and parenchyma. In particular, CD8-positive cells invaded pancreatic lobules and formed close associations with acinar cells, some of which demonstrated features of apoptosis. At 20 wk, CD8-positive cells were still abundant in the fibrotic tissue formed with loss of acinar cells. Repeated subcutaneous injection of 0.1 mg x kg(-1) x day(-1) but not 0.025 mg x kg(-1) x day(-1) of tacrolimus for 10 wk completely prevented the occurrence of acinar cell apoptosis, infiltration of CD4- and CD8-positive cells, and development of pancreatitis at the age of 20 wk, but these maneuvers did not recover the decreased plasma corticosterone levels, which may be responsible for the development of disease. We demonstrated that T cells, possibly CD8-positive cells, are involved in inducing apoptosis of acinar cells, raising the possibility that tacrolimus might find clinical application in the treatment of autoimmune chronic pancreatitis.

Lembehyne A, a spongean polyacetylene, induces neuronal differentiation in neuroblastoma cell

Lembehyne A (LB-A), a spongean polyacetylene, induced neuronal cell differentiation in a neuroblastoma cell line, Neuro 2A. The LB-A treatment of Neuro 2A cells predominantly resulted in a morphological change with bipolar neurites. The acetylcholinesterase activity of Neuro 2A was also increased by the treatment of LB-A. Furthermore, the cell cycle of Neuro 2A cells was found to be specifically blocked at the G1 phase by LB-A. The structure-activity relationship study using the LB-A analogues revealed the importance of the terminal 1-yn-3-ol and unsaturated long-chain alkyl moieties for the neuronal differentiation activity of LB-A.

Observation of a (6)(LambdaLambda)He double hypernucleus

A double-hyperfragment event has been found in a hybrid-emulsion experiment. It is identified uniquely as the sequential decay of ( 6)(LambdaLambda)He emitted from a Xi(-) hyperon nuclear capture at rest. The mass of ( 6)(LambdaLambda)He and the Lambda-Lambda interaction energy DeltaB(LambdaLambda) have been measured for the first time devoid of the ambiguities due to the possibilities of excited states. The value of DeltaB(LambdaLambda) is 1.01+/-0.20(+0.18)(-0.11) MeV. This demonstrates that the Lambda-Lambda interaction is weakly attractive.

[The false positive reaction of the Triage panel drug-of-abuse by herbal drugs ma-huang (Ephedra sinica (Ephedraceae))]

We investigated false-positive reactions obtained from a drug screening test using a Triage panel. We detected 2 cases giving false-positive reaction for AMP (amphetamine, methamphetamine) during the screening of 187 normal subjects. Subsequent follow up testing by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), showed both to be false-positive reactions. As both cases have a history of ingesting the herbal drug, Ma-huang (Ephedra sinica (Ephedraceae)), containing ephedrine, we examined the relationship between false-positive reactions on Triage and Ma-huang. All urine samples collected from 7 healthy volunteers following administration of Ma-huang indicated AMP positive on Triage. Also a high ratio of AMP positives was observed in the patients who were administered Ma-huang-containing drugs at the hospital. However, none of them were identified as true-positives by HPLC or gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis. The extract of Ma-huang contained in herbal drugs, which otherwise contain neither amphetamine nor its derivatives, gives (AMP) positive indications on Triage. We speculate that unidentified components of Ma-huang cause the false-positive reactions. We suggest that follow-up tests by GC/MS or HPLC are needed wherever a positive result is obtained from a screening test by Triage. Furthermore, it will be established to continue collecting information on prescribed and non-prescribed drugs.

[Clinical efficacy of leuprolide acetate and combined treatment with estramustine for advanced prostate cancer]

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Twenty-two institutes have organized Keio University Prostate Cancer Study Group to study clinical efficacy and safety of Leuprolide acetate (Leuplin) for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer (clinical stage D1 and D2). Cotreatment of Leuplin and Estramustine phosphate disodium (Estracyt) has been performed to investigate its clinical efficacy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and two cases of advanced prostate cancer were treated either with Leuplin alone (group I), Leuplin and Estracyt (group II) or Estracyt alone (group III). After 12 weeks treatment, clinical effects against subjective symptoms (pain, voiding difficulty, performance status and body weight), serum testosterone level, tumor size and serum PSA level were examined to investigate short-term effect of each treatment. The treatment had been continued for 24 months and the treatment effects including progression free survival and overall survival were analyzed.

RESULTS

Clinical efficacy after 12 weeks treatment were examined among 97 cases (group I; 35 cases, group II; 36 cases, group III; 26 cases). The background of those patients in each group was statistically equal. Treatment effects against subjective symptoms and serum testosterone level statistically revealed no significant difference among 3 groups. Treatment effects against primary tumor, bone metastatic lesion, lymphnode metastatic lesion and serum PSA level were investigated and anti-tumor effect was characterized by total efficacy rate (complete remission rate plus partial remission rate) of each treatment group. Treatment efficacy rates for each lesion and PSA demonstrated no statistical difference among 3 treatment groups. Total efficacy rate of group I, II and III were 88.2%, 84.0% and 78.3%, respectively, which statistically revealed no significant difference. Total efficacy rate of each group after completing 24 months treatment was; group I 80.0%, group II 55.6% and group III 83.3%, which statistically showed no significant difference among 3 treatment groups. The median day for progression free survival of group I, II and III were 661, 731 and 517, respectively. The overall survival rate of group I, II and III after completing 24 months treatment were 77.5%, 83.0% and 72.4%, respectively. Both progression free survival rates and overall survival rates revealed no significant difference among 3 groups. Side effects during 24 months treatment were seen in 8.6% of group I, 47.2% of group II and 26.9% of group III, and these occurrence rates were significantly different among the groups (p = 0.0013).

CONCLUSION

Although number of the cases had not been able to continue the treatment for their side effects, the statistical characterization demonstrated that cotreatment of Leuplin and Estracyt had no greater treatment effect than monotreatment of each drug.

Mouse neurotensin receptor 2 gene (Ntsr2): genomic organization, transcriptional regulation and genetic mapping on chromosome 12

We earlier isolated and characterized the mouse neurotensin receptor 1 (Ntsr1) gene and developed Ntsr1 null mice. In the present study, we isolated the mouse neurotensin receptor 2 gene (Ntsr2) and characterized the structure. The gene fragments available to us have 1.1 kb of 5' upstream promoter region and a 7 kb coding region composed of four exons. Transcription initiation sites, determined by primer extension analysis, are located at 286 and 303 bp upstream from initiation of the ATG codon. The promoter region contains a TATA-like box, a typical CAAT box and putative GATA-2, CREB, Oct-2 and Ikarous 2 binding elements. We also found novel splice donor-acceptor sites for alternative splicing, which could generate a short form of mRNA encoding a truncate-type receptor. In addition, we determined the chromosomal location of the Ntsr2 gene and mapped it at 6 cM from the centromere on chromosome 12.

Novel neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) selective inhibitor, aplysinopsin-type indole alkaloid, from marine sponge Hyrtios erecta

Two novel aplysinopsin-type indole alkaloids, 1 and 2, and three known indole alkaloids were isolated from the marine sponge Hyrtios erecta. These compounds exhibited selective inhibitory activity against the neuronal isozyme of nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). Furthermore, new quinolone 7 was also isolated from the same marine sponge. The chemical structures of these new compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis.

A solid cystic tumor of the pancreas with ossification and possible malignancy, coexisting nonfusion of the pancreatic ducts

We report the case of a 34-year-old woman with a solid cystic tumor (SCT) of the pancreas accompanied by ossification and possible malignancy, coexisting nonfusion of the pancreatic ducts. There was a 24 x 29 x 33-mm mass with a prominent calcified lesion in the tail of the pancreas detected by abdominal ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. There were no distal metastases detected. Endoscopic retrograde pancreatography revealed nonfusion of the pancreatic ducts. The resected tumor consisted of solid and cystic components. The tumor was not encapsulated and included a severely ossified lesion inside. On microscopy, the tumor cells were small, eosinophilic, and proliferated in a solid or pseudo-papillary pattern. The tumor cells infiltrated into the surrounding normal pancreas parenchyma and invaded part of the mesentery. The immunostaining was positive for alpha-1-antitrypsin, neuron-specific enolase, vimentin, and chromogranin A. In the literature, only a few cases of SCT of the pancreas described ossification. As far as we know, only three cases of SCT of the pancreas, which demonstrated nonfusion of the pancreatic ducts, have been reported. Thus, SCT of the pancreas with ossification, possible malignancy, and coexisting nonfusion of the pancreatic ducts is extremely rare.

Pharmacokinetic studies of Gln117 tissue-type plasminogen activator in rats

Gln117 t-PA is a mutant type of tissue-type plasminogen activator (mt-PA), which is generated by the removal of a high mannose oligosaccharide resulting from the mutation of amino acid #117, from asparagine (Asn) to glutamine (Gln). The plasma concentration, distribution, metabolism and excretion of Gln117 t-PA were investigated after a single intravenous administration of 125I-Gln117 t-PA or Gln117 t-PA, comparing with wild-type t-PA (WT t-PA). The plasma concentration of Gln117 t-PA decreased more slowly than that of WT t-PA, plasma clearance (CL(p)), and that of Gln117 t-PA in rats was approximately 2.6 times lower than that of WT t-PA. The highest radioactivity was found in the liver at 5 min after intravenous administration of [125I]Gln117 t-PA to rats, but the radioactivity in the liver was lower than that after intravenous administration of [125I]WT t-PA in our previous paper. Within 288 h after intravenous administration of [125I]Gln117 t-PA to rats, 88.5 and 5.5% of administered radioactivity were excreted into urine and feces, respectively. In a gel-filtration chomatographic (GFC) analysis of plasma, Gln117 t-PA formed complexes with plasma proteins, similarly to WT t-PA. The hepatic clearance (CL(hep)) of both t-PAs was evaluated by comparing the plasma concentration after a constant intravenous infusion with that after a constant intraportal venous infusion. The CL(hep) of Gln117 t-PA was 6.5 times lower than that of WT t-PA. These results indicate that the low uptake of Gln117 t-PA to the liver reduces CL(p) compared with WT t-PA.

Two-dimensional thick-slice MR digital subtraction angiography for assessment of cerebrovascular occlusive diseases

Although spatial resolution of current MR angiography is excellent, temporal resolution has remained unsatisfactory. We evaluated clinical applicability of 2D thick-slice, contrast-enhanced subtraction MR angiography (2D-MR digital subtraction angiography) with sub-second temporal resolution in cerebrovascular occlusive diseases. Twenty-five patients with cerebrovascular occlusive diseases (8 moyamoya diseases, 10 proximal internal carotid occlusions, and 2 sinus thromboses ) were studied with a 1.5-T MR unit. The MR digital subtraction angiography (MRDSA) was performed per 0.97 s continuously just after a bolus injection of 15 ml of gadolinium chelates up to 40 s in sagittal (covering hemisphere) or coronal planes. Subtraction images were generated at a workstation. We evaluated imaging quality and hemodynamic information of MRDSA in comparison with those of routine MR imaging, non-contrast MR angiography, and X-ray intra-arterial DSA. Major cerebral arteries, all of the venous sinuses, and most tributaries were clearly visualized with 2D MRDSA. Also, pure arterial phases were obtained in all cases. The MRDSA technique demonstrated prolonged circulation in sinus thromboses, distal patent lumen of proximal occlusion, and some collateral circulation. Such hemodynamic information was comparable to that of intra-arterial DSA. Two-dimensional thick-slice MRDSA with high temporal resolution has a unique ability to demonstrate cerebral hemodynamics equivalent to that of intra-arterial DSA and may play an important role for evaluation of cerebrovascular occlusive diseases.

Chemistry of zinc(II) fluorophore sensors

The biological role of the zinc(II) ion has been recognized in DNA and RNA synthesis, apoptosis, gene expression, or protein structure and function. Therefore, development of useful zinc(II) sensors has recently been attracting much interest. Chemistry for selective and efficient detection of trace Zn2+ is a central issue. Recently, various types of zinc-fluorophores are emerging, comprising bio-inspired aromatic sulfonamide derivatives, zinc-finger peptides attached to fluorescent dyes, or fluorophore-pendant macrocyclic polyamines. The chemical principles, properties and limitations of these Zn2+-fluorophores are discussed.

An exact test for the association between the disease and alleles at highly polymorphic loci with particular interest in the haplotype analysis

The association analysis between the disease and genetic alleles is one of the simple methods for localizing the susceptibility locus in the genes. For revealing the association, several statistical tests have been proposed without discussing explicitly the alternative hypotheses. We therefore specify two types of alternative hypotheses (i.e., there is only one susceptibility allele in the locus, and there is an extension or shortening of alleles associated with the disease) and derive exact tests for the respective hypotheses. We also propose to combine these two tests when the prior knowledge is not sufficient enough to specify one of these two hypotheses. In particular, these ideas are extended to the haplotype analysis of three-way association between the disease and bivariate allele frequencies at two closely linked loci. As a by-product, a factorization of the probability distribution of the three-way cell frequencies under the null hypothesis of no three-way interaction is obtained.

Synthesis and evaluation of various layered octacalcium phosphates by wet-chemical processing

Octacalcium phosphate was synthesized by hydrolysis of alpha-tricalcium phosphate through a wet-chemical processing. Using the same wet-chemical processing in presence of various succinate ions, the preparation of some complexed octacalcium phosphates was attempted. The products were examined by X-ray diffraction method. These complexed octacalcium phosphates intercalated with succinic acid, L-asparatic acid, and methyl succinic acid showed an expanded basal spacing in the octacalcium phosphate unit cell dimensions. The microstructure was observed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy.