Transformation of cubic symmetry for spherical microdomains from face-centred to body-centred cubic upon uniaxial elongation in an elastomeric triblock copolymer

Experimental observation of the transformation of cubic symmetry from face-centred cubic (f.c.c.) to body-centred cubic (b.c.c.) for spherical microdomains upon uniaxial stretching of poly(1,3-cyclohexadiene)-block-poly(ethylene-co-but-1-ene)-block-poly(1,3-cyclohexadiene) triblock copolymer, having φPCHD= 0.293,Mn= 5.73 × 104,Mw/Mn= 1.09, is reported. First, the sample was subjected to flow treatment at 493 K for 2 h; then it was annealed at 473 K for 2 h to prepare the f.c.c. structure. The sample was subsequently subjected to uniaxial stretching. After the load was completely removed, small-angle X-ray scattering measurements were conducted. It was found that the f.c.c. packing was transformed to the well ordered b.c.c. packing upon uniaxial stretching.

Distinct methylated profiles in Helicobacter pylori dependent and independent gastric MALT lymphomas

BACKGROUND

Gastric mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphomas are clinically subdivided into Helicobacter pylori dependent and independent, according to H. pylori infection and the therapeutic course. In previous reports it has been suggested that H. pylori independent cases develop from H. pylori dependent cases, and sometimes transform into high grade diffuse large B cell lymphomas (DLBCLs).

METHODS

To better understand the pathogenesis of H. pylori dependent and independent MALT lymphomas, we analysed the methylation profiles of eight independent CpG islands, including p15, p16, p73, hMLH1, death associated protein kinase, MINT1, MINT2, and MINT31 in H. pylori dependent and independent MALT lymphomas, DLBCLs, and H. pylori associated chronic gastritis.

RESULTS

We first confirmed that H. pylori independent cases had a high incidence of t(11;18)(q21;q21) (4/8 cases) and aberrant BCL10 expression (7/8 cases) compared with H. pylori dependent cases and gastric DLBCLs. In the methylation pattern study, all 13 H. pylori dependent MALT lymphomas had more than four methylated loci while H. pylori independent cases had less than two. According to the previous criterion, all H. pylori dependent MALT lymphomas (13/13, 100%) and five of 10 (50%) DLBCLs were classified as CpG island methylator phenotype positive (CIMP+). In contrast, all H. pylori independent MALT lymphomas were CIMP-.

CONCLUSION

The distinct methylation pattern together with lack of chromosomal translocation in H. pylori dependent MALT lymphomas suggest that H. pylori dependent and independent MALT lymphomas have a different pathogenesis.

Expression of wnt signaling molecules in the synovial membranes of rabbit ankle joints injected with Enterococcus faecalis cell fractions

Abstract The cell adhesion molecule β-catenin mediates the transduction of wnt signals to various downstream events such as gene expression, cell proliferation, and cell adhesion. In this study, the results of reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) amplification showed that wnt1 and β-catenin expression increased in response to E. faecalis, and that the increases in wnt1 and β-catenin activated transcription of cyclin D1. Immunohistochemistry also showed that stimulating wnt1 with E. faecalis cell fractions leads to the stabilization and accumulation of β-catenin in the synovial membrane. On the other hand, the results of RT-PCR showed overexpression of various inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1-β, TGF-β, TNF-α, and IL-6, in the synovial membrane of joints injected with E. faecalis cell fractions. These findings suggest that expression of cyclin D1 is strongly dependent on β-catenin/Tcf and has a direct effect on the proliferation of synoviocytes, such as IL-1-β and TGF-β, that leads to inhibition of Fas-antigen-mediated apoptosis of synovial cells.

Pupal commitment and its hormonal control in wing imaginal discs

The timing of pupal commitment of the forewing imaginal discs of the silkworm, Bombyx mori, was determined by a transplantation assay using fourth instar larvae. The wing discs were not pupally committed at the time of ecdysis to the fifth instar. Pupal commitment began shortly after the ecdysis and was completed in 14 h. When the discs of newly molted larvae (0-h discs) were cultured in medium containing no hormone, they were pupally committed in 26 h. In vitro exposure of 0-h discs to 20-hydroxyecdysone accelerated the progression of pupal commitment. Methoprene, a juvenile hormone analog (JHA), did not suppress the change in commitment in vitro at physiological concentrations. Thus the wing discs at the time of the molt have lost their sensitivity to JH, and 20E is not a prerequisite for completion of pupal commitment. These results suggest that the change in commitment in the forewing discs may begin before the last larval molt.

The measurement of shoulder alignment in cricket fast bowling

The aim of this study was to compare thoracic spine alignment with two- and three-dimensional calculations of shoulder alignment (defined as a line joining the acromion processes of the right and left scapula) when all measures were projected onto the transverse plane. A six-camera Vicon system was used to reconstruct three markers positioned on the plane of the thorax such that the orthogonal vector to the thoracic spine, projected onto the transverse plane, was used as a virtual shoulder alignment during cricket fast bowling. This same measurement system was used to calculate the three-dimensional line between the acromion processes projected onto the transverse plane. These acromion markers were also used to calculate the two-dimensional transverse plane alignment of the shoulders from images recorded by a video camera positioned above ball release. All cameras operated at 50 Hz. A significant association was recorded between thorax alignment and the three- (0.97) and two-dimensional (0.87) shoulder alignment estimations at back-foot impact. The strength of association remained at front-foot impact, when correlations of 0.89 (three-dimensional) and 0.84 (two-dimensional) were recorded. However, at ball release, non-significant associations of 0.58 (three-dimensional) and 0.41 (two-dimensional), representing shoulder alignment differences of approximately 10 degrees, were recorded. The 95% limits of agreement comparisons for shoulder alignment at back-foot impact, front-foot impact and ball release produced mean random errors for the two comparisons of 9.5 degrees, 11.7 degrees and 22.5 degrees respectively. Three- and two-dimensional transverse plane projections of shoulder alignment are reasonable estimates of thorax alignment at back-foot impact and front-foot impact but not at ball release.

Clinical study comparing bleeding and nonbleeding rectal varices

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Although rectal varices constitute an important cause of lower digestive tract bleeding in patients with portal hypertension, the etiology and pathology of rectal varices remains controversial, and adequate treatment for rectal varices has yet to be established. In this study, we evaluated rectal varices to identify any common characteristics of varices which are susceptible to hemorrhage.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The patients included 40 individuals with rectal varices among 425 patients with portal hypertension who had been treated in our institution. We retrospectively examined patient data regarding underlying hepatic diseases, hepatic function and endoscopic findings with regard to varices.

RESULTS

Bleeding from rectal varices occurred in 15 of the 40 patients. Although the prevalence of hemorrhage tended to increase with exacerbation of hepatic dysfunction, no significant differences were found. Similarly, although the incidence of hemorrhage tended to be somewhat higher in patients who had undergone any treatment for complicated esophageal varices than in patients who had not, no significant difference was found. The prevalence of hemorrhage from rectal varices significantly increased in rectal varices of more advanced form, and the prevalence was significantly higher in patients with positive "red color" sign.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of hemorrhage from rectal varices was significantly higher in patients with rectal varices of advanced form and/or with a positive "red color" sign.

Co-transduction of Apaf-1 and caspase-9 highly enhances p53-mediated apoptosis in gliomas

Mutation of the p53 gene plays a critical role in the development of cancer and response to cancer therapy. To analyze the mechanism of cancer development and to improve cancer therapy, it is important to assess which genes are downstream components of p53 in cancers, and whether the expression levels of these genes affect p53-mediated apoptosis. In this study, we transduced the wild type p53 gene along with the Apaf-1 and caspase-9 genes via adenovirus vectors into U251 and U-373MG glioma cells harbouring a mutated p53, and evaluated the degree of apoptosis. Co-induction of Apaf-1 and caspase-9 genes highly enhanced p53-mediated apoptosis in glioma cells. Induction of wild type p53 enhanced the expression levels of Bax, p21/WAF1, and Fas protein. To determine which gene is activated by wild type p53 induction and, in turn, activates Apaf-1 and caspase-9, we transduced the Bax, p21/WAF1 or Fas gene via adenovirus vector to U251 cells to achieve a similar expression level as that induced by the Adv for p53 in U251 cells. U251 cells transduced with Fas concomitant with the Apaf-1 and caspase-9 genes underwent drastic apoptosis. This suggests that induction of wild type p53 upregulates Fas, which in turn may play a role in the activation of Apaf-1 and caspase-9. These results are important for analyzing the mechanism of tumour development and for predicting the therapeutic effect of p53 replacement gene therapy in a particular patient.

Short-term physical training improves ventilatory response to exercise after coronary arterial bypass surgery

The issue of whether exercise training improves exercise hyperpnea in patients after coronary arterial bypass graft (CABG) surgery has not been fully explored. Effects of short-term physical training on ventilatory response and cardiac output during exercise in patients following coronary arterial bypass grafting surgery is studied. Thirty-four patients underwent exercise training for 2 weeks after the second postoperative week (Ex group); 23 stayed sedentary (Sed group). Ventilatory and cardiac output response during the cardiopulmonary exercise test was measured before and after the training period. The minute ventilation-carbon dioxide output (VE-VCO2) slope decreased from 38.9+/-8.1 to 35.1+/-6.7 (p<0.05) in the Ex group, but failed to decrease in the Sed group (39.7+/-11.1 to 41.5+/-11.4). Cardiac output during exercise at 20W and at peak exercise, and peak oxygen pulse (VO2/HR) increased significantly only in the Ex group after training. There was a correlation between improvement of the VE-VCO2 slope and peak cardiac output during the training interval (r=-0.47) in the Ex group. Short-term physical training after CABG improves ventilatory response to exercise and increases cardiac output during exercise. Improvement of cardiac output is correlated with a decreased value of the VE-VCO2 slope.

Antisense display: a new method for functional gene screen and its application to angiogenesis-related gene isolation

We have developed an antisense-oriented method for functional gene screening, which we termed "antisense display." After evaluation in a cell-free system, we applied this method to a cellular system for isolating angiogenesis-related genes and came across a gene previously not described in humans. A screen of 10 mer antisense repertoire led to the identification of a unique 'angiostatic' antisense, and the gene corresponding to it was found to be preferentially expressed in vascular endothelial cells, coding for a putative type-2 membrane protein containing Rab-GAP/TBC and EF-hand-like domains. We named it vascular Rab-GAP/TBC domain-containing protein (VRP). The results obtained thus indicate that the antisense display method is useful for the isolation of functional genes responsible for phenotypes concerned.

Preparation of new nitrogen-bridged heterocycles. 51. Syntheses and structures of compounds having two indolizine nuclei in a molecule

New compounds having two indolizine nuclei in a molecule were prepared in low to moderate yields from the reactions of potassium 2-indolizinethiolates with 1,omega-dihalides such as 1,2-diiodoethane, 1,3-dibromopropane, 1,4-dibromobutane, alpha,alpha'-dichloro-o-xylene, and alpha,alpha'-dichloro-p-xylene. Most of the products had the conformation in which the two indolizine rings in the molecule are as remote as possible, but only 1,2-bis[[(2-indolizinyl)thio]methyl]benzene derivatives, prepared from potassium 2-indolizinethiolates and alpha,alpha'-dichloro-o-xylene, showed a weak attractive interaction between the two indolizine nuclei in the X-ray analysis and the nuclear Overhauser and exchange spectroscopy (NOESY) spectrum.

[Positive illusions in Japanese students]

The purpose of this study was to examine positive illusion phenomena among Japanese students. In Study 1, students were asked to rate themselves and the average same-sex student of their university or vocational school, in terms of their personality, optimism about the future, and belief in personal control. Results indicated that participants showed positive illusions in their ratings of agreeableness, conscientiousness, optimism for negative future events, and personal control. However, negative illusions were found in their ratings of extraversion, openness to experience, and appearance. In Study 2, participants were asked to compare themselves with the average same-sex student of their university or vocational school. Results were similar to those of Study 1. Cultural factors appeared to be responsible for those positive and negative illusions.

Decreases of natural killer cells and T-lymphocyte subpopulations and increases of B lymphocytes following a 5-day occupational exposure to mixed organic solvents

The authors examined the effects of organic solvents on lymphocyte subpopulations in blood. Natural killer and T-lymphocyte subpopulations and B (CD19+) -lymphocytes were measured with flow cytometry in 16 male rotogravure printers on a Friday and on the following Monday. Numbers of all 3 subpopulations of natural killer cells (i.e., CD57+ CD16+, CD57- CD16+, and CD57+ CD16- cells), 2 subpopulations of T lymphocytes (CD4+ CD45RA+ and total CD8+ cells), and total lymphocytes on Friday were significantly fewer than those found on the following Monday. Conversely, the number of B lymphocytes on Friday was significantly larger than the number on Monday. The number of B lymphocytes was significantly correlated with blood toluene levels on Friday. The alteration in the number of CD57+ CD16+ NK cells from Friday to the following Monday was correlated inversely with the corresponding change in exposure level of toluene on Friday. The authors suggest that the effects of mixed organic solvents (primarily toluene) are recoverable decreases of natural killer cells and T lymphocytes and increases in B lymphocytes.

Anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathies evaluated by tissue Doppler tracking system and strain rate imaging

OBJECTIVES

Anthracycline cardiotoxicity is known to occur from the subendocardial side of the left ventricular wall. Recent advances of tissue Doppler echocardiography may allow the evaluation of anthracycline cardiotoxicity by dividing the left ventricular wall into the subendocardial half and subepicardial half. The present study assessed the feasibility using the tissue Doppler echo tracking system (M-mode) and myocardial strain rate imaging (B-mode) to noninvasively detect anthracycline cardiotoxicity.

METHODS

The tissue Doppler echo tracking system (M-mode) was used to measure systolic thickening of the subendocardial layer (delta Endo), subepicardial layer (delta Epi), and whole wall (delta Total) of the left ventricular posterior wall in 41 normal subjects and three groups of patients receiving anthracycline: 34 patients in the low dose group, 19 in the middle dose group, and 12 in the high dose group. Strain rate is the spatial gradient of local velocities, reflecting local compression and expansion rates not affected by overall heart motion. Myocardial strain rate imaging (B-mode) was used in 25 normal subjects, 9 patients in the low dose group, and 10 patients in the high dose group. The ratio of peak systolic strain rate of subendocardium to that of subepicardium (peak strain rate endo/epi), and the ratio of integrated strain rate during ejection time of subendocardium to that of subepicardium (integrated strain rate endo/epi) were measured.

RESULTS

Tissue Doppler echo tracking system (M-mode) measurement of delta Endo/delta Epi showed the most distinct difference and the least overlap of the data between normal subjects and patients, whereas delta Total failed to show significant differences. Myocardial strain rate imaging (B-mode) measurement of integrated strain rate endo/epi showed the most distinct difference and the least overlap of the data between normal subjects and patients, but ejection fraction failed to show statistically significant differences.

CONCLUSIONS

These methods are highly sensitive tools for monitoring anthracycline cardiotoxicity.

Development and prevention of advanced diabetic nephropathy in RAGE-overexpressing mice

Vascular complications arising from multiple environmental and genetic factors are responsible for many of the disabilities and short life expectancy associated with diabetes mellitus. Here we provide the first direct in vivo evidence that interactions between advanced glycation end products (AGEs; nonenzymatically glycosylated protein derivatives formed during prolonged hyperglycemic exposure) and their receptor, RAGE, lead to diabetic vascular derangement. We created transgenic mice that overexpress human RAGE in vascular cells and crossbred them with another transgenic line that develops insulin-dependent diabetes shortly after birth. The resultant double transgenic mice exhibited increased hemoglobin A(1c) and serum AGE levels, as did the diabetic controls. The double transgenic mice demonstrated enlargement of the kidney, glomerular hypertrophy, increased albuminuria, mesangial expansion, advanced glomerulosclerosis, and increased serum creatinine compared with diabetic littermates lacking the RAGE transgene. To our knowledge, the development of this double transgenic mouse provides the first animal model that exhibits the renal changes seen in humans. Furthermore, the phenotypes of advanced diabetic nephropathy were prevented by administering an AGE inhibitor, (+/-)-2-isopropylidenehydrazono-4-oxo-thiazolidin-5-ylacetanilide (OPB-9195), thus establishing the AGE-RAGE system as a promising target for overcoming this aspect of diabetic pathogenesis.

Over-expression of APAF-1 and caspase-9 augments radiation-induced apoptosis in U-373MG glioma cells

The p53 tumor-suppressor gene plays a critical role in radiation-induced apoptosis. Several genes, including Bax and Fas, are involved in p53-mediated apoptosis, and their over-expression enhances the degree of radiation-induced apoptosis. Apaf-1 and caspase-9 have been reported to be downstream components of p53-mediated apoptosis, suggesting that these genes play a role in radiation-induced apoptosis. In this study, we transduced U-373MG cells harboring mutant p53 with the Apaf-1 and/or caspase-9 genes via adenoviral (Adv) vectors concomitant with X-ray irradiation and evaluated the degree of apoptosis. The percentage of apoptotic cells in U-373MG cells co-infected with the Adv for Apaf-1 (Adv-APAF-1) and that for caspase-9 (Adv-Casp9) and treated with irradiation (24%) was much higher than that in cells co-infected with Adv-APAF-1 and Adv-Casp9 and not treated with irradiation (0.86%) and that in cells infected with either Adv-APAF-1 or Adv-Casp9 and treated with irradiation (2.0% or 2.6%, respectively). The apoptosis induced by co-transduction of Apaf-1 and caspase-9 and irradiation was repressed in cells that were co-infected with the Adv for Bcl-X(L) but not in cells co-infected with the Adv for Bcl-2. These results indicate that Apaf-1 and caspase-9 play a role in radiation-induced apoptosis in cancer cells harboring mutant p53. Bcl-X(L) may be critically involved in the radioresistance of cancer cells by repressing Apaf-1- and caspase-9-mediated apoptosis. Expression of Apaf-1 and caspase-9 in tumors may be an important determinant of the therapeutic effect of irradiation in cancer treatment.

Caspase-9 transduction overrides the resistance mechanism against p53-mediated apoptosis in U-87MG glioma cells

OBJECTIVE

Conflicting reports have been published with regard to the relationship between the efficacy of p53 gene therapy and the p53 status of gliomas. In this study, we evaluated whether U-87MG glioma cells harboring wild-type p53 and U251 and U-373MG glioma cells harboring mutated p53 demonstrate different sensitivities to p53-induced apoptosis. In addition, we tested whether transduction of Bax or caspase-9, which are downstream components of p53-induced apoptosis, can override the resistance mechanism of U-87MG cells to apoptosis.

METHODS

We transduced U-87MG, U251, and U-373MG glioma cells with p53, Bax, or caspase-9 genes via adenovirus (Adv) vectors, to induce the same level of respective proteins, and evaluated the degree of apoptosis.

RESULTS

U-87MG cells were highly resistant to Adv for p53 (Adv-p53)-mediated apoptosis, whereas U251 and U-373 cells underwent extensive apoptosis after Adv-p53 infection. In U-87MG cells, the elevation of Bax and Fas was not as marked as that observed in U251 and U-373MG cells after Adv-p53 infection. Endogenous expression of Bcl-XL and Bcl-2 in U-87MG cells was greater than that in U251 and U-373MG cells. U-87MG cells were more resistant to Bax-mediated apoptosis than were U251 or U-373MG cells. In contrast, U-87MG cells were more sensitive to caspase-9-mediated apoptosis than were U251 or U-373MG cells, suggesting that transduction of caspase-9 may override the resistance mechanism of U-87MG to p53-mediated apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate that proapoptotic function induced by p53 transduction in U-87MG cells was repressed at several steps and that induction of caspase-9 may circumvent this resistance mechanism.