Intracranial self-stimulation enhances neurogenesis in hippocampus of adult mice and rats

Running is known to promote neurogenesis. Besides being exercise, it results in a reward, and both of these factors might contribute to running-induced neurogenesis. However, little attention has been paid to how reward and exercise relate to neurogenesis. The present study is an attempt to determine whether a reward, in the form of intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS), influences neurogenesis in the hippocampus of adult rodents. We used bromodeoxyuridine labeling to quantify newly generated cells in mice and rats that experienced ICSS for 1 h per day for 3 days. ICSS increased the number of 5-bromodeoxyuridine (Brdu)-labeled cells in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) of both species. The effect, when examined at 1 day, 1 week, and 4 weeks post-ICSS, was predominantly present in the side ipsilateral to the stimulation, although it was distributed to the contralateral side. We also found in rats that, 4 weeks after Brdu injection, surviving newborn cells in the hippocampal DG of the ICSS animals co-localized with a mature neuron marker, neuronal nuclei (NeuN), and these surviving cells in rats were double-labeled with Fos, a marker of neuronal activation, after the rats had been trained to perform a spatial task. The results demonstrate that ICSS can increase newborn neurons in the hippocampal DG that endure into maturity.

Increased isoprostane content in coronary plaques obtained from vulnerable patients

8-Iso-prostaglandin F(2)(alpha) (8-iso-PGF(2)(alpha)), a representative isoprostane, is a reliable biomarker for enhanced oxidant stress in vivo. Its urinary excretion has been proposed as a risk marker in patients with coronary heart disease. Isoprostane content has not yet been well elucidated so far in human coronary plaques. The aim of this study was to evaluate content of immunoreactive 8-iso-PGF(2)(alpha) in directional coronary atherectomy (DCA) specimens from patients with coronary heart diseases. Twenty-seven patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP) and 8 vulnerable patients (5 patients with unstable angina pectoris and 3 with recent myocardial infarction) were subjected to DCA. The specimens from SAP consisted of 14 de novo and 13 restenotic lesions, whereas those from the vulnerable patients were all de novo lesions. Total 8-iso-PGF(2)(alpha) content in the DCA specimens from the vulnerable patients was significantly greater than that from patients with SAP (5.48 (2.70-10.43) versus 2.38 (1.19-4.32)ng/g tissue, median (interquartile range), P<0.05). There was no significant difference in total 8-iso-PGF(2)(alpha) content between de novo and restenotic lesions from patients with SAP (3.25 (1.48-5.05) versus 1.57 (0.62-2.47)ng/g tissue, respectively, P=0.895). Total 8-iso-PGF(2)(alpha) content in apparently normal peripheral artery specimens was only 0.34 (0.26-0.46)ng/g tissue. In conclusion, 8-iso-PGF(2)(alpha) was enriched in the DCA specimens from vulnerable patients, suggesting a crucial role of free radicals in formation of vulnerable plaques and a putative benefit of anti-oxidant therapy on these patients.

Expression of myeloperoxidase enhances the chemosensitivity of leukemia cells through the generation of reactive oxygen species and the nitration of protein

Myeloperoxidase (MPO), a pivotal lineage marker for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), has been also shown to have a prognostic value: a high percentage of MPO-positive blasts correlates to favorable prognosis. To understand the relationship between the expression of MPO in leukemia cells and the response to chemotherapeutic agents, we established MPO-expressing K562 leukemia cell lines and then treated them with cytosine arabinocide (AraC). Cells expressing wild-type MPO, but not mutant MPO that could not mature, died earlier of apoptosis than control K562 cells. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were generated more in leukemia cells expressing MPO, and the generation was abrogated by MPO inhibitors or antioxidants. Tyrosine nitration of cellular protein also increased more in MPO-expressing K562 cells than control cells after treatment with AraC. In clinical samples, CD34-positive AML cells from high-MPO cases showed a tendency to be sensitive to AraC in the colony-formation assay, and the generation of ROS and the nitration of protein were observed only when the percentage of MPO-expressing cells was high. These data suggest that MPO enhances the chemosensitivity of AML through the generation of ROS and the nitration of proteins.

Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis in Japan: long-term outcome without tumor removal

OBJECTIVE

To report the definitive diagnosis of anti-NMDA receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis in four Japanese women previously diagnosed with "juvenile acute nonherpetic encephalitis" of unclear etiology, and to describe their long-term follow-up in the absence of tumor resection.

METHODS

We extensively reviewed the case histories with current clinical and laboratory evaluations that include testing for antibodies to NR1/NR2 heteromers of the NMDAR in serum/CSF available from the time of symptom onset (4 to 7 years ago) and the present.

RESULTS

All patients sequentially developed prodromal symptoms, psychosis, hypoventilation, severe orofacial dyskinesias, and bizarre immunotherapy-resistant involuntary movements that lasted 1 to 12 months. Two patients required mechanical ventilation for 6 and 9 months. Initial tests were normal or unrevealing, including the presence of nonspecific CSF pleocytosis, and normal or mild changes in brain MRI. Eventually, all patients had dramatic recovery of cognitive functions, although one had bilateral leg amputation due to systemic complications. Antibodies to NR1/NR2 heteromers were found in archived serum or CSF but not in long-term follow-up samples. An ovarian teratoma was subsequently demonstrated in three patients (all confirmed pathologically).

CONCLUSION

1) These findings indicate that "juvenile acute nonherpetic encephalitis" or a subset of this disorder is mediated by an antibody-associated immune response against NR1/NR2 heteromers of the NMDA receptor (NMDAR). 2) Our patients' clinical features emphasize that anti-NMDAR encephalitis is severe but potentially reversible and may precede by years the detection of an ovarian teratoma. 3) Although recovery may occur without tumor removal, the severity and extended duration of symptoms support tumor removal.

Turbulence in boundary flow of superfluid 4He triggered by free vortex rings

The transition to turbulence in the boundary flow of superfluid 4He is investigated using a vortex-free vibrating wire. At high wire vibration velocities, we found that stable alternating flow around the wire enters a turbulent phase triggered by free vortex rings. Numerical simulations of vortex dynamics demonstrate that vortex rings can attach to the surface of an oscillating obstacle and expand unstably due to the boundary flow of the superfluid, forming turbulence. Experimental investigations indicate that the turbulent phase continues even after stopping the injection of vortex rings, which is also confirmed by the simulations.

Small number of HTLV-1-positive cells frequently remains during complete remission after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation that are heterogeneous in origin among cases with adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) can provide long-term remission for patients with adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) caused by human retrovirus, human T-lymphocyte virus (HTLV-1). To understand how HTLV-1-positive cells including ATLL cells were suppressed by allo-HSCT, we examined HTLV-1 provirus load and residual ATLL cells in peripheral blood of transplant recipients using PCR-based tests. We found that the copy number of HTLV-1 genome, called provirus, became very small in number after allo-HSCT; however, in most cases, provirus did not disappear even among long-term survivors. Tumor-specific PCR tests demonstrated that most of HTLV-1-positive cells that remained long after transplantation were not primary ATLL cells but donor-derived HTLV-1-positive cells. We also found a case having very low amount of residual disease in peripheral blood even long after transplantation. There was only one recipient in whom we failed to show the presence of HTLV-1 genome and antibody against HTLV-1 even with an extensive search, which strongly suggested the elimination of HTLV-1 after allo-HSCT. These results demonstrated that after allo-HSCT the small amount of residual HTLV-1-positive cells were heterogeneous in origin and that long-term disease control for ATLL could be obtained without the complete elimination of HTLV-1.

Development of the fast neutron standard using a Be({alpha},n) reaction at the National Metrology Institute of Japan

This paper describes the 8-MeV neutron field where the neutrons are generated in the (9)Be(alpha,n)(12)C reaction by bombardment of a beryllium target with a 2.4-MeV (4)He(+) beam from a Van de Graaff accelerator. The neutron field is being prepared for a new national standard on neutron fluence in Japan. Absolute measurement of the neutron fluence was taken using a proton recoil neutron detector, consisting of a silicon surface barrier detector with a polyethylene radiator. Neutron spectra were measured using a newly developed recoil proton spectrometer and a liquid organic scintillation detector. The gamma rays existing in the field were also characterised using a liquid organic scintillation detector. The ambient dose equivalents of the gamma rays were estimated to be <100 microSv at the neutron fluence of 10(7) neutrons cm(-2).

[Usefulness of ultrasonically activated scalpel for pulmonary resection in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery]

We evaluated the reliability and efficacy of the ultrasonically activated scalpel (Harmonic Scalpel) for pulmonary resection in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Fifty-six cases of primary or metastatic lung cancer with history of lobectomy or segmentectomy from July 2003 to June 2006 were investigated. The ultrasonically activated scalpel was used to separate aborted lobulation and segment in the surgery. The outcome of the operation using the ultrasonically activated scalpel revealed the mean operation time of 224.5 minutes and mean blood loss volume of 116.7 ml. The chest drainage catheter was removed at the postoperative day 3.4 and hospitalization lasted 10.4 days on average. By means of statistical analysis, no significant differences were noted when compared with the cases using surgical stapler to separate the lobules or segments of the lungs. Histopathological results showed destruction of alveolar structures and denaturation of cells at the cut surface of the resected lung through the use of the ultrasonically activated scalpel. This method resulted in good lung expansion and preservation of the residual lung volume. Furthermore, it prevented postoperative air leakage by appropriate treatment to the cut surfaces of the residual lung. Indeed, the method appears to be useful in the separation of lung tissues in severe aborted lobulation and segmentectomy by VATS.

[Surgical technique of aortic valve replacement for small aortic annulus in elderly patients]

Recent reports have shown that aortic valve replacement in elderly patients over 65 years with atherosclerotic aortic stenosis and a small aortic annulus is possible by using a small sized bioprosthesis (Carpentier-Edwards pericardial valve). Here we present out surgical technique. Firstly, the native calcified aortic valve was removed completely to gain total exposure of the surrounding aortic root and sinus of Valsalva like Bentall procedure. Secondly, a small sized bioprosthesis was implanted with intermittent noneverting mattress 2-0 sutures with spaghetti and small polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) felt. Aortic annulus is the dilated by inserting Hegar dilator sizing from 25 to 27 mm. Therefore, aortic valve replacement for small aortic annulus in intra- or supra-annular position should be easily accomplished. Good surgical results and hemodynamic state were achieved in 25 consecutive cases using this technique.

Macrognathia secondary to dialysis-related renal osteodystrophy treated successfully by parathyroidectomy

Renal osteodystrophy (ROD) is one of the most common complications affecting patients with chronic renal failure both before and after the initiation of maintenance dialysis, but macrognathia secondary to ROD is rare. Usually, enlarged jaws due to ROD do not return to their normal contours after the treatment of hyperparathyroidism. To the authors' knowledge, this article describes the second case of macrognathia secondary to dialysis-related ROD treated successfully by parathyroidectomy. Immunohistochemical study of the maxilla confirmed that parathyroidectomy could stop maladaptive parathyroid hormone stimulation, which leads not only to the formation of osteoblastic progenitors that become fibroblast-like cells but also to osteoclast formation.

Transferrin Microheterogeneity in Fetal Blood

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the distribution of microheterogeneous subfractions of transferrin in fetal blood and the influence of highly sialylated transferrins on fetal growth.

STUDY METHOD

Serum transferrin concentrations were determined by a standard turbidimetric assay. Microheterogeneous transferrin subfractions were assessed by crossed immunoisoelectric focusing.

RESULTS

In normal term infants, total serum transferrin concentrations and percent distribution of highly sialylated transferrins (> or = 5-sialo-transferrins) were markedly lower; the percent distributions of hyposialylated transferrins (0- and 1-sialo-transferrins) were apparently higher than those in non-pregnant and pregnant women. There was no significant positive correlation between the serum concentrations of total transferrin or highly sialylated transferrins in infants' blood and birth weights (r = 0.187, p = 0.582; r = 0.374, p = 0.257, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The transferrin microheterogeneity pattern shifted towards reduced glycosylation and sialylation in addition to a decrease in total transferrin concentration in fetal blood compared to that of non-pregnant and pregnant women. The concentrations of serum total transferrin and the highly sialylated transferrins in fetal blood, if higher than a certain level, did not seem to have any influence on normal fetal growth.

[Esophageal leiomyoma enucleated under the thoracoscopy; report of a case]

We report a case of a 40-year-old male with a posterior mediastinal mass that was 8 cm in size and located behind the trachea. The thoracoscopic surgery was performed. The tumor was located from the level of left brachiocephalic vein to the carina. The mediastinal pleura over the tumor was longitudinally opened by cautery-scissors. The azygos vein lying over the tumor was divided by means of an endoscopic stapler. The muscular layer of the esophagus was also longitudinally opened. The tumor was enucleated. Then, the dissected proper muscle layer of the esophagus was suture-closed. The postoperative course was uneventful. On the first postoperative day Gastrografin was swallowed, showing the absence of leaks. The patient was discharged on the fourth postoperative day. The advantages of the thoracoscopic surgery are as follows: rapid, full recovery of the patient; decreased postoperative pain; short postoperative hospital stay. Esophageal leiomyoma in selected patient was suitable for thoracoscopic enucleation.