Intra-arterial Chemotherapy for Malignant Tumors of Head and Neck Region Using Three Types of Modified Injection Method

SUMMARY

Relatively higher infusion rate in the intra-arterial chemotherapy (IA chemotherapy) could induce the higher concentration and the more sufficient distribution of chemotherapeutic agents on tumors. To get the relatively higher infusion rate in IA chemotherapy, we used three types of injection method: high-flow injection, high-dose injection with detoxification and flowcontrolled injection method for the treatment of malignant brain tumors, skull base tumors and head and neck tumors. Between January 1997 and October 2001, twenty-seven patients (mean age 61 y.o.) with supratentorial glioblastoma (4 cases), supratentorial anaplastic astrocytoma (1), CNS lymphoma (2), matastatic skull base tumors (3), and neck tumors (15 squamous cell carcinoma, 1 malignant melanoma and 1 neuroblastoma) received our three types of IA chemotherapy. Sixty- five consecutive procedures were performed. Conventional radiation therapy and/or surgical removal were performed in some of these patients. The median follow-up period was 10 months ranging 2 to 56 months. Fifteen (55.6%) and 6 (22.2%) of 27 patients achieved complete response (CR) and partial response (PR) respectively after initial treatment [CR+PR: 21 (77.8%)]. All responded patients showed clinical improvement. The response rate declined to 55.6% at the end of follow-up period. Eighteen patients are still alive and 15 of them show no evidence of local recurrence. The median post treatment survival was 12 months. There was no serious complication except transient nausea in 4 of 27 (14%) patients, vertigo and granulocytopenia in 1 each (3%) of 27 patients. Our modified IA chemotherapy has provided favorable clinical and radiological results without technical difficulties and serious complications.

Duodenogastric reflux and Helicobacter pylori infection synergistically increase gastric mucosal cell proliferative activity in Mongolian gerbils

BACKGROUND

Helicobacter pylori and duodenogastric reflux (DGR) are both recognized as aetiological factors in chronic gastritis and gastric carcinogenesis. In this study, a Mongolian gerbil (MG) model was used to investigate the histopathological changes in the gastric mucosa resulting from DGR and/or H. pylori infection.

METHODS

One-hundred-and-eleven 7-week-old, specific-pathogen-free, male MGs were divided into four groups: normal controls, gerbils with surgically induced DGR, and H. pylori-infected gerbils with and without DGR. Gerbils were killed 4, 12 and 26 weeks after DGR surgery, their stomachs removed and sections prepared. Sections were fixed immediately in 20% phosphate-buffered formalin and subjected to haematoxylin and eosin staining, Alcian blue at pH 2.5/periodic acid-Schiff staining, and immunostaining for smooth muscle cells, H. pylori and 5'-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU).

RESULTS

The gastric mucosa of H. pylori-infected gerbils showed chronic active gastritis irrespective of DGR throughout the experimental period. The gastric mucosa of H. pylori-infected gerbils with DGR demonstrated higher BrdU labelling than in the other groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In MGs, DGR and H. pylori infection synergistically increased gastric mucosal cell proliferative activity. DGR and H. pylori infection may be involved synergistically in gastric carcinogenesis by increasing cell proliferative activity.

Secreted adhesion molecules of Strongyloides venezuelensis are produced by oesophageal glands and are components of the wall of tunnels constructed by adult worms in the host intestinal mucosa

The parasitic female of Strongyloides venezuelensis keeps invading the epithelial layer of the host intestinal mucosa. Upon invasion, it adheres to the surface of the intestinal epithelial cells with adhesion molecules secreted from the mouth. It has been demonstrated that S. venezuelensis are expelled from the intestine because mucosal mast cells inhibit the attachment of adult worms to the mucosal surface. In the present study, we generated specific antibodies against secreted adhesion molecules to investigate their function in vivo, because these molecules have been demonstrated only in vitro in spite of the importance in the infection processes. A mouse monoclonal antibody specific to S. venezuelensis adhesion molecules inhibited the attachment of adult worms to plastic dishes and the binding of adhesion molecules to rat intestinal epithelial cells. Immunohistochemical study revealed that adhesion molecules were produced by oesophageal glands and were continuously secreted in vivo to line the wall of the tunnels formed by adult worms in the intestinal mucosa. Our findings indicate that adhesion molecules play essential roles in the infection processes of S. venezuelensis in the host intestine.

Mutation frequency of plasmid DNA and Escherichia coli following long-term space flight on Mir

To elucidate the biological influence of space radiation, we studied the effects of long-term space flight on mutation of the bacterial ribosomal protein L gene (rpsL). We prepared dried samples of plasmid DNA and repair-deficient and wild type cells of Escherichia (E.) coli. After a 40-day space flight on board the Russian space station Mir, the mutation frequencies of the rpsL gene were estimated by transformation of E. coli and by assessment of conversion of rpsL wild type phenotype (SmS) to its mutant phenotype (SmR). The experimental findings indicate that mutation frequencies of space samples were not significantly different from those of ground control samples in plasmid DNA and both E. coli strains. It may suggest that space radiation did not influence mutation frequency.

Induction of cytochrome P4501A1 by autoclavable culture medium change in HepG2 cells

1. Without the addition of xenobiotics, only by changing the culture medium can one induce extensively and transiently cytochrome P4501A1 (CYP1A1) protein and mRNA in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. The induction was aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-dependent, and was proven by: (1) the medium change activated the AhR, as judged by a electrophoretic mobility shift assay; and (2) the AhR inhibitor alpha-naphthoflavone inhibited the medium change-mediated induction. 2. Induction of CYP1A1 was related to medium prepared by autoclaving. By screening the ingredients in the medium, the serum had no effect on CYP1A1 induction, whereas both photo-oxidized and autoclaved tryptophan were shown to induce CYP1A1, as indicated by CYP1A1 protein or ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activity. The autoclaved tryptophan contained in an autoclavable medium was a more potent inducer of CYP1A1 than photo-oxidized tryptophan. 3. The results provide some practical suggestions with experiments related to CYP1A1.

Gelatin-specific cellular immune responses persist for more than 3 years after priming with gelatin containing DTaP vaccine

BACKGROUND

Gelatin-specific cell-mediated immunity develops in subjects inoculated with gelatin containing DTaP vaccine. However, it is not yet known whether such established sensitization to gelatin disappears or persists with time.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to follow the patients with gelatin sensitization elicited by DTaP vaccination for their lymphocyte responsiveness and IgE, IgG antibody specific to gelatin over several years and to compare the activities with those at the time of enrollment into the study.

METHODS

We studied 28 subjects who developed positive lymphocyte proliferation test (LPT) after receiving gelatin containing DTaP vaccine and eight subjects who had a negative LPT after inoculation of non-gelatin DTaP. Determination of IgE, IgG antibodies and specific lymphoproliferative response directed against gelatin were performed at enrollment and on follow up.

RESULTS

None of the subjects had antibody to gelatin at enrollment and none developed gelatin IgE or IgG during follow-up. There was no significant difference in the SIs of the subjects receiving gelatin DTaP (P = 0.150, 95% CI, -0.198-0.032), whereas lymphocyte activity to gelatin increased between enrollment and follow-up in the subjects with non-gelatin DTaP (P = 0.011, 95% CI, 0.063-0.338).

CONCLUSION

Gelatin-specific lymphocyte activity persists at comparable levels for more than 3 years in subjects who acquire a positive LPT response to gelatin after receiving primary DTaP vaccine containing gelatin. Furthermore, five out of eight subjects initially with negative LPT to gelatin have been shown to acquire specific LPT with time.

Disruption of mitochondria is an early event during dolichyl monophosphate-induced apoptosis in U937 cells

Dolichyl monophosphate (Dol-P) is involved in the attachment of carbohydrate chains to proteins in the formation of N-linked glycoprotein. We found that this compound induces apoptosis in human leukemia U937 cells. During this apoptotic execution, the increase of plasma membrane fluidity (5-20 min), reduction in mitochondrial transmembrane potential (delta psi m) and translocation of apoptosis-inducing factor (1-3 hr), caspase-3-like protease activation (2-4 hr), chromatin condensation and DNA ladder formation (3-4 hr) were observed successively. In this study, we examined mitochondrial morphological changes by electron microscopy and delta psi m by JC-1 from immediately after treatment of Dol-P. After 5 min of treatment, we observed clearly that mitochondrial cristae began to be disrupted ultrastructurally and almost all the cristae were disintegrated after 1 hr of treatment. The delta psi m of Dol-P treated cells was reduced to 34% as compared with that of control cells immediately after treatment and was quartered within 1 hr. The reduction in delta psi m was not inhibited by cyclosporin A, N-acetyl-L-cysteine and vitamin E. These results indicate that mitochondrial disruption is one of the first triggering events of Dol-P-induced apoptosis.

Evaluation of the stability of intracranial aneurysms occluded with guglielmi detachable coils

SUMMARY

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the long-term stability of embolized aneurysms using the volume embolization rate (VER). One hundred and six aneurysms in 96 patients who were treated with Guglielmi detachable coils were selected for this study. Follow-up angiography was performed at six or more months after initial treatment. Every aneurysm was packed as densely as possible, however, the percentage of stability varied according to the size of the aneurysm or the size of the aneurysm neck. The percentage of stable aneurysm was 82% (56/68) in small aneurysms with small necks, 68% (13/19) in small aneurysms with wide necks and 42% (8/19) in large aneurysms. The mean VER of embolized aneurysms in each size was 30%, 22% and 17%, respectively. There was a correlation between the percentage of stable aneurysms and the mean VER. On the other hand, there seemed to be a difference of VER for the stability of embolized aneurysms between ruptured aneurysms and unruptured ones. in small aneurysms with small necks, the stability of embolized aneurysms in ruptured ones was obtained only when the VER was greater than 30%, whereas it was found in unruptured ones even though the VER was less than 20%. in conclusion, the long-term stability of embolized aneurysms was obtained in small-sized aneurysms, especially small neck aneurysms, and unruptured ones. The VER is a good, objective index to predict the long-term stability of embolized aneurysms.

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein-binding specificity of Asp-hemolysin from Aspergillus fumigatus

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) is known to be involved in the generation and progression of atherosclerosis. Ox-LDL has a number of potentially atherogenic effects on vascular cells, including the uncontrolled uptake by scavenger receptors. We have previously shown that Asp-hemolysin binds to Ox-LDL in a concentration-dependent manner. The present study was undertaken to clarify the binding specificity of Asp-hemolysin to Ox-LDL. We examined the binding specificity of Asp-hemolysin to Ox-LDL using several modified lipoproteins and scavenger receptor ligands. Asp-hemolysin bound to Ox-LDL with shorter LDL oxidation times. However, Asp-hemolysin did not bind to the acetylated LDL. The native high-density lipoprotein (n-HDL) and modified HDL (e.g., acetylated HDL, oxidized HDL) also had no Asp-hemolysin binding. Furthermore, inhibitors of the scavenger receptor binding, including maleylated BSA, polyinosinic acid, dextran sulfate and fucoidin, had no effect on the binding of Ox-LDL to Asp-hemolysin. Surface plasmon resonance studies revealed that Ox-LDL binds with high affinity (K(D)=0.63 microg/ml) to Asp-hemolysin. We concluded that Asp-hemolysin is a specific binding protein with a high affinity for Ox-LDL, and its binding specificity is distinct from any receptor for Ox-LDL. The present studies suggest that Asp-hemolysin may bind to Ox-LDL using a mechanism different from the scavenger receptors.

Anticarcinogenic antioxidants as inhibitors against intracellular oxidative stress

Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases, including cancer. In the present study, the protective effect of natural antioxidants, such as quercetin and tea polyphenols, on intracellular oxidative stress was studied. Here we report a novel function of quercetin and tea polyphenols, as potential inhibitors of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE)-induced intracellular oxidative stress and cytotoxicity. In rat liver epithelial RL34 cells, a potent electrophile HNE dramatically induced the productions of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which correlated well with the reduction in cell viability. We found that quercetin and tea polyphenols, such as epigallocatechin gallate and theaflavins and their gallate esters, significantly inhibited the HNE-induced ROS production and cytotoxicity. In addition, HNE induced a transient decrease in the mitochondrial membrane potential (delta psi), which was also retarded by the antioxidants. These data suggest that the antioxidants, such as quercetin and tea polyphenols, are inhibitors against mitochondrial ROS production.

Immune response to a 26-kDa protein, alkyl hydroperoxide reductase, in Helicobacter pylori-infected Mongolian gerbil model

BACKGROUND

The host immune response is thought to play an important role in the outcome of Helicobacter pylori infection. The successful development of the H. pylori-infected Mongolian gerbil model that mimics human disease has enabled study of the antibody response against H. pylori antigens.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Serum samples from ulcer and carcinogenesis models of H. pylori-infected gerbils were used to screen for H. pylori antigens that cause a humoral immune response in the infected hosts. H. pylori alkyl hydroperoxide reductase (AhpC) is one such antigen on which we report here. The tsaA gene encoding AhpC was amplified by PCR from H. pylori ATCC 43504 strain, cloned into pMAL(TM)-c2 expression vector and expressed in Escherichia coli. Maltose-binding protein fusion protein (MBP-AhpC) was purified by a MBP affinity column. Using purified recombinant AhpC protein as an antigen, the antibody response and changes of antibody levels against AhpC in the gerbil models were studied by Western blotting and ELISA.

RESULTS

Antibody against AhpC was negative in the early stages of infection, and became positive in the gerbils with the emergence of gastric diseases such as chronic active gastritis, gastric ulcer and gastric cancer. The antibody levels (ELISA) increased gradually over time and were higher in gerbils with gastric ulcer than that in gerbils without ulcers.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of the gerbil model that mimics human H. pylori infection is likely to provide insights into the role of H. pylori-specific antigens possibly related to the subsequent development of gastric diseases.

[Problems inherent to the care of patients with ALS]

A questionnaire survey was conducted in September 2000 to clarify the actual state and problems inherent to the care of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The subjects were members of a patients' association, and 176 members answered the questionnaire (response rate. 64.9%). Patients being taken care of at home accounted for 76.7% of those who answered the questionnaire and those under mechanical ventilation (MV) at home for 40.3% of respondents. Compared with the results of the same survey administered by the patients' association in 1992 and 1996, the figures showed an increase of the patients being taken care of at home. Of the subjects who were receiving domiciliary services under the long-term care insurance system introduced in April 2000, those who considered the services had improved under the new system accounted for 44.2% of the respondents, and those who thought the services had worsened for 25.0%. The latter percentage included a greater number of patients under MV or who were using an aspirator and those with overworked caregivers. Moreover, the burden for the caregiver did not necessarily decrease when the patient was admitted to hospital, because attendance by the caregiver or additional costs for services were required. The new insurance system is thus considered to be inadequate and unsatisfactory for seriously disabled people, such as patients with ALS.

Neuroprotective effect of riluzole in MPTP-treated mice

The neuroprotective effects of riluzole, a Na(+) channel blocker with antiglutamatergic activity, and MK-801, a blocker of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, were compared in the model of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced depletion of dopamine, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA) levels in mice. The mice were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with four administrations of MPTP (10 mg/kg) at 1 h intervals and then the brains were analyzed 1, 3 and 7 days after the treatment. Dopamine and DOPAC levels were significantly decreased in the striatum from 1 day after MPTP treatment. A severe depletion in dopamine and DOPAC levels was found in the striatum 3 and 7 days after MPTP treatment. Riluzole antagonized the MPTP-induced decrease in dopamine, DOPAC and HVA levels in the striatum. On the other hand, MK-801 prevented the MPTP-induced decrease in DOPAC levels, but not in dopamine levels in the striatum. An immunohistochemical study indicated that riluzole can protect against MPTP-induced neuronal damage in the substantia nigra. These results suggest that riluzole is effective against MPTP-induced neurodegeneration of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic neuronal pathway.

Application of 2-(3,5,6-trifluoro-2-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)benzoxazole and -benzothiazole to fluorescent probes sensing pH and metal cations

2-(3,5,6-Trifluoro-2-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)benzoxazole (3) and benzothiazole analogue (4) are prepared by the two-step procedures from the corresponding 2-(pentafluorophenyl)benzazoles. Benzoxazole 3 is applicable to a fluorescent probe sensing magnesium cation, and 4 is suitable for sensing zinc cation. Both fluorophores 3 and 4 are sensitive to the pH change at pH 7-8, resulting in large fluorescence enhancement under basic conditions. Their high sensitivity to pH and selectivity in metal cations are ascribed to the high acidity of the fluorophenol moiety.

Gene therapy utilizing the Cre/loxP system selectively suppresses tumor growth of disseminated carcinoembryonic antigen-producing cancer cells

Recent clinical trials of cancer gene therapy have shown encouraging results for controlling localized tumors. However, to control metastatic or disseminated tumor cells, further modification of vectors is required to enhance specificity and infectivity against targets. We investigated whether utilization of the Cre recombinase(Cre)/loxP system contributes to enhanced antitumor effects together with minimal adverse reactions in specific gene therapy against disseminated carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)-producing cancer cells in the peritoneal cavity of mice. CEA-producing cancer would be a good therapeutic target because it is found in lung, stomach and colon sites, which account for most cancers. We constructed a pair of recombinant adenoviral vectors (Ads), one of which expresses the Cre gene under the control of the CEA promoter (Ad.CEA-Cre); the other expresses the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) gene (Ad.lox-TK), or the beta-galactosidase gene (beta-gal) by Cre (Ad.lox-beta-gal). Intraperitoneal coinjection of Ad.CEA-Cre and Ad.lox-beta-gal into mice with peritonitis carcinomatosa by CEA-producing tumor cells showed selective expression of the beta-gal gene in tumor foci. Coinfection of Ad.CEA-Cre and Ad.lox-TK followed by ganciclovir (GCV) administration significantly suppressed the total tumor weight in the peritoneal cavity of the mice to 13% of that of the untreated mice and 22% of that of the mice treated with Ad.CEA-TK/GCV, an Ad that expressed the HSV-TK gene driven by the CEA promoter alone. Moreover, treatment with Ad.CEA-Cre and Ad.lox-TK/GCV completely suppressed tumors in 4 of 10 (40%) mice without significant weight loss, although 2 of 10 mice treated with Ad.CAG-TK/GCV, an adenovirus vector that strongly but nonspecifically expressed the TK gene, died due to severe side effects including diarrhea, weight loss and liver dysfunction. These findings suggest that cell type-specific gene therapy using the Cre/loxP system is effective against disseminated cancer cells without significant side effects.

[Central nervous system involvements in Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy]

Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy (DMD/BMD) are the most common inherited muscular diseases caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene. The identification of novel dystrophins in the brain has recently implicated its absence or malfunction etiologically in mental retardation (MR). We therefore examined the relationship between molecular abnormalities and clinical phenotypes. Deletions of the dystrophin gene were analyzed in a total of 137 DMD/BMD patients (DMD 94, BMD 43) to determine central nervous system (CNS) symptoms. The mental capacity was assessed and patients with IQs below 70 were defined as mentally retarded. Thirty-nine percent of DMD boys and 12% of BMD patients were classified as mentally retarded. Eight DMD and 2 BMD patients were diagnosed as having autism. Forty-four percent of DMD and 79% of BMD patients had deletions in the dystrophin gene. All the DMD/BMD patients with deletions upstream of the 5' end of the gene were mentally normal. All of DMD/BMD patients with MR and/or autism had deletions containing the 3' end, although some patients with similar deletions were mentally normal. Our data suggest that Dp140, Dp71 and/or Dp116, the C-terminal translational products of dystrophin, may be related to MR and/or autism in DMD/BMD. However, there was an exception in our series. Three of eight sibling pairs in our cases had different phenotypes, although they had the same mutations in the dystrophin gene. Thus the CNS phenotypes were not determined by the mutations of dystrophin gene alone, and the interaction of dystrophin with other nuclear genes may play important roles.

Long-term prognosis of patients with West syndrome in Japan: social aspects

Long-term social prognosis of 120 Japanese patients with West syndrome was surveyed using structured questionnaire at the age of 25.4 years in average. The survey revealed that ADL score remained null in one-fifth of cases; the majority entered in special education course for disabled children; only eleven cases were employed as a full-time worker. As to QOL, 60% of cases were spending daily life with joy. In summary, social prognosis of West syndrome is generally gloomy, but a proportion of patients can lead an independent social life, and an enriched social environment is the most influential factor for better prognosis

Long-term prognosis of patients with West syndrome in Japan: medical aspects

In this study, West syndrome prognosis over 20 years was described. All information was obtained from the primary caregivers of patients with West syndrome thorough questionnaires. Of the 259 respondents, 117 patients born between 1960 and 1980 were analyzed. At the age of 20 years two patients were deceased, of the surviving patients, 40% of patients had seizures daily or weekly and 25.2% had been seizure-free for at least 3 years. There was significant difference in the seizure persistence value between West syndrome etiologies but not between the birth cohorts; of those born in the 1960s and 1970s. Compared with severe seizure persistence, which was the duration of the existing daily or weekly seizures at each age, there were no significant difference between birth cohorts and West syndrome etiologies.

Incidence of genetic subgroups of hereditary spinocerebellar ataxia in Fukushima Prefecture

The prevalence of each type of hereditary spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) was genetically determined in Fukushima Prefecture, and the results were compared to those in other areas of Japan. The genetic analyses were done in 29 patients with dominant SCA and 5 patients with SCA with negative family history. Machado-Joseph disease was identified in 41.3% of the cases, SCA6 17.2%, dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA) 6.9% and unknown 34.5%. The incidence is clearly different from those of Miyagi and Yamagata Prefectures as SCA1 has not been identified in our region, and is in fact similar to that of Hokuriku or Kanto Provinces. An apparent difference in the incidence of each SCA may be attributed to the historical and geographic regional difference in the distribution of inhabitants and also to the small size of the SCA population we have so far investigated. In addition, 2 of the 3 genetically identified DRPLA in this study were not clinically diagnosed, and one of them was thought to be sporadic. Late onset DRPLA may thus be misdiagnosed to other disease categories, when dementia was not apparent at the time of onset.

A Drosophila haemocyte-specific protein, hemolectin, similar to human von Willebrand factor

We identified a novel Drosophila protein of approximately 400 kDa, hemolectin (d-Hml), secreted from haemocyte-derived Kc167 cells. Its 11.7 kbp cDNA contains an open reading frame of 3843 amino acid residues, with conserved domains in von Willebrand factor (VWF), coagulation factor V/VIII and complement factors. The d-hml gene is located on the third chromosome (position 70C1-5) and consists of 26 exons. The major part of d-Hml consists of well-known motifs with the organization: CP1-EG1-CP2-EG2-CP3-VD1-VD2-VD'-VD3-VC1-VD"-VD"'-FC1-FC2-VC2-LA1-VD4-VD5-VC3-VB1-VB2-VC4-VC5-CK1 (CP, complement-control protein domain; EG, epidermal-growth-factor-like domain; VB, VC, VD, VWF type B-, C- and D-like domains; VD', VD", VD"', truncated C-terminal VDs; FC, coagulation factor V/VIII type C domain; LA, low-density-lipoprotein-receptor class A domain; CK, cysteine knot domain). The organization of VD1-VD2-VD'-VD3, essential for VWF to be processed by furin, to bind to coagulation factor VIII and to form interchain disulphide linkages, is conserved. The 400 kDa form of d-Hml was sensitive to acidic cleavage near the boundary between VD2 and VD', where the cleavage site of pro-VWF is located. Agarose-gel electrophoresis of metabolically radiolabelled d-Hml suggested that it is secreted from Kc167 cells mainly as dimers. Resembling VWF, 7.9% (305 residues) of cysteine residues on the d-Hml sequence had well-conserved positions in each motif. Coinciding with the development of phagocytic haemocytes, d-hml transcript was detected in late embryos and larvae. Its low-level expression in adult flies was induced by injury at any position on the body.

Williams syndrome and deficiency in visuospatial recognition

This study aimed to assess the visuospatial abilities of five children with Williams syndrome (four males aged 9 years 3 months, 7 years 11 months, 8 years 1 month, and 10 years 8 months respectively, and one female aged 6 years 3 months). First, the children's visuospatial abilities were examined by asking them to copy a figure. Second, their cognitive processing abilities were assessed using the Japanese Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children. This test was used because it is an objective one, standardized in Japan, and is a measure of fluid ability including spatial localization. Participants scored significantly low on the spatial memory subtest indicating that there was a deficit in spatial localization. Children's performance in line copying tasks improved when the dots were in colour. Results suggest a deficit in the dorsal stream of visual cognition, with a relatively preserved ventral stream.

Molecular analysis of Japanese patients with Rett syndrome: Identification of five novel mutations and genotype-phenotype correlation

Rett syndrome is an X-linked dominant neurodevelopmental disorder that affects females almost exclusively. The recent identification of mutations of the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 gene (MECP2) in patients with RTT, encouraged us to analyze the gene in 37 Japanese patients divided into classical RTT (14 cases), variant RTT (13 cases), and mentally retarded patients with Rett-like features (10 cases). Mutations in MECP2 were identified from most of the patients with classical and variant RTT (25 of 27 cases). Six reported common mutations were detected in 17 cases, and rare single nucleotide substitutions were found in 3 patients. In addition, one insertion mutation (1189insA) and four deletion mutations including one double deletion mutant (451delG, 100del4, 1124del53 and 881del289 plus 1187del8) were newly identified. In the 10 mentally retarded patients with Rett-like features, however, no mutation was detected in the coding region of MECP2. The finding of MECP2 mutations in 92.5% of patients with RTT indicates that RTT fulfilling the diagnostic criteria are due to genetic alteration.

Relationship between ultraviolet-B sensitivity and cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer photorepair in rice

Among Indica rice cultivars (Oryza sativa L. cvs.) that belong to the aus ecotype from the tropical Bengal region, where the amount of ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation in the solar radiation is relatively great, Marich-bati cultivar has exhibited resistance to UV-B radiation, while Surjamkhi cultivar appeared to be less resistant. We have examined the susceptibility to cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer (CPD) induction by UV-B radiation and the ability to photorepair CPDs using these two cultivars. UV-B radiation produced similar dimer levels in the leaves of the two cultivars. In contrast, the ability to photorepair CPDs in the UV-sensitive Surjamkhi cultivar was lower than that in the UV-resistant Marich-bati cultivar. These results were similar to our previous data, namely, that a UV-sensitive Japanese rice cultivar (Oryza sativa L. cv. Norin 1) cultivated in the moderate climate of Japan is deficient in its ability to photorepair CPDs. Thus, these results suggest that a strong correlation exists between the sensitivity to UV-B and the photorepair deficiency, and that a low ability in CPD photorepair may be a principal factor in determining the UV-B sensitivity in rice plants.