The expression of thymidine phosphorylase in cancer-infiltrating inflammatory cells in stomach cancer

Thymidine phosphorylase (TP) has shown to be up-regulated in several cancers and to play a role in angiogenesis and invasion. Most studies regarding TP have focused on cancer cells. Recently, evidences suggest that TP in cancer-infiltrating inflammatory cells (CIICs) also affect the cancer cell behavior. To evaluate the significance of TP expression of CIICs in gastric cancer, we assessed TP expression of cancer cells and CIICs separately using immunohistochemical assay on 116 paraffin-embedded tissue samples from stomach cancer patients and investigated their clinical significance. When subjects were divided into 4 groups according to the TP expression: cancer/matrix (+/+), C/M (+/-), C/M (-/+), and C/M (-/-), intratumoral microvessel density scores were higher in the C/M (+/-) group than in the C/M (-/-) group (p=0.02). For lymph node metastasis and survival, there were no significant differences among the 4 groups. However, there were significant differences in survival (p=0.035) and LN metastasis (p=0.023) between the two groups divided by TP expression of CIICs alone irrespective of TP expression of cancer cells. Taken together, this study suggested the TP expression in CIICs could affect lymph node metastasis and patients' survival in gastric cancer.

The prevention of vocal fold scarring using autologous adipose tissue-derived stromal cells

Prevention and treatment of vocal fold scarring and atrophy remain challenging. The aim of this study was to treat injured vocal folds using autologous adipose tissue-derived stromal cells (ADSCs) and evaluate the ability to prevent vocal fold scarring and atrophy by ADSCs in a canine animal model. Ten adult dogs were used for this experiment. ADSCs from the adipose tissue from the inguinal area were isolated and cultured in all dogs. Immediately after being mixed with atelocollagen, the ADSCs (1-3 x 10(6)) were injected into the right vocal fold of each animal, using a syringe with a 23-gauge needle. As a control, atelocollagen was injected into the left vocal fold of the same dog. The effects of the prevention of vocal fold scarring and atrophy were measured by morphological and histological assessment. At 8 weeks, there was a difference in granuloma and atrophic changes between the ADSC-injected and control sides in the majority of the dogs. This difference continued to be present at the 24 weeks' follow-up. On histopathologic examination, a large number of cells labeled with a fluorochrome were observed in ADSC-injected vocal folds 8 weeks after the initial treatment. This study demonstrates the multipotential ability of ADSCs in the regeneration of injured vocal folds. Injecting ADSCs into a damaged vocal fold appears to be useful in preventing vocal fold scarring and atrophy 24 weeks after initial damage.

Clinicopathological significance of BGP expression in non-small-cell lung carcinoma: relationship with histological type, microvessel density and patients' survival

AIMS

Brain-type glycogen phosphorylase (BGP) is the major isoform of glycogen phosphorylase found in fetal and neoplastic tissues, and is generally thought to induce glucose supply during an ischaemic period. This study was performed to investigate BGP expression in non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC).

METHODS

A total of 119 cases of NSCLC, including 63 squamous cell carcinomas (SqCCs) and 56 adenocarcinomas (ACs), were imunohistochemically evaluated for BGP expression, and its expression was correlated with clinicopathological parameters.

RESULTS

In total, 76.5% were positive, while non-neoplastic bronchial epithelial cells were weakly positive and pneumocytes were negative. High BGP expression was noted in 78.6% of ACs and 36.5% of SqCCs (p=0.001). Microvessel density was higher in the low BGP expression tumours (29.6 +/- 16.9/mm(2)) than in the high expression tumours (22.8+/-13.8/mm(2)) (p=0.017). BGP expression did not correlate with patient age or tumour stage, but was more frequent in females than males. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that high BGP expression was associated with poorer survival (p=0.032).

CONCLUSIONS

BGP is expressed in NSCLC, particularly AC, and is an independent poor prognostic factor.

Invasive Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections: high rate of recurrence and mortality after hematopoietic cell transplantation

Limited data exist regarding the incidence and factors associated with outcome of invasive Pseudomonal infections in hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT). A retrospective analysis of cases of invasive Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection and factors associated with outcome was performed. P. aeruginosa invasive infection occurred in 95 of 5772 patients (1.65%) a median of 63 days after HCT (range 5-1435). Only 28% of infections occurred during periods of neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count<500 cells/mm(3)). Infection-attributable mortality during the initial episode of infection was 35.8%. Factors associated with initial mortality included the presence of a copathogen and high-dose steroid use. Ten (16.4%) of those who survived the initial infection experienced a recurrence of P. aeruginosa infection at a median of 9 days (range 3-17) after stopping antibiotics and 60% of those died as a result of recurrent infection a median of 1 day (range 1-7) after onset of recurrence. Grade 3-4 graft-versus-host disease was associated with a higher risk of recurrent infection. The risk of recurrence was not influenced by the presence of copathogens. Thus, invasive P. aeruginosa infections are associated with high recurrence rates and mortality in this immunocompromised population. Aggressive attempts to reduce immunosuppression and to treat copathogens may help during the initial infection.

Modeling of Brain D2 Receptor Occupancy-Plasma Concentration Relationships with a Novel Antipsychotic, YKP1358, Using Serial PET Scans in Healthy Volunteers

YKP1358 is a novel serotonin (5-HT(2A)) and dopamine (D(2)) antagonist that, in preclinical studies, fits the general profile of an atypical antipsychotic. We conducted a D(2) receptor occupancy study with YKP1358 in healthy volunteers using positron emission tomography (PET) to measure the D(2) receptor occupancy of YKP1358 and to characterize its relationship to plasma drug concentrations. A single oral dose, parallel group, dose-escalation (100, 200, and 250 mg) study was performed in 10 healthy male volunteers with the PET radiotracer [(11)C]raclopride. The D(2) receptor occupancy of striatum was measured pre-dose, and at 2, 5, and 10 h after YKP1358 administration. Serial blood samples were taken for measurement of plasma YKP1358 concentrations. D(2) receptor occupancy by YKP1358 increased to 53-83% at 2 h, and then decreased afterwards, ranging from 40-64% at 5 h to 20-51% at 10 h. The YKP1358 dose-plasma concentration relationship exhibited extensive variability, but there was a good relationship between plasma concentrations and D(2) receptor occupancy that was well predicted by a sigmoid E(max) model using nonlinear mixed effects modeling. To our knowledge, this is the first study in which the relationship between plasma concentration and the biomarker of D(2) receptor occupancy was modeled using nonlinear mixed effects modeling. It is anticipated that these results will be useful in estimating for subsequent studies the initial doses of YKP1358 required to achieve a therapeutically effective range of D(2) receptor occupancy.

Observations on the suppression of root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne arenaria) on tomato by incorporation of cyanobacterial powder (Oscillatoria chlorina) into potting field soil

Experiments were carried out to investigate the nematicidal potential of a cyanobacterium, Oscillatoria chlorina, against the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne arenaria on tomato plants grown in pots filled with 500 cm3 of field soil infested with 12-s stage juveniles (J2)/cm3 soil. Incorporation of freeze-dried cyanobacterial powder into potted field soil at the rate of 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8% and 1.0% (w/w) 5 days prior to tomato planting, reduced root galling, final population of M. arenaria and increased vegetative growth of tomato plants and root-mass production, compared with untreated control (P > or = 0.05). The beneficial effect of adding cyanobacterial powder into infested potted field soil increased exponentially with concentration up to 0.8%. Root galling and nematode population decreased by 68.9% and 97.6%, respectively at the highest dose (1%) of cyanobacterial powder compared with the untreated control. Addition of cyanobacterial powder into infested potted field soil at 5 days before planting was the most effective followed by 2 days before and at the time of tomato planting. We conclude that application rate and timing are important factors in the control of root-knot nematodes with O. chlorina.

Gene expression in mixed type liposarcoma

AIMS

Mixed type liposarcomas are rare. Here, we analysed the characteristics of an unusual case of mixed type liposarcoma, which consisted of a well-differentiated liposarcoma (WDL) and a pleomorphic liposarcoma (PL), with a special emphasis on molecular alterations.

METHODS

Microscopic and immunohistochemical approaches were used to investigate this case of mixed type liposarcoma, and to identify molecular alterations in this tumour, gene expression was examined in PL, WDL, and normal adipose tissue (NA) samples using a 17,000 cDNA microarray.

RESULTS

The tumour mass, 9 x 5 x 5 cm, was located in the left upper arm of a 76-year-old man. Grossly, the proximal portion of the tumour was composed of a yellowish fatty lesion, whereas the distal portion of the tumour was whitish and necrotic in nature. Histologically, the tumour was composed of two distinct components. The proximal component of the tumour was a WDL and the distal component was a PL. Immunohistochemically, S100 protein immunoreactivity highlighted lipoblasts in both tumour portions. The Ki-67 proliferation index was <1% in the WDL and 20% in the PL. MDM2 was positive in the WDL, but negative in the PL. p53 was negative in both areas. Numerous differentially expressed genes were found, which included genes coding for signal transduction, transcription, cell cycle, enzyme, structural protein, immune system and others.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data demonstrate that multiple genes are differentially expressed in mixed type liposarcoma and suggest that these genes are associated with the differences in the morphological characteristics and pathogenesis of mixed type liposarcoma.

Simultaneous treatment of sewage sludge and food waste by the unified high-rate anaerobic digestion system

This study aimed to evaluate the performance of the unified high-rate anaerobic digestion (UHAD) system treating co-substrate of sewage sludge and food waste. A 24-hr operating sequence consisted of four steps including fill, react, settle, and draw. The effects of co-substrate and organic loading rate (OLR) on the performance were investigated to verify the system applicability. In each OLR, the UHAD system showed higher CH4 recovery (> 70%), CH4 yield (0.3 L CH4/g VSadded) and CH4 production rate (0.6 L CH4/L/d) than the control system. In the specific methanogenic activity (SMA) tests on thermophilic biomass of the UHAD system, the average SMA of acetate (102 mL CH4/gVSS/d) was much higher than those of butyrate (85 mL CH4/g SS/d) and propionate (42 mL CH4/gVSS/d). It was demonstrated that the UHAD system for co-digestion resulted in higher methane yield and methane production rate due to sequencing batch operation, thermophilic digestion, and co-digestion. The enhanced performance could be attributed to longer retention time of active biomass, faster hydrolysis, higher CH4 conversion rate, and balanced nutrient conditions of co-substrate in the UHAD system. Consequently, this optimized unification could be a viable option for the simultaneous treatment of two types of OFMSW with high stability.

A phase II trial of haptaplatin/5-FU and leucovorin for advanced stomach cancer

PURPOSE

Heptaplatin (SKI-2053 R) is a new platinum analogue, with a better toxicity profile than cisplatin, and has antitumor activity even in cisplatin resistant cell lines. 5-fluoruracil (5-FU) has shown synergy with platinum compounds. This phase II trial was designed to determine the efficacy and toxicities of heptaplatin/ 5-FU (5-fluorouracil) for treating stomach cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-two patients with advanced, measurable gastric adenocarcinomas were enrolled in this trial. The treatment consisted of heptaplatin, 400 mg/m(2)/day (1 hour IV infusion), on day 1 and 5-FU, 800 mg/m(2)/day (12 hours IV infusion), on days 1 to 5. The cycles were repeated every 3 weeks.

RESULTS

Of the 26 evaluable patients, 9 had partial responses and 1a complete response (overall response rate, 38%; 95% confidence interval, 19 approximately 57%). The median response duration was 23 weeks (range: 4 approximately 60 weeks). The median time to progression was 26 weeks (range: 3 approximately 68 weeks). The grades III-IV toxicities were mostly hematological toxicities: leucopenia was observed in 11 patients (35%) and thrombocytopenia 4 (13%). No definite neuropathy was observed. Grade I-II nephropathy was also noted: grade I high BUN/creatinine levels occurred in 5 patients (16%), grade II proteinuria 2 (6%), grade I proteinuria 5 (16%). Neutropenic fever developed in 5 patients (16%) and 1 died of pneumonia in a neutropenic state.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that the regimen of Heptaplatin/5-FU should be effective and have a favorable toxicity profile for the patients suffering with advanced stomach cancer.

Differential expression of P2X-purinoceptor subtypes in circular and longitudinal muscle of canine colon

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) mediates excitatory junction potentials through P2X receptors in many smooth muscles. However, relatively little is known about postjunctional intestinal P2X receptors. We examined the effect of exogenous ATP on circular and longitudinal myocytes of canine colon using the patch clamp technique at 32 degrees C. In both cell types, ATP induced inward currents (I(ATP)) at -70 mV in a concentration-dependent manner. The potency profile of ATP analogues in circular myocytes was: ATP approximately 2-methylthio-ATP > alpha,beta-methylene ATP, and that in longitudinal myocytes was: alpha,beta-methylene ATP approximately ATP > 2-methylthio-ATP. Pretreatment of circular myocytes with alpha,beta-methylene ATP inhibited the response to subsequent ATP, suggesting receptor desensitization. I-V relationships of I(ATP) were linear with inward rectification and E(rev) of -13 mV. I(ATP) at -70 mV was carried predominantly by Na+ as determined by shifts in E(rev) when extracellular Na+ was lowered. In RT-PCR, circular myocytes expressed mRNAs encoding P2X2, 3 and 4, while longitudinal myocytes expressed mRNAs for P2X3 and 5. P2X7 was absent in both cells. Fragments of each subtype were cloned and sequenced. We failed to clone P2X1 and P2X6 genes. Overall, different P2X receptor subtypes are expressed in circular and longitudinal canine colonic myocytes. Their activation produces non-selective cation currents that can depolarize and excite muscles of both layers.

Heterozygous mice for TGF-betaIIR gene are resistant to the progression of streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy

BACKGROUND

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) receptor complex and its downstream Smad signaling intermediates constitute an extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation pathway.

METHODS

In the present study, we examined whether decreased expression of the TGF-beta type II receptor (TGF-betaIIR) in TGF-betaIIR gene heterozygous (TGF-betaIIR+/-) (HT) mice could inhibit the Smad signaling pathway and subsequent progression of renal lesions when streptozotocin (STZ) diabetes is induced.

RESULTS

At the end of the 28-week experiment after STZ injections, wild-type diabetic mice showed severe glomerular hypertrophy and mesangial matrix accumulation occasionally featuring nodular glomerulosclerosis. In contrast, mean glomerular area and mesangial volume density were significantly decreased in the HT diabetic mice as compared with the wild-type diabetic mice. Immunostaining for phosphorylated Smad2/Smad3 and TGF-betaIIR in the glomerular cells was also significantly reduced in the HT diabetic mice. Southwestern histochemistry using digoxigenin-labeled CAGA sequence probes showed that localization of labeled probes to the nuclei of glomerular cells in the HT diabetic mice was significantly less frequent than that in the wild-type diabetic animals. Northern blot analysis showed that alpha1(IV) collagen mRNA levels were significantly reduced in the kidney tissue of HT diabetic mice as compared with the wild-type diabetic mice.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that decreased expression of TGF-betaIIR in the HT diabetic mice can inhibit the progression of diabetic renal injury by inhibiting the downstream Smad signaling pathway and subsequent ECM gene expression. Thus, TGF-betaIIR appears to play an important role in the progression of diabetic nephropathy by mediating intracellular Smad signaling.

Active myogenic tone: a requisite for hemoglobin mediated vascular contraction?

Acellular free hemoglobin (Hb), when intravenously administered to animals and humans, elicits vascular contraction. A primary mechanism for the Hb mediated vasoconstriction is Hb scavenging of nitric oxide (NO), a potent relaxation factor, constitutively secreted by the vascular endothelium. However, in the isolated rat thoracic aorta in basal state, Hb does not elicit contraction. To investigate this apparent paradox, we assessed isolated rat aortic ring isometric contraction responses to Hb under different myogenic tone states: (1) following equilibration at a submaximal tension, (2) following agonist induced contraction, or (3) following a passive mechanical stretch. In vessel rings at basal state, Hb as high as 4 microM did not elicit any measurable contractions. In contrast, in vessel rings tone enhanced with norepinephrine, Hb as low as 0.1 microM Hb elicited a significant additional contraction. In vessel rings with passively induced tone, 4 microM Hb did not elicit a notable contraction. Similarly, in vessel rings in basal state, 0.17-1 mM acetylcholine, a NO dependent vasodilator, did not elicit relaxation. In these vessel rings, exogenous 8-Br-cGMP, a membrane permeable cGMP analog, did not elicit relaxation. In conclusion, in the isolated rat thoracic aorta, Hb mediated contraction may be contingent upon the state of myogenic tone.

Pilot-scale two-stage process: a combination of acidogenic hydrogenesis and methanogenesis

This study was performed to optimize both acidogenic hydrogenesis and methanogenesis, and then to develop a pilot-scale two-stage process producing not only CH4 but also H2. Firstly, acidogenic hydrogenesis of food waste was examined in pilot-scale leaching-bed reactors using dilution rate (D) as a tool to improve the environmental conditions. The maximum efficiency of 71.4% was obtained by adjusting D from 4.5 to 2.5 d(-1) depending on the state of degradation. Secondly, the wastewater from acidogenic hydrogenesis was converted to CH4 in a pilot-scale UASB reactor. The COD removal efficiency exceeded 95% up to the loading rates of 13.1 g COD/Ld, which corresponded to HRT of 0.25 d (6 h). Lastly, a pilot-scale two-stage process was devised based on a combination of acidogenic hydrogenesis and methanogenesis. Over 120 days, the pilot-scale process resulted in large VS reduction of 70.9% at the high loading rate of 12.5 kg VS/m3/d in a short SRT of 8 days.

Temporal effect of hemoglobin resuscitation on sepsis survival

Hemoglobin (Hb)-based oxygen carriers are promising resuscitation fluids for hemorrhagic shock. However, infusion of large amounts of Hb-based material could interfere with reticuloendothelial function potentiating postresuscitation sepsis mortality. We investigated the temporal relationship between hemorrhage-resuscitation and sepsis survival. Male SD rats were subjected to hemorrhage and resuscitated with shed blood volumes of purified human hemoglobin solution (HS). Sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) 24 h before, 0, 24, or 72 h after hemorrhage/resuscitation (H/R) and survival was monitored. In additional animals with or without Hb resuscitation, hepatic heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) gene expression and HO activity were assessed. Seven-day survival for animals resuscitated with HS prior to sepsis induction was significantly higher than other groups. Animals resuscitated with HS showed hepatic HO-1 gene expression while non-HS resuscitated animals did not. In addition, hepatic HO activity levels were significantly higher in HS resuscitated animals than non-HS resuscitated animals. In conclusion, HS resuscitation does not appear to enhance postresuscitation sepsis mortality. Rather, when conducted concomitantly or prior to sepsis, HS resuscitation appears to improve survival from a subsequent sepsis challenge.

Fine needle aspiration cytology of epithelioid angiosarcoma. Report of a case with nuclear grooves and indentations

BACKGROUND

Angiosarcoma, because of its rarity and histologic diversity, has been a persistent challenge to cytopathologists. Epithelioid angiosarcomas are often confused with carcinomas, melanomas and other epithelioid sarcomas, both cytologically and histologically. Here we report the cytopathologic features of a case of epithelioid angiosarcoma with prominent nuclear grooves.

CASE

A 61-year-old male visited the hospital with a neck mass. On fine needle aspiration the hypercellular smear, with a lymphocytic bloody background, showed variable-sized, round to oval, pleomorphic cells with frequent nuclear grooves, indentations and plump cytoplasm. The cells were diffusely scattered or loosely aggregated, with occasional acinar and cell-in-cell configuration. The case was diagnosed as epithelioid angiosarcoma on excisional biopsy.

CONCLUSION

Whenever fine needle aspiration cytology, especially in the head and neck area, suggests malignancy composed predominantly of epithelioid cells, epithelioid angiosarcoma should be considered. The differential diagnosis should include metastatic tumors, such as carcinoma, melanoma and primary sarcoma. Nuclear grooves and indentations are 1 of the important diagnostic features of epithelioid angiosarcoma.

Anaerobic co-digestion of sewage sludge and food waste using temperature-phased anaerobic digestion process

This study was performed to overcome the low efficiency of anaerobic digestion of sewage sludge and food waste by combining temperature-phased digestion, sequencing batch operation, and co-digestion technology. It was demonstrated that the temperature-phased anaerobic sequencing batch reactor (TPASBR) system for the co-digestion of sewage sludge and food waste resulted in enhanced volatile solids (VS) reduction and methane production rate. At the organic loading rate (OLR) of 2.7 g VS/l/d, the TPASBR system showed the higher VS reduction (61.3%), CH4 yield (0.28 l/g VS(added)) and CH4 production rate (0.41 l CH4/l/d) than those (0.29 l CH4/l/d) of the mesophilic two-stage ASBR (MTSASBR). In the specific methanogenic activity (SMA) tests on thermophilic biomass of the TPASBR system, the average SMA of acetate (93 ml CH4/gVSS/d) was much higher than those of propionate (46 ml CH4/g VSS/d) and butyrate (76 ml CH4/g VSS/d). Also, higher specific hydrolytic activity (SHA, 217 mg COD/g VSS/d) of the biomass supported fast hydrolysis under thermophilic conditions. The track study revealed that the most active period of the 24 h cycle was between 6 and 12 h. The enhanced performance of the TPASBR system could be attributed to longer solids retention time, fast hydrolysis, higher CH4 conversion rate, and balanced nutrient condition of co-substrate. It was verified that this combination could be a promising and practical alternative for the simultaneous recycling of two types of organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) with high stability.

Apoptosis induction by 4beta-acetoxyscirpendiol from Paecilomyces tenuipes in human leukaemia cell lines

The carpophores of Paecilomyces tenuipes are known in the Orient for their strong antitumor activity. In continuation of our study on acetoxyscirpendiol (ASD, 4beta-acetoxyscirpene-3alpha,15-diol) as a cytotoxic component from this fungus, we report particularly on the mode of action of ASD in inducing apoptosis in human MOLT-4, THP-1 and Jurkat T cell leukaemia in vitro. The antiproliferative effects of ASD seem attributable to its induction of apoptosis in the cells, as it blocked the cell cycle, induced hypodiploidity and bound annexin V and also cleaved poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) in these cell lines. The 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of ASD on MOLT-4, THP-1 and Jurkat T cells were found to be 60, 85 and 60 ng/ml, respectively. ASD arrested the cell cycle at the G1/S transition and showed hypodiploidity due to the accumulation of sub-G0 population. Annexin V binding was increased in the presence of ASD in the MOLT-4 cell line in a time-dependent manner. ASD and three of its derivatives also induced cleavage of PARP in both MOLT-4 and Jurkat T cell lines. From these data, it is suggested that ASD exerts its cytotoxic activity by inducing apoptosis in leukaemia cell lines in vitro.

The role of coping in maintaining the psychological well-being of mothers of adults with intellectual disability and mental illness

BACKGROUND

Mothers who have a child with intellectual disability (ID) or mental illness face a lifetime of caregiving responsibilities and challenges. The present study investigated changes over time in how mothers cope with the challenges of caring for an adult child with disabilities and the effects of changes in coping on maternal well-being.

METHODS

A sample of 246 ageing mothers of adults with ID and 74 mothers of adults with mental illness was drawn from two parallel longitudinal studies of later-life caregiving.

RESULTS

There was considerable variability at the individual level in the degree to which mothers changed over time in their use of problem-focused and emotion-focused coping strategies. For both groups, an increase in their use of emotion-focused coping led to declining levels of well-being. For the parents of adults with ID, an increase in their use of problem-focused coping resulted in a reduction in distress and an improvement in the quality of the relationship with their adult child. For the parents of adults with mental illness, an increase in the use of problem-focused coping had no effect on levels of distress, but led to an improved relationship with their adult child.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study underscores the importance of coping in the lives of older mothers of adults with disabilities.

A simple method for DNA extraction from marine bacteria that produce extracellular materials

We present a simple method for extracting DNA from the marine bacteria Hahella chejuensis, a Streptomyces sp., and a Cytophaga sp. Previously, DNA purification from these strains was hindered by the presence of extracellular materials. In our extraction method, the marine bacteria are lysed by freezing and grinding in liquid nitrogen, and treated with SDS. The extracted DNA is purified using a phenol/chloroform mixture, and precipitated in isopropanol. The extracted DNA is of high quality and suitable for molecular analyses, such as PCR, restriction enzyme digestion, genomic DNA blot hybridization, and genomic DNA library construction. We used this method to extract genomic DNA from several other marine bacteria. Our method is a reproducible, simple, and rapid technique for routine DNA extractions from marine bacteria. Furthermore, the low cost of this method makes it attractive for large-scale studies.

Expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 in human crescentic glomerulonephritis

AIMS

In glomerulonephritis, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) may play important roles in the formation of crescents. These studies are designed to evaluate the expression patterns of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in human crescentic glomerulonephritis and to determine the cellular origin of adhesion molecules in the crescentic lesions.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We examined the expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 proteins in renal biopsies with cellular (n=7), fibrocellular (n=9) or fibrous (n=4) crescentic glomerulonephritis, and six controls by immunohistochemistry. mRNA expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 was further evaluated by RNA in-situ hybridization. Cytokeratin or CD68 immunohistochemistry was performed on the same sections, where in-situ hybridization had been carried out. In cellular crescents, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 proteins were over-expressed to a similar extent. Of the three types of crescents, the extent of ICAM-1 immunopositivity was the greatest in the cellular crescents and decreased towards the fibrous crescents (P < 0.05). Yet the extent of VCAM-1 immunoreactivity was not different between the types. Fibrous crescents still contained some epithelial cells and showed only VCAM-1 expression. In the glomeruli with cellular or fibrocellular crescents, the extent of ICAM-1 immunopositivity in the glomerular tufts was significantly larger than that of VCAM-1 (P < 0.05). In an in-situ hybridization study, the mRNA expression patterns of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 paralleled their protein expressions. A double-labelling study showed that the signal for ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 mRNAs was mainly present in cytokeratin-positive and CD68-negative cells in the crescentic lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that glomerular parietal epithelial cells in cellular crescents up-regulate both ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, and that some epithelial cells retained in fibrous crescents persistently over-express VCAM-1, but not ICAM-1. They also suggest that ICAM-1 is involved in early leucocyte recruitment into glomeruli in crescentic glomerulonephritis.

Distribution of nociceptin-like immunoreactivity in the central nervous system of the Mongolian gerbil: an immunohistochemical study

This study is designed to demonstrate the distribution of nociceptin, endogenous ORL1 receptor ligand, in the central nervous system of the Mongolian gerbil. To intensify the nociceptin-like immunoreactivity (NOC-LI), colchicine was administered into the lateral ventricle, at 48 h prior to the transcardiac perfusion. In the group without colchicine treatment, NOC-LI was observed in the fibres of the spinal dorsal horn, specifically in the superficial layers. However, the NOC-LI in the superficial layers disappeared after the administration of colchicine. In the brain, NOC-LI was prominent in the hypothalamus, hippocampus, cerebral peduncle, substantia nigra, dorsal raphe, periaqueductal grey, locus coeruleus and trapezoid nucleus. Colchicine treatment markedly intensified the NOC-LI in the somata of the central nervous system, whereas the untreated sections were too weak to observe and analyse. The distribution of NOC-LI provides informative data for studies of the neuronal circuit that nociceptin may be involved in.

Recommendations for sentinel lymph node processing in breast cancer

The status of the sentinel lymph node (SLN) has been shown to accurately reflect the presence or absence of metastases in the axilla in patients with breast cancer. This study was designed to determine the optimal protocol for SLN processing. A total of 173 SLNs from 96 breast cancer patients who had successful SLN localization and underwent completion axillary node dissection were identified. All SLNs were negative for metastases by initial routine histologic evaluation. The nodes were submitted in a total of 300 blocks. Each block was serially sectioned to produce 10 levels. Pan-cytokeratin stain was performed on levels 3 and 8. All other levels were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Metastases were identified in 22 SLNs from 19 patients by examining all 10 levels. The first two hematoxylin and eosin- or the first cytokeratin-stained levels were positive for metastases in 21 (95.5%) of the 22 positive SLNs. Two additional hematoxylin and eosin-stained and one cytokeratin-stained levels of each SLN correctly identified the status of the node in 94 (97.9%) of 96 patients. Therefore, we recommend that after an initial hematoxylin and eosin-stained section, two additional hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections and one cytokeratin-stained section should be evaluated.