Risk factors for multiple intravesical recurrences of superficial bladder cancer

OBJECTIVES

To elucidate the risk factors for a second or third intravesical recurrence in patients with superficial bladder cancer.

METHODS

Of 84 consecutive patients newly diagnosed as having superficial bladder cancer in Sapporo Medical University Hospital, 30 patients who had at least one recurrent superficial bladder cancer and were followed up for more than 3 years were included in this study. Multivariate analysis by Cox's proportional hazards model was used to determine which clinical and pathologic variables significantly affected the second and third recurrences. Stepwise regression analysis was used to determine which clinical and pathologic variables significantly affected multiple recurrences of bladder cancer.

RESULTS

The 1, 2, and 5-year recurrence-free rates as determined by the Kaplan-Meier method were 66.1%, 43.8%, and 29.8% for a second recurrence and 67.4%, 61.8%, and 39.2% for a third recurrence, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that only the interval between the initial transurethral resection of the bladder cancer and the first recurrence was a significant and independent factor affecting the second recurrence. In the study of the third recurrence, the interval between the first and second recurrences was the only definite risk factor for the third one. When multiple recurrences were considered, stepwise regression analysis revealed that a time of 6 months or less from the initial transurethral resection until the first recurrence was a significant factor that affected the total frequency of bladder cancer recurrence (R(2) = 0.220, P = 0.0078).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of our study indicate that patients will have the potential for frequent recurrences if they have the disease with recurrence after a short interval. This result may contribute to the selection of patients with superficial bladder cancer to receive aggressive adjuvant treatments to prevent frequent recurrences.

[The prediction of bladder outlet obstruction with prostate volume, maximum flow rate, residual urine and the international prostate symptom score in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms]

We determined whether prostate volume (PV), maximum flow rate (Qmax), residual urine (RU) and the International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS) predicted bladder outlet obstruction in patients having lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs). The study consisted of 114 patients aged 50 years or older with LUTSs who had scores of 8 or more on the I-PSS and 2 or more for the quality of life index. All patients received transrectal ultrasonography for estimation of PV and pressure-flow study (PFS). When PFS showed an obstruction grade of 2 or more in Schäfer's p/Q diagram, the result was defined as bladder outlet obstruction. When we examined which criteria indicated that 90% of patients had bladder outlet obstruction (positive predictive value: 90%), we found that PV of 35 ml or more, Qmax of 8 ml/sec or less, RU of 110 ml or more, and I-PSS of 30 or more did so. Fifty-nine percent of patients met at least one of these criteria. The results suggested that 59% of patients with LUTSs had bladder outlet obstruction with a 90% positive predictive value based on the value of PV, Qmax, RU or I-PSS.

High expression of 92 kDa type IV collagenase (matrix metalloproteinase-9) in canine mammary adenocarcinoma

The 92 kDa type VI collagenase (matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9)) activities on zymography assay were found to be 1-6 times higher in benign tumor breast tissues of 12 canines and 4-26 times higher in adenocarcinoma breast tissues of nine canines than that of control tissues, respectively. A full-length canine MMP-9 cDNA was cloned from the adenocarcinoma tissue by reverse transcription-PCR and 5'- and 3'-RACE. The isolated cDNA contained an open reading frame coding for a polypeptide of 704 amino acids. The predicted protein sequence displayed extensive similarity to that of known MMP-9s and contained a putative signal sequence, a propeptide, an active site with three zinc-binding histidine residues, a calcium-binding domain, a hemopexin region, and three key cysteine residues. Western blotting using MMP-9-specific antibodies prepared against the peptide corresponding to Arg(642)-Asp(704) of canine MMP-9 and Northern blotting using a MMP-9-specific cDNA fragment as a probe confirmed that MMP-9 (the 92 kDa protein band) was highly expressed in canine mammary adenocarcinoma tissues. Higher levels of MMP-9 activity were found in the sera of canines with mammary adenocarcinoma. The results indicated that MMP-9 plays an important role in the progression of a canine mammary tumor and that assay of serum MMP-9 is helpful for early diagnosis as progress of adenocarcinoma.

The effect of an Na+/H+ exchange inhibitor, SM-20550, on ischemia/reperfusion-induced endothelial dysfunction in isolated perfused rat hearts

The aim of this study was to test the protective effect of an Na+/H+ exchange (NHE) inhibitor, SM-20550, on ischemia/reperfusion-induced endothelial dysfunction. Isolated rat hearts were subjected to 30 min of global ischemia followed by 20 min of reperfusion and their responses to the endothelial-dependent vasodilator, acetylcholine, and the endothelial-independent vasodilator, nitroglycerin, before and after ischemia were examined. Acetylcholine-induced relaxation was impaired after ischemia/reperfusion while nitroglycerin induced relaxation was not. Administration of 1-10 nmol/l SM-20550 [N-(aminoiminomethyl)-1,4-dimethyl-1H-indole-2-carboxamide methanesulfonic acid] before and after ischemia prevented impairment of acetylcholine-induced relaxation. To further understand the mechanism of SM-20550 in protecting endothelial function, we measured the inhibitory activity of SM-20550 on NHE in cultured endothelial cells. SM-20550 (1-100 nmol/l) inhibited recovery from acidosis induced by an NH4Cl prepulse in a concentration-dependent manner. Oxygen radicals from endothelial cells and leukocytes are one of the major sources of endothelial cell injury during ischemia and reperfusion. Consequently, we tested the effect of SM-20550 on H2O2-induced endothelial cell injury. SM-20550 (100-1,000 nmol/l) prevented H2O2-induced cell injury measured by lactate dehydrogenase assay. In conclusion, SM-20550 inhibited NHE in endothelial cells, protected ischemia/reperfusion-induced endothelial dysfunction and prevented H2O2-induced endothelial cell injury at higher concentrations.

Evolution of large extrachromosomal elements in HL-60 cells during culture and the associated phenotype alterations

In the HL-60 sublines that were isolated after a long-term continuous culture, abnormally stained or abnormally banded regions on chromosomes replaced extrachromosomal double minutes. The c-MYC gene is amplified in these structures. We followed the c-MYC gene loci during a consecutive passage by using FISH, and have found a large extrachromosomal element (LEE) that preexisted at the earliest passage in a very small fraction of cells. No chromosomal integration of c-MYC sequences was observed in up to 225 passages. The LEEs persistently evolved during culture and were not excluded from the nucleus. In the LEE-positive cells, the spontaneous differentiation was blocked and the granulocytic differentiation that was induced by treatment with dimethyl sulfoxide was reversed by withdrawal of the drug. The c-MYC gene integration into LEEs is unlikely to lead to these phenotypes. The reversibility might be related to the reversible c-MYC down-regulation during the early phase of the drug treatment of HL-60 cells at early cell passages.

New genome type of adenovirus serotype 19 causing nosocomial infections of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis in Japan

Twelve strains of adenovirus serotype 19, isolated from cases of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis in Japan in 1992, 1993, 1997, and 1998, were analyzed by DNA restriction analysis, using restriction endonucleases BamHI, BglI, BglII, EcoRI, HindIII, KpnI, PstI, SacI, SalI, SmaI, and XhoI. Among these 11 restriction endonucleases, EcoRI, PstI, SacI, and SmaI were discriminative enzymes, showing restriction patterns different from those reported previously for the prototype and the variant 19a. This new genome type was isolated in 1997 and 1998, when an increase of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis cases caused by adenovirus serotype 19 was observed for both sporadic and nosocomial infections. Strains from 1992 and 1993 showed restriction patterns similar to those of the worldwide reported variant 19a for all enzymes used. The changes detected in strains from 1997 and 1998 could be the reason for the recent epidemic.

The correlation between penile tumescence measured by the erectometer and penile rigidity by the RigiScan

BACKGROUND

The goal of this study was to evaluate the correlation between increments of penile tumescence and penile rigidity measured by the erectometer and the RigiScan, respectively.

METHODS

Nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) was measured in 25 volunteers (mean age, 49.5 years). The erectometer and the RigiScan were used simultaneously for a total of 47 nights. We studied the correlation between maximum penile circumferential changes determined by the erectometer and penile rigidity patterns measured by the RigiScan.

RESULTS

Maximum circumferential changes during NPT measured by the erectometer were well correlated to those determined by the RigiScan (correlation coefficient, 0.719). In addition, penile circumferential changes measured by the erectometer corresponded well to the penile rigidity pattern determined by the RigiScan (P=0.0001). Specifically, maximum penile circumferential changes of more than 30 mm and less than 10 mm had 70% positive predictive value and 100% negative predictive value for predicting the normal rigidity pattern, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Penile circumferential changes measured by the erectometer were well correlated to penile rigidity measured by the RigiScan, particularly when the increments were larger than 30 mm or less than 10 mm. These results suggested that the erectometer was a useful tool to estimate the penile rigidity patterns of the RigiScan.

Spermatogonial proliferation and apoptosis in hypospermatogenesis associated with nonobstructive azoospermia

OBJECTIVE

To provide evidence that a pathological process in spermatogonial proliferation and apoptosis may participate in developing hypospermatogenesis of infertile men.

DESIGN

Case-controlled retrospective analysis.

SETTING

University-based male infertility clinic.

PATIENT(S)

Thirty-four patients with idiopathic hypospermatogenesis.

INTERVENTION(S)

Collecting blood samples for measurement of hormones and performing testicular biopsy for assessment of spermatogenesis.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

The expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) of spermatogonia and the frequency of apoptosis of spermatogonia demonstrated by the in situ DNA 3'-end-labeling method were investigated to determine the degree of cell degeneration.

RESULT(S)

We could classify 34 infertile patients into four subgroups according to spermatogonial proliferation and differentiation. No significant difference in the expression of PCNA was demonstrated between these four groups and the control group. In all groups, the balance of spermatogonial proliferation (PCNA-positive rate) to apoptosis was significantly lower than that of the control group.

CONCLUSION(S)

It was demonstrated that accelerated apoptosis, rather than proliferative dysfunction in the mitotic phase, may induce the decreased number of spermatogonia in hypospermatogenesis. These findings suggest that disorders of the control and regulation of apoptosis may participate in the pathogenesis of idiopathic hypospermatogenesis.

Purification and characterization of a monohalomethane-producing enzyme S-adenosyl-L-methionine: halide ion methyltransferase from a marine microalga, Pavlova pinguis

A monohalomethane-producing enzyme, S-adenosyl-L-methionine-dependent halide ion methyltransferase (EC 2.1.1.-) was purified from the marine microalga Pavlova pinguis by two anion exchange, hydroxyapatite and gel filtration chromatographies. The methyltransferase was a monomeric molecule having a molecular weight of 29,000. The enzyme had an isoelectric point at 5.3, and was optimally active at pH 8.0. The Km for iodide and SAM were 12 mM and 12 microM, respectively, which were measured using a partially purified enzyme. Various metal ions had no significant effect on methyl iodide production, suggesting that the enzyme does not require metal ions. The enzyme reaction strictly depended on SAM as a methyl donor, and the enzyme catalyzed methylation of the I-, Br-, and Cl- to corresponding monohalomethanes and of bisulfide to methyl mercaptan.

Genome typing of adenovirus type 34 isolated in two cases of conjunctivitis in Sapporo, Japan

Two cases of conjunctivitis caused by adenovirus type 34 (Ad34) are reported. The isolates were identified as Ad34 by the neutralization test and the PCR-sequence method of the hexon gene but as Ad14 by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. The genome types of these two isolates were identical to that of Ad34a.

Physiological function of bromoperoxidase in the red marine alga, Corallina pilulifera: production of bromoform as an allelochemical and the simultaneous elimination of hydrogen peroxide

The physiological function of vanadium-bromoperoxidase (BPO) in the marine red alga, Corallina pilulifera, has been characterized from the viewpoint of allelochemical formation. The algae emit bromoform (CHBr3) depending on the enzyme activity level in vivo (Itoh, N., Shinya, M., 1994. Seasonal evolution of bromomethanes from coralline algae and its effect on atmospheric ozone. Marine Chemistry 45, 95-103). We demonstrated that bromoform produced by C. pilulifera played an important role in eliminating epiphytic organisms, especially microalgae on the surface. Such data suggest a strong relationship between the coralline algae and the coralline flat (deforested area in the marine environment: called isoyake in Japanese). Lithophyllum yessoense, the main inhabitant of coralline flats in Japan, produced a lower level of CHBr3 than C. pilulifera, and showed BPO activity. On the other hand, the seasonal change of BPO activity in C. pilulifera in vivo was in proportion to superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and in inverse proportion to catalase activity. The phenomenon implies that BPO could be a potential substitute for catalase, because the enzyme catalyzes an efficient Br(-)-dependent catalase reaction.

Macular fold after limited macular translocation treated with scleral shortening release and intravitreal gas

PURPOSE

To describe a case developing a macular fold as a complication of limited macular translocation, which was successfully managed without repeat vitrectomy.

METHODS

Interventional case report. A 34-year-old woman who underwent limited macular translocation for subfoveal choroidal neovascularization secondary to myopic degeneration developed a postoperative macular fold. Her visual acuity deteriorated from 20/100 to 20/200 postoperatively.

RESULTS

She underwent scleral shortening release and intravitreal gas injection 4 days after the initial surgery and had a resolution of macular fold with adequate foveal displacement. Her visual acuity had improved to 20/40 3 months postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

Scleral shortening release and intravitreal gas injection may be considered for the management of severe macular fold caused by limited macular translocation.

Size-related and size-unrelated functional heterogeneity among pancreatic islets

Functional heterogeneity of pancreatic islets was systematically analyzed for the first time using freshly isolated single rat pancreatic islets. First, 60 islets were sequentially exposed to 3, 9.4, 15.6, and 24.1 mM glucose for 30 min each in incubation experiments: 36 (60%) responded in a concentration-dependent and 19 (32%) in an all-or-none manner, and 5 (8%) islets did not respond to high glucose. As a group, the larger the islet, the higher the beta cell glucose sensitivity. However, glucose-stimulated elevation of [Ca2+]i in the beta cell. insulin/glucagon ratio in the islet, and expression of glucose transporter 2, glucokinase, and pancreatic duodenal homeobox factor-1 in the beta cell were not significantly related to islet size. Second, 50 islets were stimulated with 16.7 mM glucose in perifusion. A biphasic insulin release was found in 39 (78%), and no or little first phase response in 11 (22%) islets, irrespective of the islet size. Nevertheless, when the response was plotted as a group, it was clearly biphasic. Islet size, insulin content and the amount of insulin release were positively correlated with each other. In conclusion, there are size-related and size-unrelated functional diversity among pancreatic islets. The reason for such heterogeneity remained to be determined.

[Evaluation of central retinal sensitivity after vitrectomy with removal of choroidal neovascular membrane for age-related macular degeneration]

PURPOSE

To evaluate retinal sensitivity in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) before and after surgery.

METHODS

Seven consecutive patients with AMD underwent vitrectomy with removal of choroidal neovascular membrane(CNV). Static microperimetry using a scanning laser ophthalmoscope(SLO) was performed before and after surgery. Central dense scotoma size was measured.

RESULTS

Retinal sensitivity improved in all cases. Mean size of the central dense scotoma was decreased by 42%(range 14-62%).

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that vitrectomy with removal of CNV can improve the central retinal sensitivity.

Eubacterial diterpene cyclase genes essential for production of the isoprenoid antibiotic terpentecin

A gene cluster containing the mevalonate pathway genes (open reading frame 2 [ORF2] to ORF7) for the formation of isopentenyl diphosphate and a geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGDP) synthase gene (ORF1) had previously been cloned from Streptomyces griseolosporeus strain MF730-N6, a diterpenoid antibiotic, terpentecin (TP) producer (Y. Hamano, T. Dairi, M. Yamamoto, T. Kawasaki, K Kaneda, T. Kuzuyama, N. Itoh, and H. Seto, Biosci. Biotech. Biochem. 65:1627-1635, 2001). Sequence analysis in the upstream region of the cluster revealed seven new ORFs, ORF8 to ORF14, which were suggested to encode TP biosynthetic genes. We constructed two mutants, in which ORF11 and ORF12, which encode a protein showing similarities to eukaryotic diterpene cyclases (DCs) and a eubacterial pentalenene synthase, respectively, were inactivated by gene disruptions. The mutants produced no TP, confirming that these cyclase genes are essential for the production of TP. The two cyclase genes were also expressed in Streptomyces lividans together with the GGDP synthase gene under the control of the ermE* constitutive promoter. The transformant produced a novel cyclic diterpenoid, ent-clerod-3,13(16),14-triene (terpentetriene), which has the same basic skeleton as TP. The two enzymes, each of which was overproduced in Escherichia coli and purified to homogeneity, converted GGDP into terpentetriene. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a eubacterial DC.

ATRA-regulated Asb-2 gene induced in differentiation of HL-60 leukemia cells

Suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS) proteins possess common structures, a SOCS box at the C-terminus and a SH2 domain at their center. These suppressors are inducible in response to cytokines and act as negative regulators of cytokine signaling. The ASB proteins also contain the SOCS box and the ankyrin repeat sequence at the N-terminus, but do not have the SH2 domain. Although Socs genes are directly induced by several cytokines, no Asb gene inducers have been identified. In this study, we screened the specific genes expressed in the course of differentiation of HL-60 cells, and demonstrated that ASB-2, one of the ASB proteins, was rapidly induced by all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA). Typical retinoid receptors (RARs) or retinoid X receptors (RXRs) binding element (RARE/RXRE) were presented in the promoter of the Asb-2 gene. We showed that RARalpha, one of the RARs, binds to the RARE/RXRE in the Asb-2 promoter. In addition, we demonstrated by luciferase reporter assay that this element was a functional RARE/RXRE. These findings indicate that ASB-2 is directly induced by ATRA and may act as a significant regulator, underlying such physiological processes as cell differentiation.

IgA-kappa type multiple myeloma affecting proximal and distal renal tubules

A 45-year-old male was admitted because of chest pain, lumbago, and bilateral ankle pain. Examination disclosed hypophosphatemic osteomalacia, acquired Fanconi syndrome, and abnormalities in distal nephron such as distal renal tubular acidosis and renal diabetes insipidus. Further exploration revealed IgA kappa multiple myeloma excreting urinary Bence Jones protein (kappa-light chain). Renal biopsy revealed thick basement membranes and elec-tron-dense crystals in proximal tubular epithelial cells. Immunofluorescent studies revealed deposition of kappa-light chain in renal tubular epithelial cells that caused the renal tubular damage. Although the osteomalacia was relieved by medical treatment, the urinary Bence Jones protein and the renal tubular defects were not improved by the chemotherapy for the myeloma. The patient died of exacerbation of multiple myeloma at 50 years of age.

Hepatocellular carcinoma associated with hemophagocytic syndrome

Hepatocellular carcinoma may manifest various paraneoplastic syndromes. There are some reports describing hematological change due to hepatocellular carcinoma. However, there have been no reports on hepatocellular carcinoma accompanied by hemophagocytic syndrome. We report here for the first time a 51-year-old man with a liver tumor and pancytopenia. Since the patient had showed a strong hemorrhagic diathesis because of thrombocytopenia, we treated him with blood transfusion, but there was no response. Thereafter, we administered the anticancer agents thinking that the hematological change was due to the liver tumor. Though a slight curative effect was obtained, we had to discontinue the treatment because the patient complained of severe side effects. Finally, the patient died of acute cholangitis. Although we could not determine the cause of the pancytopenia before he died, autopsy findings indicated that hemophagocytic syndrome had occurred. Hemophagocytic syndrome related to a solid tumor very rarely occurs. However, when malignant tumor is accompanied by pancytopenia, hemophagocytic syndrome should be considered.

Growth rates of primary and metastatic lesions of renal cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The natural history and growth rate of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) have not yet been determined. The growth rates of primary lesions in incidentally found RCC were compared with those of metastatic lesions.

METHODS

Sixteen patients who did not receive immediate surgical treatment for renal solid masses that were later proven to be RCC were reviewed retrospectively. All primary lesions of the 16 patients were found incidentally. For comparison, metastatic lesions were evaluated in another 16 patients with RCC. Of these, 11 underwent surgical treatment for the primary lesions.

RESULTS

The growth rates of primary and metastatic lesions of RCC varied. They ranged from 0.10 to 1.35 cm/year for primary lesions and from 0.08 to 7.87 cm/year for metastatic lesions. The growth rate of primary lesions of incidentally found RCC was lower than that of metastatic lesions (P = 0.0159). The initial tumor diameter and pathological grade did not affect the growth rate of the primary lesion of incidentally found RCC. However, a close correlation was found between the growth rate of metastatic lesions and the pathological grade of the primary lesion in patients with metastasis.

CONCLUSIONS

The growth rate of incidentally found RCC varied. Some patients with the disease may be candidates for 'watchful waiting' when an immediate surgical treatment is not indicated, but they should be selected with great caution.

Relationship between serum TNF activity and insulin resistance in dairy cows affected with naturally occurring fatty liver

To clarity the relationship between tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and insulin resistance in dairy cows affected with fatty liver, naturally occurring cases were investigated. The affected cows were classified into following three groups according to histopathologic findings of the liver: mild fat droplet deposition (group 1; n=11), severe fat droplet deposition (group 2; n=10), and cloudy swelling (group 3; n=8). Serum TNF activities in Group 2 (8.67 +/- 2.16 U/ml) and Group 3 (11.65 +/- 1.92 U/ml) were significantly higher than that in Group 1 (3.57 +/- 0.81 U/ml) (p<0.05). The insulin-tolerance tests showed that the insulin-stimulated glucose disposal rates (GDR) in Group 2 (27.6 +/- 7.8%) and Group 3 (15.8 +/- 9.1%) were significantly lower than that in Group 1 (41.7 +/- 9.8%). There was a significant negative correlation between serum TNF activity and GDR in affected cows (r=-0.56, p<0.01). These results indicate that serum TNF activity is correlated with insulin resistance in cows with fatty liver.

Distinct mechanisms of transport of ascorbic acid and dehydroascorbic acid in intestinal epithelial cells (IEC-6)

Ascorbic acid (AsA) is an essential nutrient for humans as they lack its biosynthesizing key enzyme. Its absorption mechanism in small intestinal epithelial cells still remains to be resolved. In this study, the transport mechanisms functioning on the uptake of AsA and its oxidized form, dehydroascorbic acid (DHA), were investigated using rat small intestinal epithelial cell line IEC-6. Both AsA and DHA were accumulated in the cells in time- and concentration-dependent manners, but their absorption kinetics were apparently different. The saturability of AsA uptake was shown at a considerably lower concentration in IEC-6 cells as well as other mammalian cells, indicating that this absorption was mediated by a specific transporting carrier. The absorption efficiency of AsA was about 1/5-1/10 that of DHA at the same concentration range and, moreover, the uptake of DHA was almost comparable to that of 2-deoxy-D-glucose, an alternative of glucose. The uptake of AsA was diminished by the removal of sodium ion, but not by the addition of glucose, whereas that of DHA was sodium ion-independent and effectively inhibited by glucose. In addition, phlorizin and cytochalasin B, which are blockers of glucose transporters, interfered the uptake of DHA more efficiently than that of AsA. These results indicate that there are at least two distinct transport systems of vitamin C in rat small intestinal epithelial cells; AsA is transported by a specific transporter and DHA is mainly transported by glucose transporter(s).

ERK pathway positively regulates the expression of Sprouty genes

Sprouty was originally identified as an inhibitor of Drosophila development-associated receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling. Although RTK signaling has been shown to induce Sprouty gene expression, the precise induction pathway downstream of RTK remains unclear. As RTK signaling pathway includes activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs), we have examined a correlation between activation of ERKs and induction of Sprouty gene expression. All reagents which induce the activation of ERKs induce Sprouty gene expression; these agents include not only growth factors which bind to RTK but also phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate and active Raf-1 kinase. Furthermore, the Sprouty gene expression induced by all those agents is totally suppressed when the cells are pretreated with specific inhibitors of ERK kinase (MEK). Human tumor cells which exhibit constitutive activation of ERKs show elevated expression of Sprouty genes, which is abolished by treatment of these cells with MEK inhibitors. All these findings clearly indicate that Sprouty gene expression is positively regulated by the ERK pathway downstream of RTK.

Large-scale, multicenter study of cerebrospinal fluid tau protein phosphorylated at serine 199 for the antemortem diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease

We surveyed a total of 570 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from a variety of diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD; n = 236), non-AD-demented and nondemented diseases (n = 239), and normal controls (n = 95) to quantitate levels of tau protein phosphorylated at serine 199 (CSF/phospho-tau199) by a recently established sandwich ELISA. The CSF/phospho-tau199 levels in the AD group were significantly elevated compared to those in all the other non-AD groups. Receiver operating characteristics curves showed that the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for the AD group vs all the other non-AD groups using the CSF/phospho-tau199 were 85.2% and 85.0%, respectively. Furthermore, there was a significant positive correlation between CSF/phospho-tau199 and CSF/total-tau levels in the AD group. Elevated CSF/phospho-tau199 in the AD group was noted irrespective of age, gender, dementia severity, and number of apolipoprotein E4 alleles. Thus, we suggest that CSF/phospho-tau199 may be a novel and logical biomarker in supporting antemortem diagnosis of AD.

Prevalence of Giardia lamblia infection in household dogs

A total of 1035 household dogs were examined for the presence of Giardia lamblia (G. lamblia) in their feces. Fecal samples from 151 (14.6%) of the dogs were positive for Giardia. The protozoan was more often detected in soft feces (26.4%) than in normal (10.0%) or diarrheic feces (13.7%) (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively). The forms of the organisms obtained from the 151 dogs were cysts (77.5%), trophozoites (9.9%), or both cysts and trophozoites (12.6%). Dogs kept indoors had a higher prevalence (18.5%) of Giardia than dogs kept outdoors (4.8%) (p < 0.001). Giardia infection was also more prevalent in 1-6 months old puppies (21.7%) compared to other groups (2.4%-7.5%) (p < 0.001). The prevalence of Giardia in dogs originally purchased from pet shops or breeding kennels was extremely high (21.5%) compared to that of dogs from individual households (4.3%) (p < 0.001). With regard to human public health, the high infection rate of Giardia in puppies and dogs kept indoors is a serious problem because G. lamblia in infected dogs may have zoonotic potential. No reports of human giardiasis transmitted from dogs have been made. However, the results of this study suggest that the risk of Giardia transmission from household dogs to humans is not negligible. Pet owners should be taught appropriate hygiene measures to prevent Giardia transmission from dogs to humans.