Photoemission study of YBa(2)Cu(3)O(y) thin films under light illumination

Heterojunctions of Nb-doped SrTiO3 substrate and YBa(2)Cu(3)O(y) thin films show photoconductivity and photovoltaic effects due to photocarrier injection. Photocarrier injection is expected to be a new carrier doping method in strongly correlated systems instead of chemical substitution. We have studied the nature of photocarrier injection in YBa(2)Cu(3)O(y)/SrTiO(3):Nb using x-ray photoemission spectroscopy with pulsed laser excitation. The core-level spectra shift to higher binding energy by 0.78 eV under pulsed laser illumination at 30 Hz. The energy shift corresponds to the photovoltage, which arises at the interface. In addition, we have observed that the energy shift strongly depends on the frequency of the laser. The lifetime of the injected photoholes has been estimated to be 40 ms by analyzing the frequency dependence.

Ubiquitin signals in the developing acrosome during spermatogenesis of rat testis: an immunoelectron microscopic study

The localization of ubiquitin (UB) signals in the acrosomes of rat spermiogenic cells was investigated by immunoelectron microscopy using two anti-UB antibodies: UB1, reacting with ubiquitinated proteins and free UB; and FK1, recognizing polyubiquitinated proteins but not monoubiquitinated proteins or free UB. Labeling of UB by UB1 (UB1 signal) was detected in the acrosomes at any stage of differentiation. In step 1 spermatids, UB1 signals were detected on the cytoplasmic surface and in the matrix of transport vesicles located between the trans-Golgi network and the acrosome. Weak signals were detected in acrosomal granules within acrosome vesicles that had not yet attached to the nucleus. In step 4-5 spermatids, the acrosome vesicles had enlarged and attached to the nucleus. Strong gold labeling was noted in a narrow space between the outer acrosomal membrane and the developing acrosomal granule, where a dense fibrous material was observed on routine electron microscopy, whereas the acrosomal granule was weakly stained by UB1 antibody. In step 6-8 spermatids, UB1 signals were detected in the fibrous material that expanded laterally to form a narrow electronless dense zone between the acrosomal granule and the outer acrosomal membrane. Labeling in the acrosomal granule increased. In step 9-11 spermatids, UB1 signals were confined to the narrow zone from the tip of the head to the periphery of the ventral fin. The matrix of the acrosome was weakly stained. In epididymal sperm, UB1 labeling in the acrosome decreased without any pretreatment, whereas staining was noted in a spot in the neck region and in the dorsal fin after trypsin digestion. On the other hand, the staining pattern with FK1 was quite different from that with UB1. The trans-Golgi network was weakly stained but the cis-Golgi network was strongly stained. The dense fibrous material just beneath the outer membrane was never stained with FK1. The results suggest that UB on the surface of transport vesicles is involved in anterograde transport from the Golgi apparatus to the acrosome. The physiological role of UB in acrosomes is not clear. Two candidates for monoubiquitinated proteins in the acrosome, which have a UB-interacting motif, were found by cyber screening.

Effect of repeated administration of clomiphene citrate at two different times on the endometrium in patients undergoing intrauterine insemination

Background, Aims and Methods:  Clomiphene citrate (CC) has been widely used for induction of ovulation; however, despite the high rate of ovulation, the pregnancy rate is only 30%. The anti-estrogenic effect of CC on the endometrium is one explanation for this finding. It is well known that repeated administration of CC enhances its anti-estrogenic effect. To overcome this adverse affect, a number of techniques have been used. One technique is the early administration of CC, in an attempt to decrease the anti-estrogenic effects of CC on the endometrium. The aim of the present study was to retrospectively evaluate if repeated administration of CC at varying times may affect the endometrium during preovulatory period; pregnancy rates were compiled for patients with unexplained infertility undergoing intrauterine insemination (IUI). The patients were divided into four groups based on the number of repeat administrations and the time of CC administration. Results:  The endometrial thickness at the day of human chorionic gonadotropin administration was greater in early administration within three consecutive CC cycles than the others. Conclusion:  When the endometrium is thin during classical administration of CC, it is worth attempting the early administration of CC in the CC/IUI treatment for patients with unexplained infertility. However, this effect disappeared over the duration of the three consecutive CC cycles. (Reprod Med Biol 2004; 3: 153-157).

Floating-Harbor syndrome: case report and craniofacial phenotype characterization

Floating-Harbor syndrome is a rare genetic disorder of unknown aetiology. It was described for the first time in 1973. The syndrome is characterized mainly by short stature, delay in speech development and characteristic facial features. This article describes a report of a case of the syndrome and emphasizes the oral aspects, including descriptions of soft tissues, teeth, occlusion, stage of dental development and findings on examination of the temporomandibular joint. The treatment provided and its outcome is also described. Hopefully this information will be compared with findings from other patients in the future to assist in clarifying the phenotype of the Floating-Harbor syndrome.

Identification of two novel mutations in the Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase gene with familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: mass spectrometric and genomic analyses

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting motor neurons. The majority of patients are sporadic cases, while 5-10% of the patients have a family history of ALS (fALS). Mutations in the gene that encodes cytoplasmic Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) have been identified in about 25% of fALS cases. Although the precise pathogenesis of ALS is still unknown, experimental studies including animal models suggest that fALS is caused by the toxic gain-of-function of the SOD1 mutant. We have analyzed not only SOD1 gene mutation by genomic sequencing, but also SOD1 mutant protein by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS). We analyzed 33 fALS patients and found 10 mutations in SOD1 gene, in which two were novel: Asp101His substitution in exon 4 and Gly141Glu substitution in exon 5. Here, we present their mass spectrometric protein analyses and clinical features.

Life-table analysis of artificial insemination pregnancy rates for couples with male factor and idiopathic infertility

Background:  In the summer of 2002, standard guidelines for the application of assisted reproductive technology were reported by a research group of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between the number of cycles of artificial insemination and the cumulative pregnancy rates according to the cause of infertility. Methods:  Patients who experienced their first cycle of artificial insemination during the period of January 1999-December 2002 were included in the study and were divided into a male factor infertility group and an idiopathic infertility group. Cumulative pregnancy rates resulting from artificial insemination with the husband's semen were calculated by the life-table approach. Results:  During the study period, 139 couples entered the assisted reproduction program and underwent 581 cycles. Significant differences were observed in cumulative pregnancy rates between the two groups. Conclusion:  It is recommended that couples with male factor infertility and who fail to conceive within six or seven cycles of intrauterine insemination, consider a modification of treatment strategy such as in vitro fertilization, because cumulative pregnancy rates of this group were reached at a plateau within six or seven cycles. In contrast, patients with idiopathic infertility, the cumulative pregnancy rates appeared to increase constantly with each subsequent cycle. It is important to consider modifications of treatment strategy in the light of the cause of infertility. (Reprod Med Biol 2004; 3: 27-31).

Cytoplasmic transfer in the mouse in conjunction with intracytoplasmic sperm injection

Cytoplasmic transfer (CT) from a donor to a recipient oocyte has been used clinically to facilitate human pregnancies. Data reported here describe the first characterization of CT coincident with intracytoplasmic sperm injection in the mouse system. Sibling oocytes were used to transfer 2, 4, or 6 pl of ooplasm to a recipient egg along with a sperm head using piezo-actuated injection. Survival and fertilization after CT were comparable to controls at 2 pl and 4 pl, but survival was significantly reduced with 6 pl volumes. Development to the blastocyst stage was also inversely related to CT volume, with some decline beginning with the 4 pl CT group. However, some blastocysts did develop in all of the groups. The results are in contrast with human eggs, which tolerate larger CT volumes. Results indicate that the mouse system can be used to characterize the transfer of exogenous materials concomitant with sperm injection, provided that the CT volume is not excessive.

Fundamental physio-mitotic theory

In differentiation division, the mitosis occurring within all tissues consists of more than one type of mitosis. It occurs as two antagonistic types: the essential duplication mitosis activated by the effect of duplication factor and the antagonistic maturation mitosis which develops from the essential type and is further stimulated by maturation factor. These different types of mitosis play antagonistic roles in histological development, while maintaining a specified physio-mitotic balance through their respective mitotic factors and mitotic regulatory mechanisms in the tissues. Depending on the physio-mitotic balance between duplication and maturation mitosis, each layer of organized tissue, comprised of intrinsic functional cells, differentiates from one of the three germ layers, without errors that create abnormal characteristics. In this way, the tissues establish histological identity and continuity while maintaining a prescribed histological organization without excess or reduced multiplication within the tissues. This forms the fundamental basis of the physio-mitotic theory.

Spatiotemporal changes of levels of a moonlighting protein, phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase, in subcellular compartments during spermatogenesis in the rat testis

We studied temporal changes in the subcellular localization and levels of a moonlighting protein, phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (PHGPx), in spermatogenic cells and mature sperm of the rat by immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy. The PHGPx signals were detected in chromatoid bodies, clear nucleoplasm, mitochondria-associated material, mitochondrial aggregates, granulated bodies, and vesicles in residual bodies in addition to mitochondria, nuclei, and acrosomes as previously reported. Within mitochondria, PHGPx moved from the matrix to the outermost membrane region in step 19 spermatid, suggesting that this spatiotemporal change is synchronized with the functional change of PHGPx in mitochondria. In the nucleus, PHGPx was associated with electron-lucent spots and with the nuclear envelope, and PHGPx in the latter region increased after step 16. In early pachytene spermatids, PHGPx signals were noted in the nuclear material exhibiting a very similar density to chromatoid bodies and in the intermitochondrial cement, supporting the previous proposal that chromatoid bodies originate from the nucleus and intermitochondrial cement. The presence of PHGPx in such various compartments suggested versatile roles for this protein in spermatogenesis. Quantitative immunoelectron microscopic analysis also revealed dynamic changes in the labeling density of PHGPx in different subcellular compartments as follows: 1). Total cellular PHGPx rapidly increased after step 5 and reached a maximum at step 18; 2). mitochondrial labeling density increased after step 1 and achieved a maximum in steps 15-17; 3). nuclear labeling density suddenly increased in steps 12-14 to a maximum; 4). in cytoplasmic matrix, the density remained low in all steps; and 5). the labeling density in chromatoid bodies gradually decreased from pachytene spermatocytes to spermatids at step 18. These spatiotemporal changes in the level of PHGPx during the differentiation of spermatogenic cells to sperm infer that PHGPx plays a diverse and important biological role in spermatogenesis.

[Acute pulmonary embolism performed embolectomy under percutaneous cardiopulmonary support successfully after lung cancer operation]

We have experienced a case of acute pulmonary embolism after lung cancer operation. The case was a 74-year-old male. He underwent left upper lobectomy due to squamous cell carcinoma. He fell into shock state suddenly on the 6th day postoperatively. We diagnosted acute pulmonary embolism, performed urgent embolectomy under percutaneous cardiopulmonary support (PCPS). Postoperative course was smooth, and he has returned to normal daily life. Urgent diagnosis and management are indispensable for acute pulmonary embolism after lung cancer operation from the aspect of residual among of pulmonary vascular bed.

Placental site trophoblastic tumor: p53 gene analysis

BACKGROUND

Placental site trophoblastic tumor (PSTT) is the rarest type of trophoblastic neoplasm. Because of its rarity, the clinical behavior and pathogenesis of PSTT are still unclear.

CASE

A 20-year-old woman presented with secondary amenorrhea and irregular vaginal bleeding. Examination of the patient revealed elevated serum hCG and a uterine mass. The specimen obtained by curettage was diagnosed as possible PSTT. The patient was treated with two cycles of EMA/CO, but her uterine mass increased in size. Subsequently, she underwent total abdominal hysterectomy. Microscopic observation revealed a PSTT. To estimate the status of expression of p53 protein and to determine whether p53 gene mutation was present in this PSTT, we carried out immunohistochemical staining for p53 and PCR-SSCP analysis. Immunohistochemical staining for p53 revealed intense nuclear labeling, but no p53 gene mutation was detected in exons 5-8.

CONCLUSION

Analysis of the p53 gene may aid understanding of the pathogenesis of PSTT.

The novel 5'-untranslated first exon, exon 0H, of the rat estrogen receptor beta gene

The multiple untranslated first exons and promoters system has been reported to be involved in the tissue-specific expression of the estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) in humans and rats. However, a few reports are available concerning tissue-specific regulation of the expression of the estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta) gene. To investigate the mechanism regulating the expression of the rat ERbeta gene, we analyzed the structure of the 5'-untranslated region (UTR) of the rat testicular ERbeta mRNA using 5'-rapid amplification of the cDNA ends (5'-RACE) method. Sequence analysis revealed the presence of two isoforms of the ERbeta mRNA containing distinct 5'-UTRs. Although the 5'-UTR of one isoform of the messages was identical to the 5'-UTR of the previously reported ERbeta cDNA, the other isoform had a novel sequence in its 5'-UTR. Genomic analysis revealed that the 5'-UTRs of these two mRNA isoforms originated from two distinct untranslated first exons, the previously identified exon termed "exon 0N," and the novel exon we termed "exon 0H," both of which were spliced onto exon 1. We termed these isoforms of the messages containing the exon 0N and exon 0H, the ERbeta mRNA (0N-1) and ERbeta mRNA (0H-1), respectively. Furthermore, the distributions of these mRNA isoforms in several rat tissues were analyzed using the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. The distributions of the two mRNA isoforms differed; the ERbeta mRNA (0N-1) was widely distributed in the tissues examined, while expression of the ERbeta mRNA (0H-1) was restricted to a few tissues such as the anterior pituitary, amygdala, and some peripheral tissues. In conclusion, our findings indicate that the tissue-specific expression of the rat ERbeta gene is regulated, at least in part, by the multiple untranslated first exons system which consists of exon 0N and exon 0H.

Isoform/variant mRNAs for sex steroid hormone receptors in humans

The open reading frames of human sex steroid hormone receptors (hSSHRs) are composed of eight exons. In addition, the presence of various exons - including 5'-untranslated exons, alternative coding exons and novel 'intronic' exons - has been demonstrated in the genes encoding hSSHRs. The isoform/variant hSSHR mRNAs generated from thes e exons can be tentatively classified into seven types. In type 1, different mRNAs are generated with the use of alternative transcription start sites. In type 2, one or more exons are skipped. In type 3, one or more exons are duplicated. In type 4, distinct mRNAs containing different 5'-untranslated exon(s) are synthesized. In type 5, distinct mRNAs possessing different coding exon(s) are generated. In type 6, mRNA is synthesized by intronic exons and coding exons 4/5-8. In type 7, mRNA with insertion of intronic exon(s) is generated. Here, we review the isoform/variant hSSHR mRNAs and the structure of the genes encoding them.

Novel splicing events of untranslated first exons in human estrogen receptor alpha (ER alpha) gene

In order to analyze the structures of the 5'-untranslated region of estrogen receptor alpha (ER alpha) mRNA in human uterine endometrium (Em), total RNA from Em was analyzed by 5'-rapid amplification of the cDNA ends method with antisense primer located on exon 1 of human ER alpha gene. Three isoforms of 5'-RACE clones were obtained: ER alpha mRNAs containing exon (A) (the upstream region of exon 1), exon C, and exons F-E2 (we adopted the nomenclature of 5'-untranslated exons of the Gannon group). The results imply that the major isoforms of ER alpha mRNA expressed in Em are these three isoforms. Moreover, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis was carried out on Em, ovary (Ov) and liver (Li) mRNAs to detect the novel isoforms of ER alpha mRNA in these tissues, using sense primers located on exons (A), B, C, F, and E1, and antisense primer located on exon 1. As a result, in addition to the previously reported ER alpha mRNA isoforms containing exons (A), B, C, F-E2 and E1-E2 on exon 1, we identified two novel isoform mRNAs in which exons F and E1 were directly spliced onto exon 1. Differential distributions of these isoforms of ER alpha mRNAs in Em, Ov and Li were demonstrated by RT-PCR-Southern blot analysis. These results, together with the previous reports by others, indicate that there are at least ten isoforms of ER alpha mRNA containing different 5'-untranslated regions, exons (A), B, C, D, T1-T2, T1, F-E2, F, E1-E2 and E1, expressed in human, and that these are involved in tissue specific expression of the gene.

HER-2/neu expression in ovarian clear cell carcinomas

HER-2 /neu is a 185-kDa glycoprotein and a transmembrane receptor with tyrosine kinase activity. Its overexpression is observed in 25–30% of primary breast carcinomas and is associated with a poor clinical prognosis. Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Japanese Ministry of Health, Welfare, and Labor approved the use of trastuzumab (Herceptin, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA) for the treatment of patients with metastatic breast carcinomas overexpressing HER-2 /neu. Results of clinical trials with Herceptin suggest that it may prolong the survival of patients with advanced metastatic breast carcinoma. Relatively little is known concerning the relationship between HER-2 /neu status and ovarian clear cell carcinoma. If HER-2 /neu overexpression status were demonstrable in ovarian clear cell carcinoma and a clinical correlation between overexpression and prognosis could be established, a rationale for clinical use of Herceptin for this tumor could be established. Our aim was to evaluate HER-2 /neu status in ovarian clear cell carcinomas. Fifteen ovarian clear cell carcinoma cases were immunostained for HER-2 /neu using HercepTest (DAKO, Glostrup, Denmark). Overexpression of HER-2 /neu was detected in only one case. Unlike in breast carcinoma, HER-2 /neu overexpression appeared to be uncommon in ovarian clear cell carcinomas. Herceptin may thus target only a small proportion of ovarian clear cell carcinomas and be of limited clinical value for treatment of this carcinoma.

HER-2/neu expression in ovarian clear cell carcinomas

HER-2 /neu is a 185-kDa glycoprotein and a transmembrane receptor with tyrosine kinase activity. Its overexpression is observed in 25-30% of primary breast carcinomas and is associated with a poor clinical prognosis. Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Japanese Ministry of Health, Welfare, and Labor approved the use of trastuzumab (Herceptin, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA) for the treatment of patients with metastatic breast carcinomas overexpressing HER-2 /neu. Results of clinical trials with Herceptin suggest that it may prolong the survival of patients with advanced metastatic breast carcinoma. Relatively little is known concerning the relationship between HER-2 /neu status and ovarian clear cell carcinoma. If HER-2 /neu overexpression status were demonstrable in ovarian clear cell carcinoma and a clinical correlation between overexpression and prognosis could be established, a rationale for clinical use of Herceptin for this tumor could be established. Our aim was to evaluate HER-2 /neu status in ovarian clear cell carcinomas. Fifteen ovarian clear cell carcinoma cases were immunostained for HER-2 /neu using HercepTest (DAKO, Glostrup, Denmark). Overexpression of HER-2 /neu was detected in only one case. Unlike in breast carcinoma, HER-2 /neu overexpression appeared to be uncommon in ovarian clear cell carcinomas. Herceptin may thus target only a small proportion of ovarian clear cell carcinomas and be of limited clinical value for treatment of this carcinoma.

Renin-producing serous cystoadenocarcinoma of the ovary: a case report

BACKGROUND

Only a few renin-producing ovarian tumors have been reported, and most such ovarian tumors have been sex cord/stromal tumors. Renin-producing ovarian epithelial tumors are quite rare.

CASE

A 46-year-old woman presented with hypertension and hypokalemia. Examinations of the patient revealed elevated plasma renin activity, hyperaldosteronism and a pelvic mass. Subsequently, a right ovarian tumor mass was resected. Microscopic observation of the tumor revealed a well-differentiated serous cystadenocarcinoma. Immediately after surgery, blood pressure, serum potassium, plasma renin activity and plasma aldosterone levels returned to normal ranges. RT-PCR analysis and immunohistochemical staining of this tumor indicated that it was producing renin.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report of a renin-producing ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma.

Oxidative state and zona-binding ability in mouse spermatozoa treated with reduced glutathione

Background and Aims: Nuclear proteins in mature mammalian spermatozoa nuclei are oxidized to form numerous disulfide bonds. Reduced glutathione (GSH) in the oocyte has been linked to spermatozoan nuclear decondensation after fertilization. In this study, we analyzed whether GSH reduced protamines in sperm nuclei in vitro, and examined the zona-binding ability of treated nuclei. Methods:  Three groups of mouse cauda epididymal spermatozoa were prepared. The first group was cultured in Chatot-Tasca-Ziomek (CZB; control group), the second in 10 mmol/L GSH (GSH group), and the third group was the GSH group re-cultured in CZB (re-cultured group). Each sperm was stained with acridine orange, and the oxidative and reductive state of nuclei was analyzed by using fluorescence microscopy. Furthermore, we examined the zona-binding ability for each group by insemination to mouse oocytes after exposure to hyaluronidase. Results:  All sperm nuclei from the control group displayed an oxidized pattern (green), and those from the GSH group displayed a reduced pattern (red), attributable to reduced protamines. Sperm nuclei from the re-cultured group displayed the oxidized pattern. Although the zona-binding ability of the GSH group was deteriorated compared with the control group sperm, no significant differences were observed between the control and re-cultured groups. Conclusion:  From these results, in vitro reduced sperm were shown to be oxidized in CZB. A reduction of mouse spermatozoa in vitro by GSH is, therefore, reversible, and the oxidative state of sperm nuclei exerts an effect on zona-binding ability. (Reprod Med Biol 2002; 1: 55-58).

Spermatozoon and mitochondrial DNA

In eukaryotic cells, mitochondria are the major site of ATP production, which is achieved through the electron-transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation, according to the energy demand. Mitochondria contain their own genome (mitochondrial DNA, mtDNA) on which a limited number of genes are encoded. In the human sperm, mitochondria helically wrap the midpiece of the tail and supply the energy for the driving force of motility. While various mutations in mtDNA in somatic cells are found to be associated with a wide spectrum of diseases, it is also reported that the abnormal mtDNA causes astenozoospermia and male infertility. At fertilization, the paternal mitochondria and mtDNA are rapidly degraded early in embryogenesis, thus, only maternal mtDNA is transmitted to the descendant. We briefly review here the basic characteristics of mtDNA and its maternal transmission during fertilization, as well as male infertility. (Reprod Med Biol 2002; 1: 41-47).

Mesoderm layer and fibrous support tissues essential for embryological differentiation

Of the three germ layers, the mesoderm layer is the first to differentiate from the blastula and continues to lead the embryological differentiation while initiating the secretion of antagonistic duplication and maturation factors. After differentiation and while maintaining the secretion of duplication and maturation factors, the fibrous tissues that differentiated from mesoderm play an essential role in regulating the physio-mitotic conditions of functional tissues found in all histological organizations. Accordingly, some defects in mitotic interaction between the fibrous and functional tissues organized into structural units may give rise to various diseases such as carcinoma, sarcoma, leukemia, and fibro-multiplastic, myo-atrophic and neuroatrophic diseases. This defect in mitosis suggests the most important step in achieving eradication of these diseases.