[Analysis of T cell epitopes on birch pollen allergen]

Allergy to birch pollen is common in the Northern Europe, North America, and in Japan, mainly in Hokkaido Island. Previously, we have reported the positive association of birch pollen allergy in HLA-DR9 antigen. We also have identified the recognition sites in 17kDa protein (Bet v1), known as the major allergen of birch pollen, by using T cell proliferation assay against the trypsin digested materials of the 17kDa protein. In this study, overlapping synthetic peptides correspond to the Bet v1 sequences were used to investigate the specificity of T cell responses in two HLA-DR9 positive patients. Three of the epitopes, residues 35-52, 75-92, and 102-119, were recognized by T cells from both patients. These three epitopes include HLA-DR9 binding motifs. Then we established T cell clone specific to p75-92 residue. 78-89 peptide was the core sequence of the epitope for the T cell clone contained the anchor residues characteristic to HLA-DR9. Within the core sequence, five residues were identified as critical for recognition on the basis of inhibition of the T cell proliferative response against singly substituted analogue peptides.

The apical caecal diverticulum of the chicken identified as a lymphoid organ

A peculiar structure, observed as a dome-like protrusion at the apex of the caecum, was investigated macroscopically and histologically in healthy White Leghorn chickens. It was hemispheric or spherical in shape and as it consisted of a lumen with a wall occupied by lymphoid tissue, this structure was designated the apical caecal diverticulum (ACD). ACD were detected in 25.2% of examined chickens and had a mean diameter and height of 1.9 mm and 1.2 mm respectively. Histologically, both the lamina propria mucosae and the submucosa of ACD consisted of well developed aggregated lymphoid nodules. Each nodule was covered by follicle-associated epithelium which contained cells resembling M cells. Some secondary nodules extended into the subserosa. The muscularis mucosae and the stratum circulae of the tunica muscularis disappeared near the entrance to ACD. The stratum longitudinale also gradually decreased in thickness around the entrance, becoming an extremely thin layer in the diverticulum wall. At the caecal apex, each stratum of the tunica muscularis was thinner than in the caecal body and separated into several muscle bundles. These bundles were occasionally displaced by developed lymphoid nodules, causing them to protrude into the subserosa. The high frequency of ACD suggests that caecal apex may be sites for immunological surveillance in the chicken caecum. In addition to the intense and frequent antiperistalsis at the apex suggested by Yasukawa (1959), possible causes for the formation of ACD included (1) the fragility of the tunica muscularis at the ACD, and (2) the local removal of the physical supporting structures by the development of lymphoid nodules.

[Evolution of nursing at University Hospitals: depositions by nurses who worked during the seventies]

This study is part of a more extensive project that proposes to recover significant aspects related to nursing care evolution from 1950s until 1990s. This study is developed through the technique of oral declaration by active and retired registered nurses, in the context of an university-hospital from São Paulo State. The present study emphasizes the outcomes referring to the 1970s. As result becomes evident the undertaken effort by nurses in the struggle for profession's recognition and prestige; intense and deep transformations related to nurse's new roles as leadership of nursing staff and member of medical team.

A 15 year follow-up study of patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) in Osaka, Japan. Long-term prognosis and causes of death

A 15 year follow-up study of diabetic patients was performed in Osaka, Japan. The subjects studied were 1939 patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), of whom 1000 (51.5%) were alive, 880 (45.4%) had died and 59 (3.0%) were untraceable at the end of 1993. The mortality rate per 1000 person-years of the subjects increased from 28.94 in 1960-1984 to 35.74 in 1985-1993, but the ratio of numbers of observed to expected deaths (O/E ratio) declined from 1.77 to 1.52 for the corresponding periods, suggesting an improvement in the prognosis for diabetic patients, with the exception of patients 65 years or over at the time of entry. Cerebro-cardiovascular and renal diseases were major causes of death, accounting for 48.4% of all deaths. In particular, disease of the heart was the cause of death in 20.5% of all deaths, cerebrovascular disease in 14.5% and renal disease in 12.0%. The O/E ratio was 11.30 for renal disease, which was remarkably high. The O/E ratios were 1.48 for malignant neoplasms, 3.02 for cancer of the liver and 2.15 for cancer of the pancreas. In the subjects less than 65 years of age at entry, a significant decrease in the O/E ratio for overall deaths, malignant neoplasms, disease of the heart, cerebrovascular disease and renal disease was observed, but no notable difference in the O/E ratio for ischemic heart disease was found between the periods 1960-1984 and 1985-1993. By contrast, in the case of subjects 65 years or more at entry, the O/E ratios for overall deaths, malignant neoplasms, disease of the heart, ischemic heart disease and cerebrovascular disease increased markedly in the later period, while there was a considerable decline in renal disease indicated during this period. The analysis suggested a structural change in causes of death of Japanese diabetic patients in recent years, with a relative increase in ischemic heart disease and a relative decrease in renal disease.

Hepatocellular carcinoma with pleural metastasis complicated by hemothorax

Hemothorax can be caused by rupture of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hemoperitoneum is a well-known cause of death caused by rupture of a primary HCC lesion. Rupture of a HCC metastasis has not been adequately described. This is the first report of a HCC patient who died of hemothorax due to rupture of a pleural metastasis. The patient, a woman, died in respiratory failure 2 wk after rupture of her HCC metastasis in the pleura. Autopsy revealed moderately differentiated HCC in the liver, lung, and pleura. We discuss treatment options for ruptured pleura-based HCC metastases.

Morphological studies of the hyalocytes in the chicken eye: scanning electron microscopy and inflammatory response after the intravitreous injection of carbon particles

Hyalocytes in the pecten oculi and ciliary body of adult chickens and their response to Escherichia coli were investigated by transmission and scanning electron microscopy and the inflammatory response following the intravitreous injection of colloidal carbon examined by microscopy. In normal chickens, the hyalocytes were mainly found on the pleats of the pecten oculi and on the ciliary body. There were no hyalocytes on the retina. There is thus a close relationship between the vasculature in the tissues surrounding the vitreous chamber and the distribution of hyalocytes. The hyalocytes, which were predominantly spindle shaped or oval in contour, displayed a ruffled surface with occasional blebs, filopodia and lamellipodia. Flattened hyalocytes with relatively few and short pseudopodia were frequently observed, especially on the ciliary body. Hyalocytes responded quickly to E. coli bacteria which they phagocytosed. The response to colloidal carbon in the vitreous chamber had 3 distinct changes. In the 1st (2 d after carbon injection), the hyalocytes, the resident macrophages, actively ingested the carbon particles without significant leucocyte recruitment. In the 2nd stage (at 7-14 d), a large number of macrophages infiltrated the ciliary body and emigrated into the vitreous chamber. In the 3rd stage (at 30 d), the infiltration by macrophages into the ciliary body was complete. The carbon-laden macrophages disappeared from the vitreous body but accumulated on the pecten oculi and retina. They were exclusively drained through the scleral venous sinus in the iridocorneal angle.

Experimental study of combined hyperthermic and photodynamic therapy on carcinoma in the mouse

PURPOSE

This study investigates the cytotoxic effect of photodynamic therapy using high-power laser irradiation on cancer cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

High- or low-power irradiation from a pulsed Nd:YAG dye laser with or without a photosensitizer was administered to an NR-S1 carcinoma in the mouse dorsum.

RESULTS

Photodynamic therapy with high-power laser irradiation yielded better results than conventional photodynamic therapy or hyperthermia with high-power laser irradiation.

CONCLUSION

Photodynamic therapy with high-power laser irradiation is more effective because it generates both a hyperthermic and a photodynamic effect.

Detection of S-phase cells in smear cytology using in vitro bromodeoxyuridine labeling

A technique is described for rapid detection of S-phase cells of tumor tissues in smear specimens using bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) immunostaining. Mouse NR-S1 tumors and human tumor specimens were prepared for smear cytology after incubation in RPMI 1640 culture medium containing 200 microM BrdU at 37 degrees C under 3 atm for 1 hr. Samples were fixed in 70% ethanol for 30 min and used immediately or air dried for 30 min. Samples were then denatured in either 4 N HCl or 0.07 N NaOH to prepare partially single-stranded DNA. Fixation with air drying for 30 min followed by 30 min in 70% ethanol and 1 min denaturation with 0.07 N NaOH resulted in satisfactory staining quality. Cultured tumor specimens were processed for routine paraffin sections after smears were made for cytology. The labeling indices of the smear specimens and of the paraffin sections gave similar results. This technique should be useful in evaluating the cell proliferative potential of tumor tissue in smear cytology without processing paraffin sections.

Bradykinin enhances GLUT4 translocation through the increase of insulin receptor tyrosine kinase in primary adipocytes: evidence that bradykinin stimulates the insulin signalling pathway

It has been suggested that bradykinin stimulates glucose uptake in experiments in vivo and in cultured cells. However, its mechanism has not yet been fully elucidated. In this study, the effects of bradykinin on the insulin signalling pathway were evaluated in isolated dog adipocytes. The bradykinin receptor binding study revealed that dog adipocytes possessed significant numbers of bradykinin receptors (Kd = 83 pmol/l, binding sites = 1.7 x 10(4) site/ cell). Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction amplification showed the mRNA specific for bradykinin B2 receptor in the adipocytes. Bradykinin alone did not increase 2-deoxyglucose uptake in adipocytes; however, in the presence of insulin (10(-7) mol/l) it significantly increased 2-deoxyglucose uptake in a dose-dependent manner. Bradykinin also enhanced insulin stimulated GLUT4 translocation from the intracellular fraction to the cell membrane, and insulin induced phosphorylation of the insulin receptor beta subunit and insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) without affecting the binding affinities or numbers of cell surface insulin receptors in dog adipocytes. The time-course of insulin stimulated phosphorylation of the insulin receptor beta subunit revealed that phosphorylation reached significantly higher levels at 10 min, and stayed at the higher levels until 120 min in the presence of bradykinin, suggesting that bradykinin delayed the dephosphorylation of the insulin receptor. It is concluded that bradykinin could potentiate insulin induced glucose uptake through GLUT4 translocation. This effect could be explained by the potency of bradykinin to upregulate the insulin receptor tyrosine kinase activity which stimulates phosphorylation of IRS-1, followed by GLUT4 translocation.

Genetic homogeneity of Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. interdigitale isolated from geographically distant regions

To evaluate the genetic homogeneity of Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. interdigitale, restriction enzyme analysis of mitochondrial(mt) DNA was performed on 29 isolates of T. mentagrophytes var. interdigitale isolated from Belgian or Indian patients with dermatophytosis. The restriction enzyme profiles of these mtDNAs were compared with those of the teleomorphic members composing the T. mentagrophytes complex. Using the restriction enzymes MspI, HaeIII, HindIII and BglII the restriction profiles of all the examined clinical isolates showed the same profiles as those of Arthroderma vanbreuseghemii. T. mentagrophytes var. interdigitale isolates found in Japan have been shown to have the same profiles as those of A. vanbreuseghemii. Therefore, T. mentagrophytes var. interdigitale is considered to be a highly homogeneous taxon phylogenetically related to A. vanbreuseghemii.

The innervation of the chromaffin cells in the head kidney of the carp, Cyprinus carpio; regional differences of the connections between nerve endings and chromaffin cells

Nerve fibres and their connections with chromaffin cells in the carp head kidney were studied by light and electron microscopy. Some nerve bundles entered the head kidney from the dorsal aspect along veins. Many unmyelinated axons emerged from the nerve bundles to invade the clusters of chromaffin cells, the distribution of which was restricted to the neighbourhood of the venous trunks and their tributaries. Most of the nerve endings were attached to a chromaffin cell by synaptic junctions and were generally invaginated into the cell. Some nerve endings were flattened in shape and connected with two chromaffin cells. Occasional exocytotic figures of synaptic vesicles opening into the intercellular space, or synaptic junctions along the course of the nerve fibre were observed. The percentage of the chromaffin cells supplied by nerve endings in the head kidney as a whole was similar to that in primitive amphibians. The distribution of the chromaffin cells and the frequency of their innervation suggest that carp chromaffin cells are phylogenetically similar to those of amphibians. The frequencies of synaptic connections in the carp head kidney showed regional differences. The number in dorsal portion was significantly higher than that in two ventral portions. It is suggested that chromaffin cells in the head kidney are separable into two populations: one (in the dorsal portion) shows closer and the other (in the ventral portions) less contact with nerve fibres. The fine structure of the nerve endings indicates that catecholamine secretion of carp chromaffin cells is partially modulated by nerve fibres (probably preganglionic cholinergic fibres). However, the low frequency of synaptic connections on the chromaffin cells and their distribution suggest that carp chromaffin cells are mainly modulated by the endocrine system via the bloodstream.

Dissolution of residual microfragments with citrate therapy after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy

Residual microfragments after ESWL were studied for their presence and for possibility of dissolution with citrate therapy. Among 123 patients with renal stones who became stone-free following ESWL, a computed tomogram (CT) identified remaining microfragments within the treated kidney in 31.7% of the patients, even though stone fragments were not detectable on ordinary x-ray (KUU). The experiments, in which calcium oxalate stone fragments collected after ESWL were incubated in buffer solutions with citrate 0 to 4 mmol/L, showed that citrate dissolved the stone fragments. Using human urine as a solution, the dissolving effect was greater in spot urines after alkali citrate administration than in control urines. Eighteen patients with microfragments underwent a follow-up CT 3 months later. The results showed that the microfragments had disappeared in 6 of 11 (54.5%) patients who had been taking alkali citrate, whereas microfragments remained unchanged in all 5 patients without medication. Our results suggest that citrate therapy would be advisable as a prophylaxis for stone recurrence especially after ESWL treatment.

Minipreparation of total cellular DNA is useful as an alternative molecular marker of mitochondrial DNA for the identification of Trichophyton mentagrophytes and T. rubrum

Total cellular DNA was extracted from 18 isolates of Trichophyton mentagrophytes and six isolates of unidentified Trichophyton species taken from tinea corporis, tinea cruris and tinea pedis patients by a minipreparation method. The DNA was digested with the restriction enzymes HaeIII and MspI, followed by electrophoresis on agarose gels. The restriction enzyme profiles of the DNAs were compared with those of mitochondrial (mt) DNA extracted from reference strains of T. mentagrophytes (Arthroderma simii, A. benhamiae and A. vanbreuseghemii) and T. rubrum. All 18 T. mentagrophytes isolates showed the same DNA profiles as mtDNA from A. vanbreuseghemii. The six unidentified Trichophyton isolates exhibited DNA profiles the same as that of mtDNA from T. rubrum. Consequently, these isolates were identified as T. rubrum. In conclusion, restriction enzyme analysis of total cellular DNA prepared by the minipreparation method is considered to be useful as an alternative method of mtDNA analysis and is helpful for the identification of these dermatophyte species.

Development of a ferrocene-mediated needle-type glucose sensor covered with newly designed biocompatible membrane, 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine-co-n-butyl methacrylate

To prepare the long-life and stable glucose sensor, we developed the ferrocene-mediated needle-type glucose sensor covered with newly designed biocompatible membrane, 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine-co-n-butyl methacrylate (MPC-co-BMA) membrane. In this membrane, the hydrophilic phosphorylcholine chains were grafted on the hydrophobic polymer surface. 1. The poly(MPC-co-BMA) membrane inhibited platelet activation and protein adhesion on the surface, showing excellent biocompatibility. These results suggested that the hydrophilic phospholipids chains might have the potential for suppressing activation and adsorption of biochemical molecules. 2. The ferrocene-mediated needle-type glucose sensor covered with poly(MPC-co-BMA) membrane achieved excellent results in vitro. Subcutaneous tissue glucose concentrations were measured in a wide range from 1.7 to more than 16.7 mmol/l. The correlation between subcutaneous tissue (Y) and blood (X) glucose concentrations was Y = 1.04X + 0.12 (r = 0.98). The subcutaneous tissue glucose concentrations could be monitored precisely for 7 days without any in vivo calibrations, and for 14 days by introducing in vivo calibrations. We therefore conclude that this sensor is stable and reliable, as compared to any other glucose sensors we developed.

Characterization of nodules induced by bioactive glass on cultured periodontal-ligament fibroblasts

We previously reported that materials leached from bioactive glass (BG) and vitamin D3 induced the formation of nodules on cultured periodontal-ligament fibroblasts (PLF). In this study, we have investigated the relationship between the conditions of the materials and nodule formation, analyzed morphologically, and also studied whether the production of nodules was specific to cultured PLF. PLF and skin fibroblasts were cultured in the presence or absence of BG. The amounts of calcium, phosphate, sodium and silicon in the culture medium and the number of nodules were measured at the 55th day. The nodules were observed microscopically and analyzed using an X-ray microanalyzer. In PLF, nodules were formed regardless of the presence or absence of BG; however, they were more numerous in the presence of BG. In skin fibroblasts, nodules were not observed. The amounts of calcium and silicon were higher in the presence of BG, while the amount of phosphate was lower. The nodules appeared crystalline with a spongy structure and contained calcium and phosphorus. Our results show that the nodules were associated with PLF and precipitated by the materials (higher concentrations of calcium and silicon), and they were spongy crystal composed of calcium and phosphorus.

Expression of insulin receptor on clonal pancreatic alpha cells and its possible role for insulin-stimulated negative regulation of glucagon secretion

In pancreatic alpha cells, the existence and function of the insulin receptor has not yet been fully established. In this study, to confirm the expression of functional insulin receptors in pancreatic alpha cells, we performed: 1) insulin receptor binding assay, 2) Northern blot analysis and RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) amplification of insulin receptor mRNA, 3) immunocytochemical staining, 4) biosynthetic labelling of insulin receptor protein using [35S]methionine, 5) analysis of insulin-stimulated autophosphorylation of the insulin receptor in glucagon secreting cell lines, In-R1-G9 and alpha TC clone 6 cells. Glucagon secretion decreased with the addition of insulin in both cells. The receptor binding studies using [125I-Tyr-A14] insulin revealed that both cells possessed a significant number of insulin receptors (In-R1-G9:K1 = 2.1 x 10(9) mol/l-1, K2 = 6.2 x 10(7) mol/l-1, R1 = 0.27 x 10(4), R2 = 1.86 x 10(4) sites/cell; alpha TC clone 6: K1 = 2.1 x 10(9) mol/l-1, K2 = 7.3 x 10(7) mol/l-1, R1 = 0.27 x 10(4), R2 = 1.95 x 10(4) sites/cell). Northern blot analysis as well as RT-PCR amplification showed the mRNA specific for insulin receptor in both cells. By immunocytochemical staining using anti-insulin receptor alpha-subunit antibody, positive immunostaining for insulin receptor was observed in both cells. [35S]Methionine labelling of both cells followed by immunoprecipitation using anti-insulin receptor antibody showed the correct size of the insulin receptor protein. The insulin receptor expressed in these cells underwent autophosphorylation by insulin stimulation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Mortality from coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular disease and associated risk factors in diabetic patients in Osaka District, Japan

Mortality from coronary heart disease (CHD) and cerebrovascular disease (CVD), as well as associated risk factors, were examined. The subjects studied were 1939 non-insulin-dependent diabetic (NIDDM) patients and 503 deaths were observed during a mean follow-up period of 9.4 years. Of these deaths, 62 were CHD deaths and 84 were CVD deaths. The mortality rates per 1000 person-years from CHD were 3.95 for males and 2.57 for females and those from CVD were 5.12 and 3.86 for males and females, respectively, showing a higher mortality for males and an increasing trend with age. The baseline factors associated with CHD mortality were age at entry into the study, hypertension, ischemic ECG changes, serum cholesterol level, diabetic retinopathy and albuminuria, while those associated with CVD were age at entry, hypertension, ischemic ECG changes, diabetic retinopathy, albuminuria and therapeutic regimen, all of which were found to be significant by univariate analysis. The relationships were further analyzed by the multiple logistic method. In addition, the baseline characteristics of the patients who died of CHD and CVD were compared with those of patients who died from other causes. The baseline characteristics in cases of deaths from CHD and CVD were significantly different from those of deaths from other causes in terms of obesity, ischemic ECG changes, serum cholesterol level and serum triglycerides level for deaths from CHD and in terms of age at onset, age at death and hypertension for deaths from CVD.

Elevated cyclic adenosine monophosphate phosphodiesterase activity in peripheral blood mononuclear leucocytes from children with atopic dermatitis

We examined peripheral blood mononuclear leucocyte cyclic adenosine monophosphate phosphodiesterase (cAMP-PDE) activity in 80 children (aged 2-12 years) with atopic dermatitis. The enzyme activity (35.1 +/- 18.6 U) in children with atopic dermatitis was significantly higher than that (19.1 +/- 12.6 U) in age-matched non-atopic controls. There was no significant difference in the cAMP-PDE activity between children with mild atopic dermatitis and children with severe atopic dermatitis. These findings support the view that elevation of peripheral mononuclear leucocyte cAMP-PDE activity in patients with atopic dermatitis is a gene-associated abnormality.

Ultrastructure of blood vessels in the head kidney of the carp, Cyprinus carpio

The ultrastructural features of blood vessels were examined by transmission and scanning electron microscopy in the perfused and nonperfused head kidney of the carp. They consisted mainly of the sinusoidal capillaries, arterioles, veins and portal veins. The sinusoidal capillaries were composed of endothelial cells that frequently exhibited large pores and an indistinct basal lamina. Some endothelial cells were trabecular in shape and protruded into the lumen. The reticular cells frequently attached to the outside of the endothelial cells, and macrophages were located on the luminal and abluminal surfaces of the endothelial cells. The arterioles possessed continuous endothelial cells with a thick basal lamina, continuous smooth muscle layers and a thick adventitia with collagen fibres and reticular cells. The veins were characterised by fenestrated endothelial cells and thin connective tissue. The portal veins were composed of continuous electron-lucent endothelial cells and thick layers of reticular cells and collagen fibres. The differences between the endothelial cells in each blood vessel probably reflect the various functions of the carp head kidney. The ultrastructural features of the sinusoids and the portal veins resemble those of lymphatic vessels of mammals and appear to relate to macrophage and lymphoid cell migration and proliferation in the carp head kidney.