Relationship between odor perception and depression in the Japanese elderly

Odor perception has been studied in patients with various mental disorders; however, no consensus has been reached as to its detection, identification, or pleasantness/unpleasantness of odors especially in patients with depression. One hundred and nineteen normal elderly individuals living at home were exposed to odors of rose, perfume, white ginger, Indian ink, cigarette smoke, milk, feces and orange scent using the scratch and sniff method. They were asked to rate the strength of each odor, its pleasantness or unpleasantness, their liking for it, and their familiarity with it. They were also asked to complete a self-rating depression scale (SDS). The relationship of the score of each psychological olfactory scale with the SDS score and the difference in the score of each psychological scale between high-SDS and low-SDS groups are discussed.

Brief reactive psychosis induced by sensitivity training: similarities between sensitivity training and brainwashing situations

Sensitivity training (ST), which originated in the USA during the late 1940s, has been used as part of training seminars in Japanese corporations since the late 1950s. The possibility of negative psychiatric effects of ST, and especially its role in inducing psychiatric symptoms, is yet to be clarified. A case of a 41-year-old male company worker whose brief psychosis was induced by a sensitivity training seminar held by the company he worked for is presented. In reviewing the psychopathology of the case with records from the ST seminar, we found similarities between the patient's ST seminar and brainwashing situations. Specifically, the patient experienced severe conflict (of thought process) between his Christian beliefs and being labeled a coward at the seminar. We conclude that monitoring of the ST programs is crucial in order to ensure the psychological safety of ST participants in Japan.

p53-independent cyclin G expression in a group of mature neurons and its enhanced expression during nerve regeneration

An increase in cyclin G expression after nerve injury was demonstrated by differential display PCR, carried out to compare references in expression of mRNAs between axotomized and normal hypoglossal motoneurons in the rat. The nerve injury dramatically upregulated the expression of cyclin G mRNA in the motoneurons during the early phase of the nerve regeneration process, suggesting an involvement of cyclin G in the early stage of nerve regeneration. In brain, in situ hybridization studies also demonstrated cyclin G expression in a restricted group of matured neurons, particularly in the telencephalon and the thalamus. This constitutive expression in mature neurons suggests that cyclin G may have a function different from other members of the cyclin group. In addition, although cyclin G has been shown to be a transcription target of p53, the upregulation of cyclin G in injured motoneurons, as well as the expression in the adult rat brain, was not affected in the p53-deficient mouse. These data suggest that the expression of cyclin G, at least in the nervous system, is not regulated by p53 predominantly, and that there may be alternative regulatory factors or pathways for cyclin G expression.

Phenotypic alterations of neuropeptide Y, vasoactive intestinal peptide and choline acetyltransferase in rat cultured chromaffin cells as effected by nerve growth factor and glucocorticoid

We assessed changes in neuropeptide Y (NPY), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) immunoreactivities when neonatal rat chromaffin cells were cultured in a medium containing nerve growth factor (NGF), or the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone (DEX), examining whether their expression was correlated with the morphological changes induced by NGF and DEX. All of the chromaffin cells in culture were tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-immunopositive regardless of whether they extended processes. TH-immunoreactive materials of NGF-treated chromaffin cells were distributed in all the cytoplasmic processes, even at the tips of growth cones. The percentage of NPY-positive chromaffin cells did not change markedly when treated with NGF or DEX throughout the 14 days in culture. The proportion of VIP-positive chromaffin cells increased gradually in the NGF-treated group and that of ChAT-positive cells in the group was similar to VIP. The morphological alterations induced by NGF were not correlated with the changes in proportions of NPY-, VIP- or ChAT-positive chromaffin cells. The percentages of VIP- or ChAT-immunopositive chromaffin cells in the NGF-treated group showed much greater increases than those in the DEX-treated group. These findings suggest that NGF might modulate the phenotypic changes of neuropeptides and amines in rat chromaffin cells.

Decreased serum retinol levels in women with cervical dysplasia

To examine the relationship of dietary and serum vitamin A to the risk of cervical dysplasia, a case-control study was conducted in Miyagi, Japan. Cases were 137 women who were found by Papanicolaou test screening and histological examination provided by Miyagi Cancer Society between October 1987 and September 1988 to have cervical dysplasia. Controls were selected from participants of the general health examination provided by the Society and individually matched to cases on age and screening date. The consumption of retinol or carotene-rich foods during the past 7 days was assessed at interview. Information was also collected about other risk factors of cervical dysplasia, such as reproductive histories and sexual behaviour. The mean serum retinol levels were significantly lower among cases compared with controls, although dietary intake levels of retinol and carotene were not different between the two groups. When examined by tertile, the risk of cervical dysplasia was significantly higher among women in the highest tertile of dietary vitamin A level. An inverse association was observed between serum retinol level and risk of cervical dysplasia, although it did not achieve statistical significance.

Identification of activities that catalyze the cis-trans isomerization of the double bond of a mono-unsaturated fatty acid in Pseudomonas sp. strain E-3

A cell-free extract of Pseudomonas sp. strain E-3 catalyzed the conversion of 9-cis-hexadecenoic acid [16:1(9c)] to 9-trans-hexadecenoic acid [16:1(9t)] in the free acid form and when 16:1(9c) was esterified to phosphatidylethanolamine (PE). The cytosolic fraction catalyzed the isomerizations of free 16:1(9c) by itself and of 16:1(9c) esterified to PE in the presence of the membrane fraction. Tracer experiments using [2,2-2H2]16:1(9c) demonstrated that the isomerization of free 16:1(9c) occurred independently of the isomerization of 16:1(9c) esterified to PE, indicating that this bacterium has two types of activities that catalyze the cis-trans isomerization of the double bond of a mono-unsaturated fatty acid.

Evidence for a glycosylinositolphospholipid-anchored alkaline phosphatase in the aquatic plant Spirodela oligorrhiza

Glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins occur widely, perhaps universally, on the surface of animal cells, where they perform a variety of important functions. However, the existence of GPI-anchored proteins on plant cells has never been established. Evidence is presented in this communication for the occurrence of a 50 kDa GPI-anchored alkaline phosphatase (AP) induced in the duckweed Spirodela oligorrhiza by phosphate deprivation. Triton X-114 partitioning of the Spirodela proteins yielded two forms of AP activity. The detergent-associated form was labeled prominently by [3H]ethanolamine, [3H]myristic acid and [3H]palmitic acid. This amphiphilic form of AP, like authentic GPI-anchored AP from mammals, was clearly resolved from the remaining, water-soluble AP activity by two types of incompletely-denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Lipid covalently bound to the solvent-delipidated amphiphilic AP was resistant to cleavage by phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C. Strong acid or alkaline hydrolysis of the 3H-fatty acid-labeled amphiphilic AP yielded radioactive fatty acids and a radioactive lipid tentatively identified as a long chain base. The more abundant water-soluble AP was also radioactive in plants incubated with [3H]ethanolamine and was labeled to a lesser extent by 3H-fatty acids. The water-soluble AP, unlike its amphiphilic counterpart, could be freed of all fatty acid radioactivity by mild alkaline hydrolysis, indicating the continued presence of an ester-linked fatty acid. All evidence supports the conclusion that Spirodela AP is synthesized as an amphiphilic protein with a ceramide-containing GPI anchor.

Primary low cerebrospinal fluid pressure syndrome with galactorrhea: findings at MR imaging

A case of primary low cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure syndrome with galactorrhea is reported. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated diffusely enhanced meninges, edematous brain, and enlarged pituitary gland. Coincidental enlargement of pituitary gland and edematous brain due to low CSF pressure compressed the pituitary portal system. The low-perfused anterior lobe of pituitary gland would be the mechanism of galactorrhea.

Effects of thromboxane A2 synthesis inhibitor (OKY-046) on total liver ischemia in rats

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of OKY-046, a thromboxane A2 (TxA2) synthesis inhibitor, on the hepatic dysfunction produced in rats by liver cell ischemia and reperfusion injury.

METHODS

Total warm ischemia of the liver was induced by the Pringle maneuver for a period of 45 minutes. The animals were divided into two groups; the OKY-046 group, and the control group. These were further divided into three subgroups according to the reperfusion time (5, 30, and 60 minutes). OKY-046 was administered via the femoral vein at a rate of 100 micrograms/kg/min, beginning 20 minutes prior to portal and hepatic arterial cross-clamping, continuing to the termination of the experiment.

RESULTS

The ratio of thromboxane B2 (TxB2) to 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha (6 keto PGF1 alpha) ratio in the liver tissue was lower in the OKY-046 group compared to the control group. Significant differences in the hydrous volume of the liver and in the mitochondrial score were noted between the OKY-046 and control groups, indicating liver preservation by OKY-046.

CONCLUSIONS

The mechanism of this effect is postulated to be inhibition of the synthesis of TxA2 and enhancement of the levels of endogenous prostacyclin (PGI2). The resulting improvement in the TxA2 to PGI2 balance associated with OKY-046 administration may prevent liver damage in this model.

Relationship between solvent inhalation and antisocial behavior: special emphasis on two types of violence seen in solvent abusers

Organic solvent inhalation is a serious problem among youths in Japan. It induces physical and mental disorders, and is related closely to crime and delinquency. The relationship between solvent inhalation and antisocial behavior was investigated in 75 youths. The subjects were divided into three groups according to the level of violent behavior and the time of appearance: a non-violent group, a late-onset group (violence occurred after the start of inhalation) and an early-onset group (violence had occurred before the start of inhalation). Various parameters were compared among the groups. The late-onset group showed the following characteristics; (i) the frequency of inhalation was high, and many subjects experienced hallucinations and mood changes caused by inhalation; (ii) the family environment was characterized by conflict; and (iii) the subjects had strong psychological conflicts and showed dissociative coping with frustration. The violence, psychological conflict and dissociation in this group were found to be related to the inhalation, with familial conflict as a background. The violence in the early-onset group was considered to be the manifestation of a violent personality as the frequency of inhalation and the incidence of mental symptoms were both low. The subjects in this group showed weak psychological conflict and tended to be demanding of others when attempting to cope with frustration. Two types of violent behaviors in the teenagers who inhaled solvents were identified. The violence of solvent inhalers should be managed according to the type.

Transgenic fertile Scoparia dulcis L., a folk medicinal plant, conferred with a herbicide-resistant trait using an Ri binary vector

Transgenic herbicide-resistant Scoparia dulcis plants were obtained by using an Ri binary vector system. The chimeric bar gene encoding phosphinothricin acetyltransferase flanked by the promoter for cauliflower mosaic virus 35S RNA and the terminal sequence for nopaline synthase was introduced in the plant genome by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation by means of scratching young plants. Hairy roots resistant to bialaphos were selected and plantlets (R0) were regenerated. Progenies (S1) were obtained by self-fertilization. The transgenic state was confirmed by DNA-blot hybridization and assaying of neomycin phosphotransferase II. Expression of the bar gene in the transgenic R0 and S1 progenies was indicated by the activity of phosphinothricin acetyltransferase. Transgenic plants accumulated scopadulcic acid B, a specific secondary metabolite of S. dulcis, in amounts of 15-60% compared with that in normal plants. The transgenic plants and progenies showed resistant trait towards bialaphos and phosphinothricin. These results suggest that an Ri binary system is one of the useful tools for the transformation of medicinal plants for which a regeneration protocol has not been established.

Nerve injury enhances rat neuronal glutamate transporter expression: identification by differential display PCR

An increase in neuronal glutamate transporter expression after nerve injury was demonstrated by means of differential display PCR (DD-PCR) coupled with in situ hybridization. DD-PCR was carried out to compare differences in expression of mRNAs between axotomized and normal hypoglossal motoneurons in the rat. The expression of several gene fragments were found to be increased following nerve injury; the full length cDNA corresponding to one fragment was cloned by subsequent rat cDNA library screening. The close homology of glutamate transporters with our rat cDNA led us to conclude that this clone corresponds to the rat neuronal glutamate transporter (rat EAAC1). We speculate that the upregulation of this glutamate uptake system may increase the resistance of these cells against neurotoxic glutamate accumulation during the process of nerve regeneration.

Incidence and prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease in Japan: nationwide epidemiological survey during the year 1991

The aim of this nationwide study was to determine the recent incidence and prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease, i.e., Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), in Japan. We mailed out a preliminary examination sheet with diagnostic criteria, asking about the presence of patients with inflammatory bowel disease, to all hospitals in Japan that have more than 200 beds for general use. The rate of reply was 60.93%. A total of 4243 patients with CD were reported. The incidence per 100 000 population per annum was 0.51 (0.71 in males, 0.32 in females). The prevalence per 100 000 population per annum was 5.85 (7.94 in males, 3.83 in females). Peak age at onset was 20-24 years in males and 15-19 years in females. A total of 12559 cases of UC were reported. The incidence per 100 000 population per annum was 1.95 (2.23 in males, 1.68 in females). The prevalence per 100 000 population per annum was 18.12 (18.70 in males, 18.17 in females). Peak age at onset was 20-24 years in males and 25-29 years in females.

Instrumentation and applications of an automated C-terminal fragment peptide fractionator for C-terminal sequence analysis of proteins

A novel automated C-terminal fragment peptide fractionator has been constructed. Digests with lysyl endopeptidase were covalently immobilized on p-phenylene diisothiocyanate polymer beads. Only the C-terminal fragment, which contains no lysyl residue, was liberated by cleavage at the first peptide bond of the immobilized fragment peptides with trifluoroacetic acid, and it was automatically collected. The whole procedure was automatically and precisely performed under microprocessor control in a nitrogen atmosphere. The resulting fragment was sequenced without further purification. Sequences of both N- and C-terminal regions can be routinely obtained for ca. 100 pmol samples by the use of a conventional automated Edman-type protein sequencer.

[Effect of an additional cathode on the electrolytic-polishing of titanium specimens with non-aqueous electrolyte]

The purpose of this study was to polish electrolytically a large maxillary denture base-shaped titanium specimen with non-aqueous electrolyte. The test specimen was prepared by bending a sheet of titanium plate. An additional cathode was made by cutting off part of a cylindrical cathode. The effects of the shape and position of the additional cathode were investigated. Selected factors of the additional cathode were as follows: the connecting point between the additional cathode and the cylindrical cathode, the end position of the additional cathode, and the distance between the additional cathode and the titanium specimen. An acceptable polished titanium surface was obtained when the connecting point was below the electrolyte surface, the end position of the additional cathode was at a similar level to the bottom of the specimen, and the distance between the additional cathode and the specimen was 10 mm.

Up-regulation of PKA RI alpha subunit mRNA in rat skeletal muscle after nerve injury

Localization of all subunits of cAMP dependent protein kinase (PKA) mRNAs and their changes of expression after denervation were examined in rat tongue skeletal muscle by in situ hybridization histochemistry. Among all PKA subunits only RI alpha subunit mRNA was detected in the skeletal muscle, whereas positive signal of all subunits mRNA were observed in some haematocytes or lymphocytes within the tongue tissue. The RI alpha mRNA was distributed in a restricted area near the endplate. The mRNA level was substantially induced by the hypoglossal nerve transection, suggesting that the up-regulation of RI alpha mRNA leading to the down-regulation of PKA activity may contribute to some intracellular signalling modulation or to muscle specific gene transcription after the denervation.

Regulation of mRNA expression involved in Ras and PKA signal pathways during rat hypoglossal nerve regeneration

Using in situ hybridization histochemistry and immunohistochemistry, the present study examines the cooperative regulation of transcription of molecules involved in the Ras-signal and the cAMP dependent protein kinase (PKA) pathways during peripheral nerve regeneration in rats. Injury to hypoglossal motor neurons resulted in an increase in extracellular regulated kinase (ERK, or MAP kinase) and ERK kinase (MEK, or MAP kinase kinase) mRNAs, but in a decrease in the expression of the catalytic subunits of PKA (C alpha and C beta) mRNAs. These results show the importance of the Ras-signal pathway in the nerve regeneration process and extend recent observation which suggested a cross-talk between the Ras and PKA pathways in vitro. The down-regulation of PKA may facilitate the activation of the Ras pathway which is located downstream of the growth factor receptor. The present study may suggest a possibility of regulatory talk between these two major signal transduction pathways.