Efficacy of laparoscopic surgery for loop colostomy: a propensity-score-matched analysis

PURPOSE

Colostomy is a common procedure for fecal diversion, but the optimal colostomy approach is unclear in terms of surgical outcomes and stoma-related complications. The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy and feasibility of laparoscopic loop colostomy.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent loop colostomy at Shizuoka Cancer Center in Japan between April 2010 and March 2022. Patients were divided into two groups based on surgical approach: the laparoscopic (LAP) and open (OPEN) groups. Surgical outcomes and the incidences of stoma-related complications such as stomal prolapse (SP), parastomal hernia (PSH), and skin disorders (SD) were compared with and without propensity score matching.

RESULTS

Of the 388 eligible patients, 180 (46%) were in the LAP group and 208 (54%) were in the OPEN group. The male-to-female ratio was 5.5:4.5 in the Lap group and was 5.3:4.7 in the OPEN group, respectively. The median age was 68 years (range, 31-88 years) in the LAP group and 65 years (range, 23-93 years) in the OPEN group, respectively. The LAP group, compared with the OPEN group, had a shorter operative time and lower incidences of surgical site infection (3.9% versus 16.3%, respectively; p < 0.01) and SD (11.7% versus 24.5%, respectively; p < 0.01). There was no significant difference between the LAP and OPEN groups in the incidence of SP (17.3% versus 17.3%, respectively) or PSH (8.9% versus 6.7%, respectively). After propensity score matching, the incidences of surgical site infection and SD were significantly lower in the LAP group than in the OPEN group, while there were no significant differences in the operative time or the incidences of SP and PSH.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that laparoscopic surgery could be beneficial and feasible in loop colostomy.

Which is more important in the management of splenic flexure colon cancer: strict central lymph node dissection or adequate bowel resection margin?

BACKGROUND

What qualifies as optimal lymph node (LN) dissection in the surgical management of splenic flexure colon cancer (SFCC) still remains controversial because few studies have evaluated the distribution of LN metastasis of SFCC. The aim of this study was to clarify detailed distribution of LN metastasis and long-term outcomes of SFCC.

METHODS

This retrospective study enrolled patients who had curative colectomy for primary transverse or descending colon cancer of pathological stage I, II, or III at a single high-volume cancer center between April 2002 and December 2018. The 538 eligible patients were divided into three groups: patients with SFCC (SFCC group, n = 168), patients with proximal transverse colon cancer (PTCC group, n = 290), and patients with distal descending colon cancer (DDCC group, n = 80). LNs were classified into horizontal (pericolic) and vertical (intermediate and main) nodes. Intermediate and main LN station numbers were defined according to the Japanese Society for Cancer of the Colon and Rectum classification. Distributions of LN metastasis and long-term outcomes were compared.

RESULTS

In the SFCC group, the mean age was 67.3 ± 10.5 years and 110 patients (65.5%) were male. The proportion of patients with LN metastasis in the intermediate or main region was significantly lower in the SFCC group (8%) than in the PTCC (37%) (p < 0.01) or DDCC group (29%) (p < 0.01) in pathological stage III patients. In the SFCC group, the incidence of pericolic LN metastasis on the oral side of tumor (43%) was significantly higher than in the PTCC group (21%) (p < 0.01) and was similar to that in the DDCC group (42%) (p = 0.51), while in the SFCC group, the incidence of pericolic LN metastasis on the anal side of tumor (17%) was lower than in the PTCC group (31%) and was also similar to that in the DDCC group (21%). There were no significant differences in disease-specific survival rates among all groups.

CONCLUSIONS

LN metastasis occurred mainly in the pericolic region, especially on the oral side of the tumor in SFCC. It may, therefore, be important to have an adequate bowel resection margin, especially on the oral side, for SFCC.

Robotic-assisted multivisceral resection for rectal cancer: short-term outcomes at a single center

BACKGROUND

The safety and feasibility of robotic-assisted multivisceral resection for locally advanced rectal cancer remain unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the short-term outcomes of this procedure at our institution.

METHODS

From December 2011 to December 2016, patients who underwent robotic-assisted multivisceral resection for rectal cancer were investigated. Patient demographics, treatment characteristics, perioperative outcomes, and pathological results were evaluated retrospectively.

RESULTS

There were 31 patients; 17 men (54.8%) and 14 women (45.2%), with a median age of 65 years (range 40-82 years). Twenty-one patients (67.7%) had a cT4 tumor, 9 patients (29.0%) had a pT4b tumor, and all patients except one (96.8%) underwent complete resection of the primary tumor with negative resection margins. Eleven patients (35.5%) received neoadjuvant chemoradiation. The most commonly resected organ was the vaginal wall (n = 12, 38.7%), followed by the prostate (n = 10, 32.3%). Lateral lymph node dissection was performed in 20 patients (64.5%). The median operative time was 394 min (range 189-549 min), and the median blood loss was 41 mL (range 0-502 mL). None of the patients received intraoperative blood transfusions or required conversion to open. Overall, postoperative complications occurred in 11 patients (35.5%). The most frequent complication was urinary retention (n = 5, 16.1%), and none of the patients developed serious complications classified as Clavien-Dindo grades III-V.

CONCLUSIONS

Robotic-assisted multivisceral resection for rectal cancer is safe and technically feasible.

Validation of a commercial serodiagnostic kit for diagnosing pulmonary Mycobacterium avium complex disease

SETTING

A commercial serodiagnostic kit for diagnosing pulmonary disease due to Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC-PD) was developed and launched in Japan in 2011.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the performance of this kit in routine clinical settings.

METHODS

In this retrospective single-centre study, data on serum levels of anti-glycopeptidolipid (GPL) core IgA antibody (U/ml) measured using the kit were analysed in patients diagnosed with MAC-PD according to American Thoracic Society criteria, in those with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) or pulmonary M. kansasii disease and in healthy volunteers.

RESULTS

The anti-GPL-core IgA antibody levels of serum were significantly higher (P < 0.0001) in patients with MAC-PD (n = 485) than in those with PTB (n = 133) or pulmonary M. kansasii disease (n = 23) or in healthy subjects (n = 265). When the cut-off level was set at 0.7 U/ml, the sensitivity and specificity were respectively 78.6% and 96.9%. Higher antibody levels were observed in patients with greater extent of disease on chest computed tomography (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The serodiagnostic kit revealed good sensitivity and specificity. The antibody levels may reflect disease activity. Additional work is needed to determine whether the diagnostic assay could be used in conjunction with current diagnostic criteria to improve the diagnosis of MAC-PD.

Mechanism of oocyte maturation and ovulation and its application to seed production in the Japanese eel

Reduction in eel resources and catches of glass eels as seedlings for aquaculture have been a serious concern in recent years in both Europe and East Asia. Thus, technical advancement to produce eel seeds for artificial cultivation is most desired. Fundamental information on oocyte maturation and ovulation and its application to artificial induction of sexual maturation are needed to produce good quality seeds of the Japanese eel. This review introduces hormonal mechanisms of cytoplasmic maturation (such as hydration, lipid coalescence, and clearing of the ooplasm) and the maturational competence (the ability to respond to maturation-inducing steroid) and nuclear maturation (germinal vesicle breakdown). In addition, previous and newly developed methods for induction of spawning have been described.

20β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase gene promoter: potential role for cyclic AMP and xenobiotic responsive elements

Teleostean 20β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (20β-HSD) is involved in final oocyte maturation and steroid hormone metabolism. It has structural and functional similarities to mammalian carbonyl reductases that are involved in the metabolism of endogenous carbonyl and xenobiotic compounds. To understand the transcriptional regulation of 20β-HSD, here we report the cloning of 20β-HSD promoter from two fish species, rainbow trout and air-breathing catfish. Analysis of the promoter motifs, in silico identified the presence of several sites for transcription factor binding including cAMP, xenobiotic and steroid hormone responsive elements. Luciferase reporter assays with progressive deletion constructs demonstrated that 20β-HSD type B of trout has no promoter activity while 20β-HSD type A of trout and catfish 20β-HSD promoters showed basal promoter activity. A TATA box flanked by a CAAT box is important for basal transcription. Deletion of cAMP responsive element in the promoter decreased basal promoter activity significantly. Reporter assays with forskolin and IBMX, drugs that increase intracellular cAMP induced the promoter activity over the basal level. Intriguingly, β-nafthoflavone, an arylhydrocarbon receptor ligand, induced the 20β-HSD promoter activity and is further evidenced by the induction of 20β-HSD expression in the livers of catfish, in vivo. These results demonstrate for the first time that 20β-HSD expression is not only modulated by cAMP but also by xenobiotics and further studies may provide significance to the ubiquitous distribution and broad substrate specificity of this enzyme.

Force detecting gripper and flexible micro manipulator for neurosurgery

In order to realize a less invasive robotic neurosurgery for the deeply seated tumor, a force detecting gripper with a flexible micro manipulator has been developed. Gripping force applied on the gripper is detected by strain gages fit on the gripper clip. Signal is conducted to the amplifier by the cables through the inner pipe of the manipulator. In order to approach to the deeply seated tumor through a narrow hole, a micro manipulator which can flex at the end part to face the gripper for the target and can rotate the closing direction of the gripper at the end of the manipulator has been developed. Some operation test showed that the developed manipulator can approach flexibly to the target, and the taking out force of a target on the soft material was detected clearly.

Gender differences in tryptophan hydroxylase-2 mRNA, serotonin, and 5-hydroxytryptophan levels in the brain of catfish, Clarias gariepinus, during sex differentiation

Tryptophan hydroxylase (tph) is the key regulator in serotonin (5-HT) biosynthesis that stimulates the release of GnRH and gonadotropins by acting at the level of hypothalamo-hypophyseal axis. In brain, 5-HT is expressed predominantly in preoptic area-hypothalamus (POA-HYP) region in teleosts. Therefore, in the present study we isolated tph2 from catfish brain to evaluate its expression pattern in male and female brains during early development. Tph2 cloned from catfish brain is 2.768 Kb in length which encodes predicted protein of 488 amino acid residues. The characterization of recombinant tph2 was done by transient transfection in CHO cells. Tissue distribution of tph2 revealed ubiquitous expression except ovary. Real time PCR analysis in discrete regions of adult male brain revealed that tph2 mRNA was abundant in the POA-HYP and optic tectum+cerebellum+thalamus (OCT) regions. Differential expression of tph2 was observed at mRNA and protein levels in the POA-HYP and OCT regions of male and female brains during development that further correlate with the 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and 5-HT levels measured using HPLC method in these regions of male and female brains. Tph2 immunoreactive neurons were observed in different regions of brain at 50 days post hatch using catfish specific tph2 antibody. Changes in tph2 mRNA expression, 5-HTP, and 5-HT levels in the POA-HYP+OCT region of brains of methyltestosterone and para-chlorophenylalanine treated fishes during development further endorse our results. Based on our results, we propose that the serotonergic system is involved in brain sex differentiation in teleosts.

Cloning, expression and enzyme activity analysis of testicular 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase during seasonal cycle and after hCG induction in air-breathing catfish Clarias gariepinus

A full-length cDNA encoding 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11beta-HSD2) was cloned from testis of air-breathing catfish, Clarias gariepinus which showed high sequence homology to zebrafish and eel. The open reading frame of 11beta-HSD2 was then transfected to COS-7 cells, which converted 11beta-hydroxytestosterone (11-OHT) to 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT). Using NAD(+), 11beta-HSD2 from testicular microsomes oxidized 11-OHT with apparent K(m) 56+/-4nM and V(max) 55+/-6pmol/h/mgprotein values. Tissue distribution analysis revealed prominent expression in testis, anterior kidney, liver and gills. Expression of 11beta-HSD2 in testis and serum levels of 11-KT were high in the prespawning phase. Administration of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) during prespawning and resting phases revealed initial rise in 11beta-HSD2 transcript at 4h followed by gradual increase at 8h, 12h and peaking at 24h, only in testis of prespawning phase. Rate of conversion of 11-OHT to 11-KT by testicular microsomes during different testicular phases and after hCG administration corroborated well with the expression of 11beta-HSD2. Ontogeny study indicated that this enzyme is expressed during testicular development. Thus the spatio-temporal expression supported with putative dehydrogenase activity and circulating 11-KT levels clearly suggest a major role for 11beta-HSD2 during testicular differentiation and seasonal testicular cycle in catfish.

Dimorphic expression of tryptophan hydroxylase in the brain of XX and XY Nile tilapia during early development

Serotonin (5-HT) is well known for modulating the release of GnRH and gonadotropin in teleosts. Reports on increased female:male ratio after the blockade of 5-HT biosynthesis proposed a role for 5-HT in brain sex differentiation. Two types of tryptophan hydroxylase (Tph), rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of 5-HT were cloned from vertebrates. In the present study, we cloned Tph from brain and evaluated its importance during early development of XX and XY Nile tilapia. Tph cloned from tilapia brain is 1888 bp in length and it encodes predicted protein of 462 amino acid residues. Tph activity of tilapia was confirmed by demonstrating the conversion of L-tryptophan to 5-hydroxy tryptophan by the recombinant protein after transient transfection of this cDNA clone in COS-7 cells. Northern blot identified single transcript around 2kb in male brain. Tissue distribution of Tph revealed high abundance in brain, kidney, liver and testis. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR revealed exclusive expression of Tph in the male brain from 5 to 20 days post hatch (dph) while in the female brain, it was from 25 dph. These results were authenticated by localization of Tph transcripts in olfactory bulb-telencephalon region of 11 dph male brain using in situ hybridization. Tph immunoreactivity (-ir) was also evident in the nucleus preopticus-periventricularis area of male brain as early as 12 dph. However, Tph-ir was observed in several regions of both male and female brain without any distinction from 30 dph. Dimorphic expression pattern of Tph during early brain development around the critical period (7-21 dph) of gonadal sex determination and differentiation may implicate a role for Tph in brain sex differentiation of tilapia.

Description of International Caenorhabditis elegans Experiment first flight (ICE-FIRST)

Traveling, living and working in space is now a reality. The number of people and length of time in space is increasing. With new horizons for exploration it becomes more important to fully understand and provide countermeasures to the effects of the space environment on the human body. In addition, space provides a unique laboratory to study how life and physiologic functions adapt from the cellular level to that of the entire organism. Caenorhabditis elegans is a genetic model organism used to study physiology on Earth. Here we provide a description of the rationale, design, methods, and space culture validation of the ICE-FIRST payload, which engaged C. elegans researchers from four nations. Here we also show C. elegans growth and development proceeds essentially normally in a chemically defined liquid medium on board the International Space Station (10.9 day round trip). By setting flight constraints first and bringing together established C. elegans researchers second, we were able to use minimal stowage space to successfully return a total of 53 independent samples, each containing more than a hundred individual animals, to investigators within one year of experiment concept. We believe that in the future, bringing together individuals with knowledge of flight experiment operations, flight hardware, space biology, and genetic model organisms should yield similarly successful payloads.

Partial sequencing of sodA gene and its application to identification of Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. dysgalactiae isolated from farmed fish

AIMS

To investigate the difference between Lancefield group C Streptococcus dysgalactiae (GCSD) strains isolated from diseased fish and animals by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the sodA gene.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The sodA gene of Strep. dysgalactiae strains isolated from fish and animals were amplified and its nucleotide sequences were determined. Although 100% sequence identity was observed among fish GCSD strains, the determined sequences from animal isolates showed variations against fish isolate sequences. Thus, all fish GCSD strains were clearly separated from the GCSD strains of other origin by using phylogenetic tree analysis. In addition, the original primer set was designed based on the determined sequences for specifically amplify the sodA gene of fish GCSD strains. The primer set yield amplification products from only fish GCSD strains.

CONCLUSIONS

By sequencing analysis of the sodA gene, the genetic divergence between Strep. dysgalactiae strains isolated from fish and mammals was demonstrated. Moreover, an original oligonucletide primer set, which could simply detect the genotype of fish GCSD strains was designed.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study shows that Strep. dysgalactiae isolated from diseased fish could be distinguished from conventional GCSD strains by the difference in the sequence of the sodA gene.

Characterization of Lancefield group C Streptococcus dysgalactiae isolated from farmed fish

A Lancefield group C streptococcal (GCS) infection caused by Streptococcus dysgalactiae that is characterized by severe necrotic lesions of the caudal peduncle has been an increasing cause of mortality in farmed fish such as amberjack, Seriola dumerili, and yellowtail, Seriola quinqueradiata, in the southern part of Kyushu, Japan. In this study, enzymatic profiles of GCS strains from fish and mammals were investigated using the API ZYM system, and genotypic characterization of GCS strains was performed using biased sinusoidal field gel electrophoresis (BSFGE). The partial sequence of the 16S-23S rDNA intergenic spacer region of the GCS strain isolates from fish and mammals was also compared. The API ZYM test indicated that it is difficult to differentiate isolates of S. dysgalactiae from fish and animals based on enzymological variations. In the BSFGE analysis, the macrorestriction profiles, which were obtained using SmaI or ApaI as a restriction enzyme, revealed variations between the fish and animal isolates. The partial sequence of the 16S-23S rDNA intergenic spacer region of all the tested fish isolates differed from all mammalian isolates in one or two nucleotides. The possibility of a clonal expansion of S. dysgalactiae strains in farmed fish was also suggested by the BSFGE profiles of fish isolates.

Postoperative host responses in elderly patients after gastrointestinal surgery

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The age-associated dysregulation of hemodynamic, metabolic and immune responses contributes to the high incidence of complications after major abdominal surgery.

METHODOLOGY

Ninety-five patients who underwent gastric resection (n=51) and colorectal resection (n=44) were divided according to age into Groups A (n=45, less than 70 years old), B (n=30, 70-79 years) and C (n=20, over 80 years). Flow cytometric analysis of CD4+ lymphocytes for interferon (IFN)-gamma and interleukin (IL)-4 production determined the Th1/2 balance. Energy expenditure was measured by indirect calorimetry, and hemodynamics were studied using pulse dye densitometry.

RESULTS

Surgical procedures, operating time, blood loss and morbidity did not significantly differ among the three groups. The cardiac index (CI) in group A and B increased significantly over preoperative levels until POD 3, but there were no significant perioperative changes in the CI levels of group C. Resting energy expenditure levels changed similarly to those of CI. The postoperative Th1/2 ratio decreased from young to elderly to very elderly patients, although no differences were significant before surgery. The postoperative percentage of CD4+IFN-gamma +T cells (Th1) in group C decreased significantly despite of no significant changes in that of group A and B. In contrast, the ratio of CD4+IL-4+T cells (Th2) in the all groups significantly increased after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Host responses in elderly patients after major abdominal surgery were more hyperdynamic and hypermetabolic than those of young patients. Postoperative dysregulation of the Th1/2 balance was also associated with aging. However, host responses appear to significantly differ between elderly and very elderly patients.

Thiourea-induced thyroid hormone depletion impairs testicular recrudescence in the air-breathing catfish, Clarias gariepinus

We used thiourea-induced thyroid hormone depletion as a strategy to understand the influence of thyroid hormones on testicular recrudescence of the air-breathing catfish, Clarias gariepinus. Treatment with 0.03% thiourea via immersion for 21 days induced hypothyroidism (thyroid hormone depletion) as evidenced by significantly reduced serum T(3) levels. Thiourea-treated males had narrowed seminiferous lobules with fewer spermatozoa in testis, very little or no secretory fluid, reduced protein and sialic acid levels in seminal vesicles when compared to controls. The histological changes were accompanied by reduction in serum and tissue levels of testosterone (T) and 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT), a potent male specific androgen in fish. Qualitative changes in the localization of catfish gonadotropin-releasing hormone (cfGnRH) and luteinizing hormone (LH, heterologous system) revealed a reduction in the distribution of immunoreactive neuronal cells and fibers in thyroid depleted fish. Interestingly, thiourea-withdrawal group showed physiological and histological signs of recovery after 21 days such as reappearance of spermatozoa and partial restoration of 11-KT and T levels. These data demonstrate that thyroid hormones play a significant role in testicular function of catfish. The mechanism of action includes modulating sex steroids either directly or through the hypothalamo (GnRH)-hypophyseal (LH) axis.

DNA modification in chick heart and cerebrum

Heart muscle cells and cerebral neurons are known to lose the ability to proliferate and are called terminally differentiated cells. They are generated in appropriate numbers during embryogenesis and retained throughout adult life without turnover. We are interested in such a long-lived DNA. We isolated DNA from chick heart and cerebrum and compared it with DNA from other organs after incubation with DNase I. Single-strand breaks were assessed using a reaction system composed of DNA and Escherichia coli DNA polymerase. The DNA of both organs was relatively resistant to DNase I, and DNA modification occurred during embryogenesis. CIMS (chemical ionization mass spectrometry) indicated that the molecular mass of the deoxynucleoside of both DNAs was larger than that of the corresponding canonical deoxyribonucleoside by m/z 28 (or 30 for the protonated form). The difference between these deoxynucleosides is based on a difference in sugar constituents. Cerebral deoxynucleotides were analyzed by (13)C NMR. An extra signal near 173 ppm was observed, which was assigned to the amide carbonyl. We propose a model of the deoxynucleoside where a carbonyl residue exists between the base and the 2-deoxyribose moiety of the canonical deoxyribonucleoside.

Oxidation and rearrangements of flavanones by mammalian cytochrome P450

To clarify the metabolic pathways of flavanones in mammals, the metabolism of (+/-)-flavanone and (+/-)-4'-methoxyflavanone by rat liver microsomes and recombinant human P450s in which structural changes are readily identifiable were examined. The beta-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-dependent formation of flavone plus (+/-)-2,3-trans-flavanonol and of 4'-methoxyflavone plus (+/-)-2,3-trans-4'-methoxyflavanonol, respectively, by rat liver microsomes was observed. The same metabolites were generated by recombinant human P450s in addition to the formation of isoflavone from (+/-)-flavanone. The kinetic isotope effects in these reactions were examined using deuterated (+/-)-flavanone and (+/-)-4'-methoxyflavanone. There was a strong isotope effect in the production of flavanonols, but the isotope effect in the production of flavones was small. The results indicated that the P450-mediated conversion of (+/-)-flavanone and of (+/-)-4'-methoxyflavanone to the corresponding metabolites proceeded via abstraction of a hydrogen radical from the C-2- or C-3-position of the flavanone skeleton. The antioxidant properties of flavanone and its metabolites were examined by measuring superoxide-scavenging activity in a xanthine-xanthine oxidase-cytochrome c system. (+/-)-2,3-trans-Flavanonol had higher activity than that of other flavonoids. Flavanones are metabolized by mammalian P450s, providing important information relevant to the metabolism and pharmacological action of dietary flavanones.

Seabream GnRH: partial cDNA cloning, localization and stage-dependent expression in the ovary of snake head murrel, Channa striatus

Vertebrate reproduction is under the neuroendocrine control of the hypothalamic decapeptide GnRH which synchronizes various reproductive events and influences other reproduction related aspects like spawning behavior and pheromonal action in fish. Multiple forms of GnRH peptides have been reported across diverse vertebrate and invertebrate classes. Here we report the partial seabream GnRH (sbGnRH) cDNA sequence cloned from the brain of Channa striatus (snake head murrel) a fresh water perciform with immense economic and medicinal value across Asiatic countries. sbGnRH mRNA was found in brain, gill and ovary of mature murrel with possible implications to the effect of GnRH on pheromonal phenomena and on reinitiation of oocyte meiosis. In keeping with the earlier reported role of GnRH in initiation of oocyte meiosis we here present evidence from RT-PCR, ICC demonstrating an increase in the level of sbGnRH mRNA in ovary from pre-vitellogenic to post-vitellogenic follicles.

Immunocytochemical localization of gonadotropins during the development of XX and XY Nile tilapia

Gonadal development and steroidogenesis in teleosts is regulated by two gonadotropic hormones; luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Earlier studies in tilapia have shown that FSH-beta and LH-beta appear by 14 days after hatching (dah), results from the current study corroborate with these previous reports in tilapia. Here we demonstrate the appearance of LH in pituitary between 14 and 20 dah. In addition to this the present study primarily focuses on any possible differences in appearance of LH-beta and FSH-beta immunoreactivity between XX and XY population of Nile tilapia. LH immunoreactivity was found to be lower in pituitary of XX fish when compared to XY fish. The development of FSH-beta immunoreactivity in pituitary of the Nile tilapia is also presented. Overall, it remains to be established what significance these findings on the appearance of gonadotropins hold for sex differentiation in tilapia.

Effect of photoperiod manipulation on the daily rhythms of melatonin and reproductive hormones in caged European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

Reproduction in fish is cyclical and timed to guarantee the survival of the offspring. Seasonal variations in reproductive hormones of fish have been deeply investigated in fish over the last years. However, there are few studies regarding the daily changes in reproductive hormone profiles in teleosts. The aim of the present research was to investigate the effects of photoperiod manipulation on melatonin and reproductive hormones (pituitary sbGnRH, pituitary LH and plasma LH, testosterone [T], and 11-ketotestosterone [11KT]) daily rhythms in male sea bass, kept in net cages under farming conditions in winter (9L:15D). Fish were distributed in two groups, one under constant long photoperiod (18L:6D) and the other under natural photoperiod. The photoperiod strongly influenced the daily melatonin profile, so that the duration of the nocturnal melatonin rise was longer in the control group than in the group exposed to the artificial photoperiod (18L:6D). A daily rhythm was observed in the pituitary sbGnRH profile in both groups, showing the lowest levels during the dark period. A daily rhythm of pituitary LH was detected in the control group, which was suppressed in the group under long photoperiod. Daily variations in plasma LH were observed, the highest levels being found in the dark phase in both groups, although this profile was significantly altered by artificial light, maintaining a fixed relationship between the first nocturnal rise of melatonin and the nocturnal peaks of plasma LH in both groups. Plasma T levels showed significant fluctuations in their daily cycle following a sinusoidal pattern with an acrophase around sunrise in both groups, without any influence of light regime. No significant daily variations in plasma levels of 11-KT were observed in none of the groups. Our results provide the first evidence of the presence of daily variations in pituitary sbGnRH content, pituitary and plasma LH, and plasma T in sea bass. Artificial lights suppressed the circulating melatonin and significantly affected the daily rhythm of LH storage and release.

Genetic analysis of ryanodine receptor function in Caenorhabditis elegans based on unc-68 revertants

The Caenorhabditis elegans ryanodine receptor is encoded by the unc-68 gene, and functions as a Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release channel during muscle contraction. To investigate the factors that suppress calcium release and identify molecules that interact with the ryanodine receptor, we isolated revertants from two unc-68 mutants. Three of the revertants obtained from the null allele unc-68(e540), which displayed normal motility, had intragenic mutations that resulted in failure to splice out intron 21. The other two, kh53 and kh55, had amino acid insertions in the third of the four RyR domains. The brood size and the egg laying rate remain abnormal in these revertants. This suggests the third RyR domain may be required for egg laying and embryogenesis, although we can not determine a molecular mechanism. Five ketamine sensitive revertants recovered from the missense mutant unc-68(kh30) showed altered responses to caffeine, ryanodine, levamisole and ouabain relative to those of the unc-68(kh30) animals. These may carry second-site suppressor mutations, which may define genes for proteins that regulate the Ca2+ concentration in body-wall muscle. One of these mutants, kh52, shows lower motility and higher sensitivity to drugs, and this mutation was mapped to chromosome X. These observations provide a basis for the study of ryanodine receptor functions in embryogenesis and in calcium-mediated regulation of muscle contraction in C. elegans. This is the first study to show that the conserved RyR domain of the receptor acts in egg laying and embryogenesis.

Kinetics and steady-state of VO2 responses to arm exercise in trained spinal cord injury humans

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study comparing trained spinal cord injured (SCI) subjects (lesion level: L1 - T6) with healthy young subjects (CONT).

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the kinetics of response in oxygen uptake (VO(2)) in human upper-body skeletal muscles, nine trained SCI subjects underwent submaximal supine arm exercises.

METHOD

The SCI subjects underwent an incremental arm exercise test until exhaustion. The days after this first round of testing, breath-by-breath VO(2) and beat-by-beat heart rate (HR) on- and off-kinetics were determined during three repetitions of constant exercise at 50% of VO(2peak). The overall time course of response was determined from the half time (t(1/2)). Increased capillary blood lactate production (delta[La]b) at the onset of exercise was defined as the difference between at rest and at the end of exercise. Cardiac output (Q) was measured using the acetylene rebreathing method during the steady state of exercise. In accordance with the Fick principle, the difference in arterial-venous O(2) content (Ca-vO(2)) was defined as VO(2)/Q.

RESULTS

During the steady state of the submaximal arm exercise, a more significant increase in the steady state of Q was obtained in the CONT subjects than in the trained SCI subjects: respectively, 14.9+/-1.4 l/min versus (12.7+/-0.8 l/min). There was no difference in the steady state of VO(2) between the two groups; as a result, SCI subjects had the greater Ca-v(2). Meanwhile, VO(2) on- and off-kinetics became much faster in the trained SCI subjects than in the CONT subjects. In addition, t(1/2) HR on-kinetics was not significantly different between the SCI and CONT groups. Increased Delta[La]b was closely related to larger t(1/2) VO(2) on-kinetics (r = 0.624, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

It is concluded that the acceleration of VO(2) on- and off-kinetics in the trained SCI subjects was observed even though there was no difference in HR on- and off-kinetics between the SCI and CONT groups and a lower steady state of Q in the trained SCI subjects. VO(2) kinetics would therefore be the limiting factor in oxidative phosphorylation in the upper skeletal muscles, thereby providing a lower lactic O(2)-deficit (ie delta[La]b).

The third and fourth tropomyosin isoforms of Caenorhabditis elegans are expressed in the pharynx and intestines and are essential for development and morphology

The tropomyosin gene tmy-1/lev-11 of Caenorhabditis elegans spans 14.5 kb and encodes three isoforms by alternative splicing. To identify, characterize and compare the genome and tissue expression of a fourth isoform, the technique of rapid amplification of cDNA ends and microinjection with lacZ and gfp fusion plasmids were employed. We elucidated CeTMIV, a fourth isoform of tmy-1, which encoded a 256 residue polypeptide. CeTMIV isoform had a similar promoter region to CeTMIII isoform, but was alternatively spliced to generate a cDNA that differed in two exons. The tmy-1::lacZ and tmy-1::gfp fusion genes, with 3.2 kb promoter sequence and 1.1 kb of CeTMIV isoform specific exons, were expressed in the pharyngeal and intestinal cells. Further unidirectional deletion of the sequence located the primary promoter region 853 bp upstream from the initial codon. We show within the upstream region, the presence of B and C subelement-like sequences of myo-2, which may be used to stimulate pharyngeal expression. Despite the presence of a ges-1 like sequence, we were unable to locate the two GATA sites required for intestinal expression. Reassessing tissue expression for CeTMIII isoform with newly constructed fusion plasmids, we showed further expression in germ-line tissue and intestinal cells in addition to pharyngeal expression. Finally, to demonstrate that tropomyosin is essential for development, we inactivated the body wall and pharynx-specific isoforms by RNA-mediated interference. In addition to 50-75 % embryonic lethality in both cases, the worms that survived body wall interference had abnormal body morphology and uncoordinated movements, and those that survived pharynx interference had deformed pharynges and gut regions. These results show the function of tropomyosin in normal muscle filament assembly and embryonic development, and illustrate the different expression patterns characteristic of tropomyosin isoforms in C. elegans.

Correlation between messenger RNA expression of cytochrome P450 aromatase and its enzyme activity during oocyte development in the red seabream (Pagrus major)

In teleosts, estradiol-17beta (E2) is an important hormone responsible for oocyte development. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying E2 biosynthesis, we characterized the structure of red seabream (Pagrus major) cytochrome P450 aromatase (P450(arom)) that is directly involved in E2 biosynthesis and found changes in mRNA levels of P450(arom) during oocyte development induced by implantation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue. A cDNA clone encoding P450(arom) is 1779 base pairs in length and encodes a protein of 519 amino acids in length, with a calculated molecular weight of 58.9 kDa. Northern blot analysis showed that P450(arom) mRNA levels increased gradually from Day 8, when oocytes reached the secondary yolk globule stage, and were maintained at high levels at the day of spawning (Day 15). The P450(arom) mRNA levels increased in association with an increase of the gonadosomatic index (gonad weight/body weight x 100%), serum E2, and P450(arom) enzyme activity (in vitro conversion of testosterone to E2 in the ovarian fragments). Furthermore, an increase in mRNA levels of the LHbeta, but not FSHbeta, correlated with increased P450(arom) mRNA levels during the course of ovarian development. In addition, the levels of P450(arom) mRNA increased in isolated ovarian follicles during the course of vitellogenic oocyte growth and became undetectable in follicles at the migratory nucleus and the mature stages. These findings, together with those of the previous studies, suggest that LH, not FSH, may regulate E2 biosynthesis via increased levels of P450(arom) mRNA during oocyte development of red seabream.

Platelet activation markers and soluble adhesion molecules in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

We assessed the role of platelet activation markers (PMPs, Annexin V and CD62P on activated platelets), cytokines (IL-1 beta, IL-4, IL-6, IFN- gamma, GM-CSF, and TNF alpha ), and soluble factors (sIL-2R, TM, sHLA-1, beta(2) -m, sVCAM-1, sPECAM-1, sP-selectin and sE-selectin) in vascular damage related to SLE. There were differences in the levels of PMPs and platelet activation markers between the SLE patients and controls (PMPs: 493+/-82 vs. 328+/-36, p<0.05; plt-CD62P; 8.5%+/-1.2 % vs. 4.6%+/-0.7 %, p<0.05; plt-Annexin V: 11.3%+/-2.1 % vs. 4.9%+/-0.6 %, p<0.01). There were no differences in the levels of IFN- gamma between the groups. However, the levels of IL-1 beta, IL-4, IL-6, GM-CSF, TNF alpha, and soluble factors were higher in the SLE patients than in the controls. The levels of IL-4, IL-6, beta2 -m, sIL-2R, sVCAM-1, sP-selectin, and sE-selectin in SLE patients with elevated sTM levels were higher than those in the SLE patients without elevated sTM levels. On the other hand, elevations of sIL-2R, sVCAM-1, and sP-selectin were not found in patients with Behçet disease or rheumatoid arthritis. The levels of platelet CD62P, platelet annexin V, and PMP were significantly elevated in high-sTM patients. These findings suggest the possibility that activated platelets and cytokines participate in the pathogenesis of SLE in patients with elevated sTM levels.

Calcium-bindings of wild type and mutant troponin Cs of Caenorhabditis elegans

Apparent Ca(2+)-binding constant (K(app)) of Caenorhabditis elegans troponin C (CeTnC) was determined by a fluorescence titration method. The K(app) of the N-domain Ca(2+)-binding site of CeTnC was 7.9+/-1.6 x 10(5) M(-1) and that of the C-domain site was 1.2+/-0.6 x 10(6) M(-1), respectively. Mg(2+)-dependence of the K(app) showed that both Ca(2+)-binding sites did not bind competitively Mg(2+). The Ca(2+) dissociation rate constant (k(off)) of CeTnC was determined by the fluorescence stopped-flow method. The k(off) of the N-domain Ca(2+)-binding site of CeTnC was 703+/-208 s(-1) and that of the C-domain site was 286+/-33 s(-1), respectively. From these values we could calculate the Ca(2+)-binding rate constant (k(on)) as to be 5.6+/-2.8 x 10(8) M(-1) s(-1) for the N-domain site and 3.4+/-2.1 x 10(8) M(-1) s(-1) for the C-domain site, respectively. These results mean that all Ca(2+)-binding sites of CeTnC are low affinity, fast dissociating and Ca(2+)-specific sites. Evolutional function of TnC between vertebrate and invertebrate and biological functions of wild type and mutant CeTnCs are discussed.

Sonographic determination of fetal size from 20 weeks of gestation onward correlates with birth weight

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of ultrasonographic measurement of fetal weight, estimated fetal weight (EFW) was analyzed in relation to birth weight.

METHOD

Data were collected retrospectively from the medical records of 548 term pregnancies unassociated with fetal malformations. The subjects underwent sonographic examinations from 20-23 weeks onward at 4 weeks intervals for the estimation of EFW. Subjects were divided into 6 subgroups based on birth weight deviation (BWD) (A: - 3.0 < or = BWD < -2.0; B: -2.0 < or = BWD < -1.5; C: -1.5 < or = BWD < -1.0; D: - 1.0 < or = BWD < -0.5; E: -0.5 < or = BWD < + 0.5 and F: + 0.5 < or = BWD). Distribution and changes in EFW deviation (EFWD) with gestational age were analyzed related to BWD.

RESULT

A difference in fetal growth based on EFWD was noted in small for gestational age (SGA) cases compared to non-SGA cases, and the difference was observed as early as 20-23 weeks. EFWD was significantly correlated with BWD from 20-23 weeks to term. CONCLUSION<==: Sonographic determination of fetal growth from 20 weeks of gestation onward correlated with birth weight deviation, and this emphasized the clinical value of evaluating fetal growth during the latter half of pregnancy.

Alterations in the GnRH-LH system in relation to gonadal stage and Aroclor 1254 exposure in Atlantic croaker

Exposure of Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus) to the polychlorinated biphenyl mixture (Aroclor 1254, PCB; 1 mg/kg body wt/day for 30 days) during the early-recrudescence phase of the gonadal cycle results in the impairment of LH secretion and gonadal growth. In order to determine whether impairment was due to disruption of the stimulatory GnRH neuroendocrine pathway, we compared various parameters of the GnRH-LH system in early recrudescing vs. spermiating (mature) fish. Seabream GnRH (GnRH) content in the preoptic anterior hypothalamic area (POAH) and pituitary, pituitary GnRH receptor concentrations, and basal and GnRH analog (GnRHa)-induced LH secretion were significantly higher in gonadally mature croaker compared to early-recrudescing fish. In a subsequent experiment, the effects of PCB on the same neuroendocrine indices were investigated during the gonadal recrudescence phase of croaker. PCB exposure during the period of testicular maturation prevented the natural increase in GnRH content in the POAH but not in the pituitary. This finding suggests that PCB may impair GnRH synthesis in the POAH. The number of pituitary GnRH receptors also remained significantly lower in the PCB-exposed group, which was likely due to an impairment of GnRH release. The GnRH content in the POAH, number of pituitary GnRH receptors, and LH secretion in the PCB-exposed group were comparable to those in early-recrudescing fish, suggesting an impairment of normal maturation of the GnRH-LH system during the gonadal recrudescence phase. This impairment may be due to a direct action of PCB on GnRH neurons and/or indirectly via interference with other neurotransmitter pathways that modulate GnRH function.

Gonadotropic control of ovarian follicle maturation: the two-stage concept and its mechanisms

Most research on the control of oocyte maturation by luteinizing hormone (LH) in teleosts and amphibians has focused on the production and action of maturation-inducing hormone (MIH), the follicular hormone that directly triggers the resumption of oocyte meiosis. However, current information indicates that LH regulates maturation in two stages, and that 'oocyte maturation' can be appropriately described within the broader context of 'ovarian follicle maturation'. During the first stage of maturation the follicle (somatic) cells acquire the ability to produce MIH and the oocyte to respond to MIH (i.e. oocyte maturational competence, OMC), whereas in the second stage the follicle cells produce MIH and, consequently, the oocyte is released from meiotic arrest. A number of factors such as insulin-like growth factor-I, serotonin, and others may mediate or modulate the OMC-inducing action of LH. Like the acquisition of MIH-producing ability, the acquisition of OMC requires activation of the protein kinase A pathway. Two major cellular events associated with OMC acquisition are increases in homologous and heterologous gap junction contacts and in oocyte MIH receptor activity. The increased oocyte MIH receptor activity is presumably associated with OMC acquisition, but the significance of changes in gap junction contacts is at present uncertain. To eliminate inconsistency and ambiguity associated with current terminology we propose that the term, ovarian follicle (or oocyte) maturation be used for teleosts without qualifiers such as 'final' to define the first and second stages of follicular maturation.

Effects of serotonin, GABA and neuropeptide Y on seabream gonadotropin releasing hormone release in vitro from preoptic-anterior hypothalamus and pituitary of red seabream, Pagrus major

The effects of serotonin (5-HT), GABA and neuropeptide Y (NPY) on in vitro release of seabream (sb) gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) from slices of the preoptic-anterior hypothalamus (P-AH) and pituitary of red seabream were studied. 5-HT, GABA and NPY all stimulated the release of sbGnRH from the P-AH but not from the pituitary of immature red seabream. They also stimulated sbGnRH release from the P-AH with a similar potency during the course of gonadal development. Specific agonists and/or antagonists of 5-HT, GABA and NPY showed that 5-HT and GABA utilize 5-HT(2) and GABAA receptor subtypes, respectively, to mediate their action, and that NPY employs at least NPY(Y1) and NPY(Y2) receptor subtypes to stimulate sbGnRH release. Combinations of different antagonists for 5-HT, GABA and noradrenaline/adrenaline did not block the stimulatory influence of NPY on release of sbGnRH, indicating that the action of NPY on the sbGnRH neuronal system is probably direct.

Effect of bezafibrate on soluble adhesion molecules and platelet activation markers in patients with connective tissue diseases and secondary hyperlipidemia

We evaluated the plasma concentrations of soluble adhesion molecules, platelet activation markers, and platelet-derived microparticles (PMPs) in patients with connective tissue diseases who had secondary hyperlipidemia caused by long-term steroid administration (n = 22) before and after treatment with bezafibrate. There were differences in levels of platelet activation markers both before and after treatment (platelet CD62p: 15.11+/-2.03 vs 10.38+/-8.53%, P < 0.05; platelet CD63: 12.12+/-9.17 vs 9.90+/-7.20%, P < 0.05). There were also differences in the levels of PMPs and soluble adhesion molecules both before and after treatment (PMP: 514+/-273 vs 401+/-201 /10(4) platelet. P < 0.05; soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1: 724+/-191 vs 666+/-157 ng/mL, P < 0.01). After 6 months of treatment, serum lipid concentrations were reduced by 9% for total cholesterol (TC) and 32% for triglyceride (TG). The level of PMPs, activated platelets, and soluble adhesion molecules were all significantly decreased after treatment with bezafibrate. These findings suggest that bezafibrate may be useful for inhibiting both PMP-dependent and -independent vascular damage in patients with connective tissue diseases complaining of secondary hyperlipidemia.

Herpes simplex virus 1 alpha regulatory protein ICP0 functionally interacts with cellular transcription factor BMAL1

The infected cell protein no. 0 (ICP0) of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) is a promiscuous transactivator shown to enhance the expression of gene introduced into cells by infection or transfection. At the molecular level, ICP0 is a 775-aa ring finger protein localized initially in the nucleus and late in infection in the cytoplasm and mediates the degradation of several proteins and stabilization of others. None of the known functions at the molecular level account for the apparent activity of ICP0 as a transactivator. Here we report that ICP0 functionally interacts with cellular transcription factor BMAL1, a member of the basic helix-loop-helix PER-ARNT-SIM (PAS) super family of transcriptional regulators. Specifically, sequences mapped to the exon II of ICP0 interacted with BMAL1 in the yeast two-hybrid system and in reciprocal pull-down experiments in vitro. Moreover, the enhancement of transcription of a luciferase reporter construct whose promoter contained multiple BMAL1-binding sites by ICP0 and BMAL1 was significantly greater than that observed by ICP0 or BMAL1 alone. Although the level of BMAL1 present in nuclei of infected cells remained unchanged between 3 and 8 h after infection, the level of cytoplasmic BMAL1 was reduced at 8 h after infection. The reduction of cytoplasmic BMAL1 was significantly greater in cells infected with the ICP0-null mutant than in the wild-type virus-infected cells, suggesting that ICP0 mediates partial stabilization of the protein. These results indicate that ICP0 interacts physically and functionally with at least one cellular transcription-regulatory factor.

Alteration of peripheral blood dendritic cells in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome

OBJECTIVE

We recently identified 3 fractions of human peripheral blood (PB) dendritic cells (DC), including the monocyte-associated fractions 1 and 2 (CD1a+,CD11c+ and CD1a-,CD11c+, respectively) and the lymphoid-associated fraction 3 (CD1a-,CD11c-). We attempted to determine whether these fractions were altered in Sjögren's syndrome (SS).

METHODS

We examined 23 patients with primary SS and 22 normal control subjects. DC were purified from PB and analyzed by flow cytometry. Immunohistochemical staining of labial salivary glands of SS patients was performed with monoclonal antibodies against fascin, which is known to be specific for DC.

RESULTS

The total numbers of PB DC and fraction 1 DC were decreased in SS. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that fascin+,CD11c+,HLA-DR+ mononuclear cells were present and scattered among numerous fascin-hyperfiltrating cells in SS patients. Interferon-gamma (IFNgamma)-producing Th1 cells were shown to be increased in both PB and salivary glands of patients, indicating the presence of general IFNgamma-producing Th1 polarization in SS. Furthermore, numbers of Thl cells were increased when naive T cells were cocultured with fraction 1 DC in vitro.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest selective trafficking of fraction 1 DC into focal sites of inflammation and subsequent promotion of Th1 balance, suggesting a novel pathogenesis of SS.

[Systemic inflammatory response syndrome triggered by necrotizing cholecystitis after treatment of underlying low titer cold agglutinin disease]

In April 1996, a 77-year-old man initially presented with fever, rash and polyarthralgia, and was diagnosed as having low titer cold agglutinin disease with acute hemolytic anemia. The patient's condition and laboratory findings improved after administration of corticosteroid (prednisolone 60 mg). In June 1996, however, he developed acute cholecystitis and died due to sepsis, disseminated intravascular coagulation and multiple organ failure. During the course, the levels of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha and IL-6 were correlated with the pathology, and the disease was diagnosed as systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Autopsy revealed necrotizing cholecystitis, erythrophagocytosis in the liver, and cytomegalovirus infection in the lung and gall bladder. This was considered to be a rare case of low titer cold agglutinin disease complicated by SIRS.

[A patient with hemorrhage originating from an unknown coagulation pathway inhibitor]

The hemorrhagic disorders associated with circulating anticoagulant are rare but well known as the disease derived from inhibitors(alloantibody or autoantibody), which arise against specific coagulation factors. We encountered a patient with hemorrhage at the lower limbs originating from an unknown coagulation pathway inhibitor. Activated partial thromboplastin time(APTT) prolonged and cross mixing test indicated a coagulation pathway inhibitor. Levels of coagulation factors VIII, IX, XI, and XII were extremely low. Predonine therapy was effective to stop the hemorrhage. To clarify the inhibitor, we treated the patient's plasma with protein A Sepharose, and the factor VIII activity was recovered to a normal level after passing through the column. Gel filtration of the patient's plasma and protein A Sepharose adsorbed fraction of the patient's plasma with Superdex 200 revealed that the inhibitor activity against blood coagulation eluted at the position of IgG, which was detected by the prolongation of APTT of normal pooled plasma. These data indicated that the inhibitor was IgG and its inhibitory spectrum was non-specific and broad. The results of laboratory tests and the clinical features in our patient were similar to those in a previous study by Dahlback(Blood 62, 218-225, 1983). The hemorrhagic abnormality of that patient was derived from the autoantibody to phospholipid, which inhibits the activation of prothrombin. An investigation into the effect of anti-phospholipid antibody in our patient is currently being performed in our laboratory.

Calsequestrin, a calcium sequestering protein localized at the sarcoplasmic reticulum, is not essential for body-wall muscle function in Caenorhabditis elegans

Calsequestrin is the major calcium-binding protein of cardiac and skeletal muscles whose function is to sequester Ca(2+)in the lumen of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). Here we describe the identification and functional characterization of a C. elegans calsequestrin gene (csq-1). CSQ-1 shows moderate similarity (50% similarity, 30% identity) to rabbit skeletal calsequestrin. Unlike mammals, which have two different genes encoding cardiac and fast-twitch skeletal muscle isoforms, csq-1 is the only calsequestrin gene in the C. elegans genome. We show that csq-1 is highly expressed in the body-wall muscles, beginning in mid-embryogenesis and maintained through the adult stage. In body-wall muscle cells, CSQ-1 is localized to sarcoplasmic membranes surrounding sarcomeric structures, in the regions where ryanodine receptors (UNC-68) are located. Mutation in UNC-68 affects CSQ-1 localization, suggesting that the two possibly interact in vivo. Genetic analyses of chromosomal deficiency mutants deleting csq-1 show that CSQ-1 is not essential for initiation of embryonic muscle formation and contraction. Furthermore, double-stranded RNA injection resulted in animals completely lacking CSQ-1 in body-wall muscles with no observable defects in locomotion. These findings suggest that although CSQ-1 is one of the major calcium-binding proteins in the body-wall muscles of C. elegans, it is not essential for body-wall muscle formation and contraction.

[New theory predicting molecular shapes (deviation of framework and orbital from those of norm)]

The aim of this paper is to understand why the molecule has its own structure (optimized geometry) which differs from the standard one (norm). Basic strategy to obtain the optimized geometry is to start from the norm. The emphases are 1) a theory predicting polarization exemplified by norbornene HOMO distortion and 2) when we apply any theory of 1), what framework should we use? The latter is very important due to the fact that the optimized geometries of cations and anions differ greatly from the norms. For polarization, we have elaborated "in-bond orbital method." The method is based on the well-known correlation between separated atoms and united atom and able to represent polarization within minimum basis set only by the first-order perturbation theory. For cationic and anionic hydrocarbons, a new method consisting of an assumption and a few recipes is developed. Although the assumption that the framework distortion surpasses the orbital distortion (polarization) is based solely on organic chemist's intuition, this method correctly suggests the structure (framework) to which the in-bond orbital method should be applied. All of the optimized geometries used in this study are obtained by HF/6-31 + G*.

Whole blood prothrombin time using diluted tissue factor is shortened in spontaneous hypertensive rats

Clinical screening tests for blood coagulation that use plasma as samples cannot estimate the participation of platelets, leukocytes, and erythrocytes in blood coagulation system. We developed an assay to evaluate the total coagulation ability of blood and whole blood prothrombin time (WPT) using the principle of prothrombin time with the diluted-tissue factor as a trigger and a newly developed apparatus, STA, viscosity change detection system (electromagnetic clot detection). The activation of platelets by Ca ionophore shortened WPT and increased the expression of CD62P on the platelet surface. WPTs in citrated blood of spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR) were significantly shorter than those of controls, Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY). Plasma levels of thrombin-antithrombin III (TAT) in SHR were significantly higher than those of WKY. Moreover, WPT and TAT levels were significantly correlated. Based on these results, WPT was found to be useful to estimate the activation of blood coagulation in whole blood.

Effect of ticlopidine on platelet-derived microparticles in patients with connective tissue diseases

We evaluated the plasma concentrations of platelet activation markers and platelet-derived microparticles (PMP) in patients with connective tissue diseases complaining of peripheral circulation disorders (n = 16) and studied the effect of ticlopidine hydrochloride (ticlopidine) on PMP generation. There were significant differences in the levels of PMP and a platelet activation marker between before and after treatment with ticlopidine (PMP: 695 +/- 393 vs. 354 +/- 206/10(4) platelets, p < 0. 01; platelet CD63: 9.13 +/- 5.64 vs. 5.22 +/- 2.74%, p < 0.05). On the other hand, markers of vascular endothelium, such as vascular endothelium-derived small vesicles and serum thrombomodulin levels, were not affected by the administration of ticlopidine. Levels of cytokines and soluble adhesion molecules remained unchanged by ticlopidine administration. These findings suggest that ticlopidine may be useful for the inhibition of PMP-dependent vascular damage in patients with connective tissue diseases complaining of peripheral circulation disorders.

Unique expression of gonadotropin-I and -II subunit genes in male and female red seabream (Pagrus major) during sexual maturation

Two distinct gonadotropins (GTHs) have been demonstrated in a number of teleost fishes. Although the physiological roles of GTHs have been extensively studied in salmonids, little is known about their biological functions in nonsalmonid fishes. In this study, to elucidate the role of GTH-I and GTH-II in reproduction, we cloned the alpha-glycoprotein subunit (alphaGSU) and gonadotropin beta subunits (Ibeta and IIbeta) of red seabream using the 5'- and 3'-RACE methods and used these cDNA probes to reveal changes in mRNA levels of each subunit during sexual maturation of both male and female red seabream. The nucleotide sequences of alphaGSU, Ibeta, and IIbeta are 629, 531, and 557 base pairs long, encoding peptides of 117, 120, and 146 amino acids, respectively. The deduced amino acid sequence of each mature subunit showed high homology with those of other teleosts. Northern blot analysis showed that Ibeta mRNA levels of males increase in association with gonadal development, whereas those of females remain low throughout sexual maturation, indicating sexual dimorphism in the expression pattern of Ibeta. In contrast, IIbeta mRNA levels of both sexes are maintained at high levels from the beginning of gametogenesis to spawning season. These results are different than those of salmonids and suggest that GTH-I may have important roles in male, but not female, gametogenesis. GTH-II may be involved in regulation of early and late gametogenesis in both male and female red seabream.