Lycium barbarum polysaccharide alleviates DSS-induced chronic ulcerative colitis by restoring intestinal barrier function and modulating gut microbiota

PURPOSE

This study examined the protective effects and mechanism of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) in the context of intestinal barrier function and intestinal microbiota in mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced chronic ulcerative colitis (UC).

METHODS

C57BL/6J male mice were assigned to a standard normal diet without DSS (control group), a normal diet with DSS (DSS group, 2% DSS given discontinuously for 3 weeks) or a normal diet supplemented with LBP (1% dry feed weight, LBP group, 2% DSS given discontinuously for 3 weeks) for a total of 8 weeks, at which point colonic tissues and caecal contents were collected.

RESULTS

LBP exerted a significant effect against colitis by increasing body weight, colon length, DAI and histopathological scores. LBP inhibited proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, iNOS and TNF-α) expression, improved anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) expression, promoted the expression of tight junction proteins (Occludin and ZO-1) via nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation and decreased Claudin-2 expression to maintain the intestinal mucosal barrier. In addition, the abundances of some probiotics (Ruminococcaceae, Lactobacillus, Butyricicoccus, and Akkermansia) were decreased with DSS treatment but increased obviously with LBP treatment. And LBP reduced the abundance of conditional pathogens associated with UC (Mucispirillum and Sutterella). Furthermore, LBP improved the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid and isobutyric acid.

CONCLUSION

LBP can alleviate DSS-induced UC by regulating inflammatory cytokines and tight junction proteins. Moreover, LBP promotes probiotics, suppresses conditional pathogens and increases SCFAs production, showing a strong prebiotic effect.

[The assistant effects of porcine fibrin sealant in improving stone clearance rate in flexible ureteroscopy lithotripsy in ex vivo porcine kidney model]

Objectives: To investigate the feasibility of using a porcine fibrin sealant to wrap and remove kidney calculi fragments through an isolated porcine kidney model. Methods: In the isolated porcine kidney stone model (implanted with 100 mg, air dried, ≤1 mm human stone fragments, n=6;implanted with 100 mg, air dried, ≤3 mm human stone fragments, n=6), the ureteral soft mirror combined with the 12/14Fr UAS was used to test the effect of stone extraction using only two stone extraction methods: basket extraction (control group, ≤1 mm stone fragments, n=3; ≤3 mm stone fragments, n=3) and basket-sealant extraction (test group, ≤1 mm stone fragments, n=3; ≤3 mm stone fragments, n=3). Compare the stone removal rate and operation time of the two stone retrieval methods. The sealant was put into urine of normal human and observed. Results: Porcine Fibrin Sealant can form a gel in saline and urine and adhere and wrap stone fragments. The time of procedures of test (basket-sealant) and control (basket) group in kidneys implanted with ≤ 1 mm stone fragments were (14.0±4.2) and (29.0±0.7)min (P<0.05) stone clearance rates were (90.9±1.4)% and (48.4±15.7)% (P<0.05), respectively. In kidneys implanted with ≤ 3 mm fragments, time of procedures were (12.8±4.0) and (30.0±0)min (P<0.05) Stone clearance rates were (91.1±5.0)% and (20.7±8.0)% (P<0.05). The Sealant dissolves by itself in normal human urine and normal saline at 37 ℃ for 24 hours. Conclusion: The appropriate concentration of Porcine Fibrin Sealant assisted stone retrieval may become a new method for removing small stone fragments in retrograde intrarenal surgery.

[Deep Learning-Based Cardiac Imaging Data Measurement and Its Application in Diagnosis of Sudden Cardiac Death]

Abstract

In the field of forensic medicine, diagnosis of sudden cardiac death is limited by subjective factors and manual measurement methods, so some parameters may have estimation deviation or measurement deviation. As postmortem CT imaging plays a more and more important role in the appraisal of cause of death and cardiopathology research, the application of deep learning such as artificial intelligence technology to analyze vast amounts of cardiac imaging data has provided a possibility for forensic identification and scientific research workers to conduct precise diagnosis and quantitative analysis of cardiac diseases. This article summarizes the main researches on deep learning in the field of cardiac imaging in recent years, and proposes a feasible development direction for the application of deep learning in the virtual anatomy of sudden cardiac death at present.

Polymorphic microsatellite loci in the rapid racerunner Eremias velox (Squamata: Lacertidae)

We isolated and characterizated 12 polymorphic microsatellite loci in the rapid racerunner Eremias velox (Squamata: Lacertidae). The loci were screened in 37 E. velox individuals. The number of alleles ranged from 6 to 16. The observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.432 to 0.919, and the expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.685 to 0.902. These microsatellite markers should prove useful for population genetic studies of E. velox and other Eremias species.

Feline immunodeficiency virus as a gene transfer vector in the rat nucleus tractus solitarii

Gene transfer has been used to examine the role of putative neurotransmitters in the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS). Most such studies used adenovirus vector-mediated gene transfer although adenovirus vector transfects both neuronal and non-neuronal cells. Successful transfection in the NTS has also been reported with lentivirus as the vector. Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), a lentivirus, may preferentially transfect neurons and could be a powerful tool to delineate physiological effects produced by altered synthesis of transmitters in neurons. However, it has not been studied in NTS. Therefore, we sought to determine whether FIV transfects rat NTS cells and to define the type of cell transfected. We found that injection of FIV encoding LacZ gene (FIVLacZ) into the NTS led to transfection of numerous NTS cells. Injection of FIVLacZ did not alter immunoreactivity (IR) for neuronal nitric oxide synthase, which we have shown resides in NTS neurons. A majority (91.7 +/- 3.9%) of transfected cells contained IR for neuronal nuclear antigen, a neuronal marker; 2.1 +/- 3.8% of transfected cells contained IR for glial fibrillary acidic protein, a glial marker. No transfected neurons or fibers were observed in the nodose ganglion, which sends afferents to the NTS. We conclude that FIV almost exclusively transfects neurons in the rat NTS from which it is not retrogradely transported. The cell-type specificity of FIV in the NTS may provide a molecular method to study local physiological functions mediated by potential neurotransmitters in the NTS.

Colocalization of neurokinin-1, N-methyl-D-aspartate, and AMPA receptors on neurons of the rat nucleus tractus solitarii

Substance P (SP) and glutamate are implicated in cardiovascular regulation by the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS). Our earlier studies suggest that SP, which acts at neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptors, is not a baroreflex transmitter while glutamate is. On the other hand, our recent studies showed that loss of NTS neurons expressing NK1 receptors leads to loss of baroreflex responses and increased blood pressure lability. Furthermore, studies have suggested that SP may interact with glutamate in the NTS. In this study, we sought to test the hypothesis that NK1 receptors colocalize with glutamate receptors, either N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors or AMPA receptors or both in the NTS. We performed double-label immunofluorescent staining for NK1 receptors and either N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor subunit 1 (NMDAR1) or AMPA specific glutamate receptor subunit 2 (GluR2) in the rat NTS. Because vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (VGLUT2) containing fibers are prominent in portions of the NTS where cardiovascular afferent fibers terminate, we also performed double-label immunofluorescent staining for NK1 receptors and VGLUT2. Confocal microscopic images showed that NK1 receptors-immunoreactivity (IR) and NMDAR1-IR colocalized in the same neurons in many NTS subnuclei. Almost all NTS neurons positive for NK1 receptor-IR also contained NMDAR1-IR, but only 53.4% to 74.8% of NMDAR1-IR positive neurons contained NK1 receptors-IR. NK1 receptor-IR and GluR2-IR also colocalized in many neurons in NTS subnuclei. A majority of NK1 receptor-IR positive NTS neurons also contained GluR2-IR, but only 45.8% to 73.9% of GluR2-IR positive NTS neurons contained NK1 receptors-IR. Our results also showed that fibers labeled for VGLUT2-IR were in close apposition to fibers and neurons labeled for NK1 receptor-IR. The data support our hypothesis, provide an anatomical framework for glutamate and SP interactions, and may explain the loss of baroreflexes when NTS neurons, which could respond to glutamate as well as SP, are killed.

Identification and localization of cell types that express endothelial and neuronal nitric oxide synthase in the rat nucleus tractus solitarii

Numerous studies have suggested that nitric oxide (NO) in the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) participates in modulating cardiovascular function. Nitric oxide synthase (NOS), the enzyme responsible for synthesis of NO, exists in 3 isoforms: endothelial NOS (eNOS), neuronal NOS (nNOS), and inducible NOS (iNOS). Although the distribution of nNOS in the NTS has been well documented, the distribution of eNOS in the NTS has not. Because recent studies have shown that eNOS may contribute to regulation of baroreceptor reflexes and arterial pressure, we examined the distribution of eNOS and the types of cells that express it in rat NTS by using multiple labels for immunofluorescent staining and confocal microscopy. Immunoreactivity (IR) for eNOS and nNOS was found in cells and processes in all NTS subnuclei, but eNOS-IR was more uniformly distributed than was nNOS-IR. Although structures containing either eNOS-IR or nNOS-IR were often present in close proximity, they never contained both isoforms. Almost all eNOS-IR positive structures, but no nNOS-IR positive structures, contained IR for the glial marker glial fibrillary acidic protein. Furthermore, while all nNOS-IR positive cells contained IR for the neuronal marker neuronal nuclear antigen (NeuN), none of the eNOS-IR positive cells contained NeuN-IR. We conclude that eNOS in the NTS is present only in astrocytes and endothelial cells, not in neurons. Our data complement previous physiological studies and suggest that although NO from nNOS may modulate neurotransmission directly in the NTS, NO from eNOS in the NTS may modulate cardiovascular function through an interaction between astrocytes and neurons.

Formation of glucoside conjugate of acetaminophen by fungi separated from soil

The phase II metabolite of acetaminophen in filamentous fungi and actinomycetes separated from soil was investigated. Fifty-four filamentous fungi and twenty-seven actinomycetes were screened to transform acetaminophen. The metabolites of acetaminophen were assayed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The only metabolite was subject to enzymatic hydrolysis to confirm its structure. Acetaminophen was converted into glucoside conjugate, by filamentous fungi JX1-60, LN17-2, LN20-1 and the yield of the conjugate was 60.01%, 44.27%, 100%, respectively, and no phase I metabolites were detected. Glucoside conjugation of acetaminophen in filamentous fungi differs from the phase II metabolism of glucuronidation in humans. The fungus LN20-1 could be a suitable model to synthesize glucoside conjugate of acetaminophen.

Vesicular glutamate transporters and neuronal nitric oxide synthase colocalize in aortic depressor afferent neurons

The aortic depressor nerve (ADN) primarily transmits baroreceptor signals from the aortic arch to the nucleus tractus solitarii. Cell bodies of neurons that send peripheral fibers to form the ADN are located in the nodose ganglion (NG). Studies have implicated glutamate and nitric oxide in transmission of baroreflex signals; therefore, we tested the hypothesis that ADN neurons contain either vesicular glutamate transporters (VGLUTs) or neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) or both. We applied a fluorescent tracer, tetramethyl rhodamine dextran (TRD), to rat ADN to identify ADN neurons and then performed immunofluorescent labeling for nNOS and VGLUTs 1, 2, and 3 in NG sections. We found that VGLUT2-immunoreactivity (IR) and VGLUT3-IR was present in a significantly higher proportion of TRD positive neurons than in TRD negative neurons. In contrast, the percentage of TRD positive neurons containing VGLUT1-IR or nNOS-IR did not differ from that of TRD negative neurons. We also observed that the percentage of TRD positive neurons containing both VGLUT2-IR and nNOS-IR and the percentage of TRD positive neurons containing both VGLUT3-IR and nNOS-IR were significantly higher than that of TRD negative neurons. On the other hand, colocalization of VGLUT1-IR and nNOS-IR in TRD positive neurons did not differ from that of TRD negative neurons. These results support our hypothesis and suggest prominent roles of VGLUT2-IR containing neurons and VGLUT3-IR containing neurons in transmitting cardiovascular signals via the ADN to the brain stem.

Nitroxidergic neurons in rat nucleus tractus solitarii express vesicular glutamate transporter 3

Earlier we reported that glutamate transporter (VGLUT) 2 and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) are colocalized in some fibers and are present in apposing fibers in the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS). Those findings provided anatomical support for a hypothesized physiological link between glutamate and nitric oxide (NO.) in the NTS. Recently a third class of VGLUT, VGLUT3, was identified, but its distribution in NTS and its anatomical relationship with nNOS have not been shown. In this study we tested the hypothesis that neurons and fibers containing VGLUT3 lie in close proximity to those containing nNOS and that both proteins colocalize in some neurons and fibers in the NTS. We perfused rats and obtained brain stem sections and nodose ganglion sections for immunofluorescent staining analyzed by confocal microscopy. The NTS contained moderate VGLUT3-immunoreactivity (IR), with the intermediate, medial and interstitial subnuclei containing higher VGLUT3-IR than other subnuclei. Although all three forms of VGLUT were present in the NTS, VGLUT3-IR was not colocalized with either VGLUT1-IR or VGLUT2-IR in either processes or cells in the brain stem. Cells and processes containing both VGLUT3-IR and nNOS-IR were noted in all NTS subnuclei and in the nodose ganglion. Triple immunofluorescent staining revealed that cells double-labeled for nNOS-IR and VGLUT3-IR were all additionally labeled for neuronal nuclear antigen (NeuN), a neuronal marker. These findings support our hypothesis that neurons and fibers containing VGLUT3 lie in close proximity to those containing nNOS and that both proteins colocalize in some neurons and fibers in the NTS.

Soluble guanylate cyclase and neuronal nitric oxide synthase colocalize in rat nucleus tractus solitarii

Nitric oxide has been implicated in transmission of cardiovascular signals in the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS). Pharmacological studies suggest that activation of neurons by nitric oxide in the NTS may involve soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC). However, anatomical data supporting this suggestion have not been available. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that neurons and fibers containing neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) lie in close proximity to those containing sGC and the two enzymes colocalize in some neurons and fibers in the NTS. We perfused six rats and obtained brain stem sections for double immunofluorescent staining utilizing antibodies selective for sGC and for nNOS combined with confocal microscopy. The distribution and staining intensity of nNOS-immunoreactivity (IR) was similar to our earlier reports. IR of sGC was present in cell bodies, proximal dendrites and fibers of many brain stem regions. Strong sGC-IR was noted in the hypoglossal, dorsal motor nucleus of vagus and gracilis nuclei. The NTS exhibited moderate sGC-IR. Superimposed images showed that many NTS neurons contained both nNOS-IR and sGC-IR. The percentage of sGC-IR positive cells that were also nNOS-IR positive differed among NTS subnuclei. Similarly, the percentage of nNOS-IR positive cells that were also sGC positive differed among NTS subnuclei. Fibers stained for both nNOS-IR and sGC-IR were also present in NTS subnuclei. In addition, we identified fibers that were stained for nNOS-IR or sGC-IR alone and often found such singly labeled fibers apposed to each other. These data support our hypothesis and provide anatomical support for the suggestion that nitroxidergic activation of the NTS involves sGC.

Hybridization of Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma japonicum in mice

Crossing experiments in mice with two human species of Schistosoma japonicum (Taiwan strain) and Schistosoma mansoni (Puerto Rican strain) were performed. The hybrid miracidia from the cross between female S. japonicum and male S. mansoni infected both Biophalaria glabrata and Oncomalania h. chiui. However, those from the reciprocal crossing could infect only B. glabrata. B. glabrata infected with hybrid miracidia of female S. mansoni x male S. japonicum survived up to 30 days while those infected with miracidia of S. mansoni remained alive for more than 100 days after the first shedding of cercariae. Relatively few hybrid eggs reached maturity either in tissues or in the feces of infected mice. A low percentage of F1 eggs hatched and the infectivity of F1 miracida was also low. Morphology and behavior of hybrid eggs, miracidia, cercariae, and adults were similar to the maternal species. The daily egg production of the hybrid worm pair was less than that of the normal one. The observations in the present study may be attributed to the maternal effects. However, the phenomenon of parthenogenesis in schistosomes cannot be confirmed.

Localization of vesicular glutamate transporters and neuronal nitric oxide synthase in rat nucleus tractus solitarii

Previously we reported that glutamate and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) colocalize in neurons of the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS). That finding provided anatomical support for the suggestion that nitric oxide and glutamate interact in cardiovascular regulation by the NTS. Here we test the hypothesis that nNOS colocalizes with vesicular glutamate transporters (VGluT1 and VGluT2) in the NTS. Immunoreactivity (IR) for VGluT better identifies glutamatergic terminals than does glutamate-IR, which may label metabolic as well as transmitter stores of the amino acid. We used fluorescent immunohistochemistry combined with confocal laser scanning microscopy to study IR for VGluT1, VGluT2 and nNOS in rat NTS. A high density of VGluT1-IR positive fibers was present in the gracilis and cuneatus nuclei while in the NTS we found a moderate density in the lateral and interstitial subnuclei and a low density in the dorsolateral, ventral and intermediate subnuclei. The medial, central, commissural and gelatinosus subnuclei contained few VGluT1-IR containing fibers. Thus, VGluT1 containing fibers are not prominent in portions of the NTS where cardiovascular afferent fibers terminate. In contrast, we found a high density of VGluT2-IR containing fibers in the gelatinosus subnucleus and subpostremal area and a moderate density in cardiovascular regions such as the dorsolateral and medial subnuclei as well as in the central and lateral subnuclei. We found a low density in the ventral, intermediate, interstitial and commissural subnuclei. VGluT1-IR and VGluT2-IR rarely colocalized in fibers within the NTS. VGluT1-IR did not colocalize with nNOS, but VGluT2-IR and nNOS-IR colocalized in fibers in all NTS subnuclei. When compared with the other NTS subnuclei, the dorsolateral, gelatinosus and subpostremal subnuclei had higher frequencies of colocalization of VGluT2-IR and nNOS-IR. VGluT2-IR positive fibers were also apposed to nNOS-IR positive fibers throughout the NTS. These data support our hypothesis and confirm that glutamatergic fibers in the NTS contain nNOS.

Colocalization of GluR1 and neuronal nitric oxide synthase in rat nucleus tractus solitarii neurons

Previously we demonstrated that glutamate and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) containing neuronal elements are frequently apposed in subnuclei of the rat nucleus tractus solitarii. It is known that glutamate receptors (GluRs) of the alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate (AMPA) subtype participate in cardiovascular regulation by the nucleus tractus solitarii and that responses to AMPA receptor activation may be linked to NO. Therefore, in the present study, we further tested the hypothesis that the calcium-permeable subunit GluR1 of AMPA type GluRs and nNOS are colocalized in neurons of the nucleus tractus solitarii. Distribution of GluR1 and nNOS in rat nucleus tractus solitarii was investigated by double fluorescent immunohistochemistry combined with confocal laser scanning microscopy. Numerous GluR1 immunoreactive cells and fibers were present in subnuclei of the nucleus tractus solitarii. The staining intensity of GluR1 immunoreactive cells varied among subnuclei. Cells in the interstitial subnucleus contained the highest GluR1 staining intensity. A moderate intensity of staining was present in the intermediate, dorsolateral, ventral, and commissural subnuclei. A slightly lower level of GluR1 immunoreactivity was present in cells of the medial subnucleus. Cells in the central subnucleus contained a low level of GluR1 immunoreactivity. The staining intensity of GluR1 immunoreactive fibers also varied among subnuclei. Distribution of nNOS immunoreactivity in the nucleus tractus solitarii and other brain stem areas was the same as in our earlier reports. Superimposition of confocal images of nNOS immunoreactivity and GluR1 immunoreactivity allowed us to identify double-labeled structures. Nearly all neurons that were immunoreactive for nNOS contained GluR1 immunoreactivity, but only a proportion of GluR1 immunoreactive cells contained nNOS immunoreactivity. Double-labeled neurons were present in all subnuclei of the nucleus tractus solitarii. The percentages of GluR1 immunoreactive cells that also contained nNOS immunoreactivity differed among subnuclei of the nucleus tractus solitarii. Fibers that labeled for nNOS alone, GluR1 alone or both were present among labeled cells in these subnuclei. These data support the hypothesis that GluR1 and nNOS are colocalized in neurons of nucleus tractus solitarii. The demonstration of this anatomical relationship provides further anatomical support for the hypothesis that activation of AMPA receptors on neurons that synthesize NO in the nucleus tractus solitarii contributes to autonomic regulation.

An initial assessment of the feasibility and effectiveness of implementing diabetes shared care system in Taiwan--some experiences from I-Lan County

Diabetes is the fifth leading cause of death in Taiwan and the burden of suffering is still increasing. Building a comprehensive and efficient health care system is crucial to improve the outcome of the diabetics. We implemented the first diabetes shared care system of Taiwan in I-Lan County since August 1996 under the support of Department of Health, the Executive Yuan. This county-wide system was named 'Lan-Yang Diabetes Shared Care System' by the regional steering committee. Regional guidelines for diabetes management were developed after extensive discussion. A multidisciplinary diabetes care team was organized through a training and certification process. Registered patients held diabetes passports to keep clinical record. Physicians of the system use shared referral protocols and sheets. By the end of June 1999, 99 medical professionals had completed their training for diabetes shared care and been certified. The shared care system awarded 26 clinics to hang the lamp signs with the system logo to make them distinguishable. Such clinics have now been available throughout 12 townships in I-Lan County. The number of registered patients carrying diabetes passport increased to 3484 and there was a community-based patient group in every township of I-Lan County. The amount of continuing diabetes clinical training delivered by the specialists to the primary care physicians and non-physician professionals increased to 1681 person-hours per year. The proportion of registered patients undertaking fundus examination within 1 year increased to 30.9%, checking urine micro-albumin to 28.0% and checking HbA(1c) 72.8%, respectively. Mean HbA(1c) value decreased from 8.7% in the first year to 7.9% in the third year. Our study showed that under the co-ordination by regional health bureau with integration of different levels of medical facilities, governmental sectors and non-governmental community resources, the diabetes shared care model is feasible in Taiwan. Through its implementation, quality of regional diabetes care has achieved preliminary improvement.

Oral bacterial therapy promotes recovery from acute diarrhea in children

Lactobacilli in the intestines play an important role in developing natural defenses against both intestinal bacterial and viral infections. So a prospective clinical study was carried out at Cathay General Hospital to determine the effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium infantis on the course of acute diarrhea in hospitalized children. Altogether 100 children between 6 and 60 months of age were collected and randomly allocated into 2 groups. Study group (n = 50) was given Infloran Berna, which contains 10(9) viable Lactobacillus acidophilus and 10(9) Bifidobacterium infantis, one capsule tid for 4 days and control group (n = 50) received parenteral rehydration only without any medication. Only 20 stool cultures in study group had positive culture results for Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium. All children were evaluated for the degree of dehydration before rehydration. The clinical course of diarrhea was followed during the treatment period. Features on admission were similar between the study group and control group in age, duration of diarrhea at home, serum sodium & potassium and dehydration degree. The duration of diarrhea was defined as the time until the last appearance of watery stool. There was no difference between the study group and control group in the frequency of diarrhea stools on the day before admission (p > 0.05). However, the frequency of diarrhea for study group improved on the first and second day of hospitalization with statistical difference (p < 0.01). The duration of diarrhea during hospitalization in study group also decreased (3.1 vs. 3.6 days, p < 0.01). Oral bacterial therapy is an effective adjuvant therapy in rotavirus positive and negative children with diarrhea and can safely be administered during an episode of acute diarrhea.

Noise and related events in a neonatal intensive care unit

The purposes of this study were to explore noise distribution, its timing, and sources of peak noise in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of a University Hospital in Southern Taiwan. Two surveys on noise distribution and peak noise of the warmer bed were conducted. Noise at radiate heated beds located in the central sites of two areas, one near (Area A) and the other away from (Area B) the nursing station, were measured continuously for one week using an electronic sound-meter. Peak noise with a sound level of > 65 on the A-weighted decibel scale (dBA) and associated sources were recorded for 48 hours. Monitoring periods of peak noise consisted of a weekday and a day on the weekend randomly selected for Area A. Results showed that mean noise levels at the warmer bed in Areas A and B were 62 and 61.4 dBA on average. In over 70% of the total observation time for both areas the sound levels were > 59 dBA. The noise intensity was particularly high between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. The noise level on the weekend was lower than that on weekdays. During the 48-hour observation period, 4994 peak noises were recorded. Eighty-six percent of these peak noises were within ranges of 65-74 dBA and 90% were human-related factors. The primary non-human related source was monitor alarms. Additionally, peak noises occurred primarily during the 8-11 a.m. and 2-4 p.m. hours on the weekdays and weekends. These results indicate that modifications of staff behavior, care procedures, and apparatus may reduce the noise levels in the NICU.

Nitroxidergic influences on cardiovascular control by NTS: a link with glutamate

Glutamate (GLU) receptor activation, which is important in cardiovascular reflex transmission through the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS), leads to release of nitric oxide (NO.) from central nitroxidergic neurons. Therefore, we hypothesized that GLU and NO. are linked in cardiovascular control by NTS. We first sought to determine if NO. released into NTS led to cardiovascular changes like those produced by GLU and found that the nitrosothiol S-nitrosocysteine, but not NO. itself or other NO. donors, elicited such responses in anesthetized rats. The responses were dependent on activation of soluble guanylate cyclase but, not being affected by a scavenger of NO., likely did not depend on release of NO. into the extracellular space. Responses to ionotropic GLU agonists in NTS, like those to S-nitrosocysteine, were inhibited by inhibition of soluble guanylate cyclase. Inhibition of neuronal NO. synthase (nNOS) also inhibited responses to ionotropic GLU agonists. The apparent physiologic link between GLU and NO. mechanisms in NTS was further supported by anatomical studies that demonstrated frequent association between GLU-containing nerve terminals and neurons containing nNOS. Furthermore, GLU receptors were often found on NTS neurons that were immunoreactive for nNOS. The anatomical relationships between GLU and nNOS and GLU receptors and nNOS were more pronounced in some subnuclei of NTS than in others. While seen in subnuclei that are known to receive cardiovascular afferents, the association was even more prominent in subnuclei that receive gastrointestinal afferents. These studies support a role for nitroxidergic neurons in mediating cardiovascular and other visceral reflex responses that result from release of GLU into the NTS.

Internal hernia caused by Meckel diverticulum in an infant: report of one case

Intestinal obstruction caused by internal hernia due to Meckel diverticulum is a rare disease. The condition is seldom diagnosed preoperatively. In this paper, we present a 10-month-old boy who suffered from abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, and mild fever for 2 days. Abdominal sonography, plain abdomen X-ray, and computed tomography merely showed mechanical ileus and partial malrotation. However, exploratory laparotomy revealed a Meckel diverticulum through which the small bowel had herniated. We introduce the Meckel diverticulum and internal hernia and discuss intestinal obstructions.

N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors on neurons that synthesize nitric oxide in rat nucleus tractus solitarii

The aim of this study was to determine whether neuronal nitric oxide synthase and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors are co-localized in the rat nucleus tractus solitarii. Such co-localization would support the hypothesis that nitric oxide participates in nucleus tractus solitarii-mediated functions, such as cardiovascular regulation, by a link to N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors. We used double fluorescent immunohistochemistry using antibodies against neuronal nitric oxide synthase and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit 1, the fundamental subunit for functional N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors. Labeled brainstem sections were examined with confocal laser scanning microscopy. Most of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit 1 immunoreactivity was in cell bodies and proximal dendrites of the numerous labeled cells in the brainstem. High levels of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit 1 immunoreactivity were present in the dorsal motor nucleus of vagus, hypoglossal nucleus and nucleus ambiguus. All subnuclei of the nucleus tractus solitarii contained moderate levels of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit 1 immunoreactivity. The distribution of neuronal nitric oxide synthase immunoreactivity in the nucleus tractus solitarii was similar to that described in earlier reports. Superimposition of images revealed that almost all neuronal nitric oxide synthase immunoreactive neurons in the nucleus tractus solitarii contained N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit 1 immunoreactivity, but a lesser portion of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit 1-immunoreactive cells contained neuronal nitric oxide synthase immunoreactivity. Although all nucleus tractus solitarii subnuclei contained double-labeled neurons, the central subnucleus exhibited the highest density of double-labeled neurons.Co-localization of neuronal nitric oxide synthase and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit 1 in the nucleus tractus solitarii provides anatomical support for the hypothesis that N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor activation can affect nucleus tractus solitarii-controlled functions via actions on neurons that synthesize nitric oxide.

Food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome: report of one case

We report a 76-day old infant who got diarrhea within the first week of life. He was treated as acute gastroenterocolitis and kept on feeding with regular infant formula. Because the symptoms persisted, the feeding formula was shifted to soy-based formula then to the highly-hydrolyzed formula and got improvement. But severe bloody diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration and fever developed after feeding with regular infant formula again. Based on the history and clinical presentations, cow's milk allergy was suspected. He received total parenteral nutrition for 5 days then fed with highly-hydrolyzed formula with slowly increasing amount. Thereafter tests for total eosinophil counts, total serum IgE, milk specific IgE antibodies and milk extract skin prick test were all unremarkable. Under the impression of food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES), a double-blind placebo-controlled food challenge (DBPCFC) with infant formula was performed. Regular infant formula induced severe vomiting, diarrhea, fever, acidosis and elevation of absolute neutrophil counts (ANC) of peripheral blood by 27,640/mm3. Based on the laboratory findings and challenge results, the patient fit the diagnostic criteria of food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome.

Ultrasound screening of neonatal adrenal hemorrhage

Neonatal adrenal hemorrhage (NAH) is frequently overlooked because the majority of cases are asymptomatic. In this study, we investigated the clinical symptoms, echographic characteristics and incidence of NAH from January 1998 to December 1999 at Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. Among 3273 newborns who had ultrasound screening, 18 cases were diagnosed as having NAH. The incidence was 0.55% which was compatible with other reports. But there was a female predominance (10:8) which was different from previous reports. Only one premature baby was diagnosed with NAH. No patients had perinatal asphyxia, and this was different from other reports. The mean birth body weight was 3530 grams which was more than the 75th percentile of normal term baby birth weight. Sixteen cases had right-sided NAH and two cases had left-sided NAH. Eleven cases (61%) within this study were asymptomatic. The incidence of pathologic jaundice was 11%. Four babies (22%) had poor oral feeding combined with vomiting. Only one had severe anemia for which blood transfusion was required. There were no cases of adrenocortical insufficiency in our study. Only one patient received adrenalectomy. In conclusion, NAH can be detected early by sonography and most cases require only supportive treatment. Thus, unnecessary surgery and severe complications due to delayed diagnosis can be avoided.

Recurrent pancreatitis secondary to type V hyperlipidemia: report of one case

With the exception of cystic fibrosis and hereditary pancreatitis, case reports about pancreatitis in children have rarely been mentioned. We report here an 11-year-old boy with type V hyperlipidemia, who suffered from two episodes of acute pancreatitis. Sudden onset of severe upper abdominal pain, fever, and hypertriglyceridemia were the common presentations. Initial treatments including analgesics, fasting, parenteral nutrition support and following diet control with medium-chain triglycerides seem to be successful in our case.

Apposition of neuronal elements containing nitric oxide synthase and glutamate in the nucleus tractus solitarii of rat: a confocal microscopic analysis

The distribution of glutamate and neuronal nitric oxide synthase in the rat nucleus tractus solitarii was investigated by double fluorescent immunohistochemistry combined with confocal laser scanning microscopy. Cells and fibers that exhibited neuronal nitric oxide synthase immunoreactivity alone, glutamate immunoreactivity alone or both immunolabels were present in all subnuclei of the nucleus tractus solitarii, but staining intensities differed between the subnuclei. The percentages of double-labeled glutamate-immunoreactive cells also differed between the subnuclei. The central subnucleus contained the highest percentage of double-labeled glutamate-immunoreactive cells and the medial subnucleus contained the lowest. The percentages of double-labeled neuronal nitric oxide synthase-immunoreactive neurons likewise differed between the subnuclei. The central subnucleus contained the highest percentage of double-labeled neuronal nitric oxide synthase-immunoreactive neurons and the commissural subnucleus contained the lowest. Because of our interest in cardiovascular regulation, the anatomical relationship between glutamate-immunoreactive and neuronal nitric oxide synthase-immunoreactive fibers in the dorsolateral and commissural subnuclei was further examined at higher magnification. Close appositions were observed between neuronal nitric oxide synthase-immunoreactive and glutamate-immunoreactive fibers, between double-labeled and glutamate-immunoreactive fibers, and between neuronal nitric oxide synthase-immunoreactive and double-labeled fibers. We recognized that a single visual perspective might cause labeled fibers that pass in close proximity to appear to make contact. Therefore, we constructed three-dimensional images from serial optical sections obtained from the dorsolateral and commissural subnuclei by means of a confocal scanning microscope. Rotation of the three-dimensional images caused some fibers that had seemed to be in close apposition to other structures to separate from those structures. In contrast, some glutamate-immunoreactive and some neuronal nitric oxide synthase-immunoreactive fibers remained in close apposition regardless of the angle at which they were viewed. This study supports there being an anatomical link between glutamatergic and nitroxidergic systems in the nucleus tractus solitarii. Recognized physiological interactions between the two systems could occur through such a link.

The treatment of acidosis in acute lung injury with tris-hydroxymethyl aminomethane (THAM)

Mechanical hyperventilation of acidemic patients with acute lung injury (ALI) requires the use of high volumes and pressures that may worsen lung injury. However, permissive hypercapnia in the presence of shock, metabolic acidosis, and multi-organ system dysfunction may compromise normal cellular function. Tris-hydroxymethyl aminomethane (THAM) may be an effective method to control acidosis in this circumstance. Protonated THAM is excreted by the kidneys, so that carbon dioxide production is not raised. In an uncontrolled study, we administered THAM to 10 patients with acidosis (mean pH = 7.14) and ALI (mean lung injury score = 3.28) in whom adequate control of arterial pH could not be maintained during either eucapnic ventilation or permissive hypercapnia ventilation. THAM was given at a mean dose of 0.55 mmol/kg/h. Administration of THAM was associated with significant improvements in arterial pH and base deficit, and a decrease in arterial carbon dioxide tension that could not be fully accounted for by ventilation. Although further studies are needed to confirm these observations, THAM appears to be an effective alternative to sodium bicarbonate for treating acidosis during ALI.

Up-regulation of base excision repair activity for 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine in the mouse brain after forebrain ischemia-reperfusion

The repair enzyme 8-oxoguanine glycosylase/ apyrimidinic/apurinic lyase (OGG) removes 8-hydroxy-2'deoxyguanosine (oh8dG) in human cells. Our goal was to examine oh8dG-removing activity in the cell nuclei of male C57BL/6 mouse brains treated with either forebrain ischemia-reperfusion (FblR) or sham operations. We found that the OGG activity in nuclear extracts, under the condition in which other nucleases did not destroy the oligodeoxynucleotide duplex, excised oh8dG with the greatest efficiency on the oligodeoxynucleotide duplex containing oh8dG/dC and with less efficiency on the heteroduplex containing oh8dG/dT, oh8dG/dG, or oh8dG/dA. This specificity was the same as for the recombinant type 1 OGG (OGG1) of humans. We observed that the OGG1 peptide and its activity in the mouse brain were significantly increased after 90 min of ischemia and 20-30 min of reperfusion. The increase in the protein level and in the activity of brain OGG1 correlated positively with the elevation of FblR-induced DNA lesions in an indicator gene (the c-fos gene) of the brain. The data suggest a possibility that the OGG1 protein may excise oh8dG in the mouse brain and that the activity of OGG1 may have a functional role in reducing oxidative gene damage in the brain after FblR.

The distribution of neuronal nitric oxide synthase in the nucleus tractus solitarii of the squirrel monkey

The distribution of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) containing neurons and fibers in subnuclei of the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) in the squirrel monkey, Saimuri sciureus, was investigated by nNOS immunohistochemistry and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-diaphorase histochemistry. Generally, the staining pattern of nNOS and NADPH-diaphorase in the NTS was similar. A high density of neurons and fibers exhibiting both nNOS immunoreactivity and NADPH-diaphorase reactivity was present in the central, medial, intermediate, and dorsolateral subnuclei of the NTS. A moderate density of neurons and fibers that stained for both nNOS and NADPH-diaphorase was noted in the interstitial and ventromedial subnuclei. The gelatinosus and commissural subnuclei contained a low density of neurons and fibers exhibiting nNOS immunoreactivity and NADPH-diaphorase staining. The dorsal motor nucleus of vagus contained a high density of nNOS immunopositive and NADPH-diaphorase containing neurons and fibers at the rostral level, but contained a moderate density of positive fibers and very few positive neurons at the intermediate, subpostremal and commissural NTS levels. Incongruence was noted, however, between nNOS immunostaining and NADPH-diaphorase staining in blood vessels in the brainstem. Capillaries and small vessels exhibited strong staining for NADPH-diaphorase but no nNOS immunoreactivity. In summary, this work substantiates the presence of nNOS in subnuclei of the monkey NTS and is consistent with a role for NO(.) in neurotransmission in primate NTS.

The percutaneous penetration of prostaglandin E1 and its alkyl esters

The percutaneous delivery of PGE1 and its alkyl esters in alcoholic saline solution through hairless mouse skin was compared. The quantification of alkyl esters was based on the same principle as that for PGE1, which was converted to PGB1 to enhance the sensitivity and minimize the interference. Results showed that it was PGE1 that appeared in the receiver compartment for all alkyl esters examined. The flux of all alkyl esters of PGE1 in the same concentration was higher than PGE1 itself at most of saline vehicle with various fractions of alcohol. The maximal flux for a fixed concentration of each alkyl ester appeared at different fractions of alcohol. When the fractions of alcohol was kept constant, the alkyl ester that showed the maximal flux at this concentration appeared to have a longer chain length with increasing the fraction of alcohol. But isopropyl ester deviated from this order. It was concluded that the alkyl ester derivatives promoted the penetration of PGE1 mainly as a result of enhancing the drug partitioning into the stratum corneum. The alcohol fraction that needed to achieve the maximal flux at the same concentration increased with the increase of alkyl chain length, which resulted in the decrease of solubility parameter. It is necessary to optimize the fraction of alcohol in the saline solution in order to achieve the maximal flux at a fixed concentration for these alkyl esters with different alkyl chain length.

Egg production capacity of Paragonimus pulmonalis in cats

In the present study, each of 43 cats was fed with a single metacercaria of Paragonimus pulmonalis and 2 cats (controls) with 2 metacercariae. They were killed 22-372 days postinfection. In the test group, 18 (41.9%) cats were infected, as well as the 2 cats in the control group. Among the 18 worms recovered from the test group, 9 found in the lungs were mature, whereas 5 mature and 4 immature worms were in the pleural cavity. Most eggs from worms encased in a cyst were passed in the feces. However, eggs from worms in the pleural cavity were only found on the lung surface and pleural cavity. Mature worms in cysts seemed to exhibit higher egg production capacity than those in the pleural cavity. Paired mature worms from a cyst laid more eggs than a single encysted mature worm in vitro at room temperature.

Investigation of the percutaneous penetration of prostaglandin E1 and its ethyl ester

The optimization of percutaneous delivery of PGE1 and its ethyl ester in alcoholic buffer solution through hairless mouse skin was investigated. A reversed-phase HPLC system with a photodiode array detector was used to differentiate the UV spectra of the penetration products. By comparison of the UV spectrum for each chromatographic peak, the conversion of PGE1 ethyl ester to PGE1 by enzymatic hydrolysis was found to be the predominant degradation pathway during the in vitro penetration. The quantification of ethyl ester was developed based on the same principle as that for PGE1. It was then applied to monitor the penetration of prostaglandins through hairless mouse skin from the vehicles containing various fractions of alcohol. Results demonstrated that the alkyl group promoted the penetration mainly as a result of enhancing the drug partitioning into the stratum corneum at its maximal thermodynamic activity. The alcohol fraction around 20% seemed to be optimal for the percutaneous delivery of the ethyl ester. The use of collagen gel to carry PGE1 ethyl ester for percutaneous application was included for comparison. The effect of adding alcohol in the collagen gel on the penetration of PGE1 ethyl ester was found to be slightly lower than that from the same vehicle without collagen.

Function of GABA rho1 receptors is up-regulated by chronic GABA treatment in Xenopus oocytes

This study was aimed to investigate the effect of chronic gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) treatment on homomeric GABA rho1 receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes. The rho1 mRNA-injected oocytes were incubated with 10 mM GABA for 2, 6, 24, 48 or 72 h, prior to the assessment of GABA-gated ion currents. The results showed that GABA exposure for more than 6 h dramatically enhanced the peak GABA-activated currents. In addition to current amplitude, the apparent GABA potency and cooperativity were significantly increased. The enhancement reached its plateau after a 24-h exposure. The up-regulation of GABA current amplitude was completely inhibited by cycloheximide, a translation inhibitor. This suggests that chronic GABA treatment may increase the translational activity of GABA rho1 subunit in Xenopus oocytes.

Direct evidence for nitric oxide synthase in vagal afferents to the nucleus tractus solitarii

The anatomical relationship between vagal afferents and brain nitric oxide synthase containing terminals in the nucleus tractus solitarii was studied by means of anterograde tracing combined with immunocytochemistry and immuno-electron microscopy. Biotinylated dextran amine was injected into the nodose ganglion with a glass micropipette. Four to eight days following the injection, regions of the nucleus tractus solitarii containing biotinylated dextran amine-labelled vagal afferents and those containing nitric oxide synthase-immunopositive terminals were congruent. Many neurons exhibiting nitric oxide synthase immunoreactivity were found within the biotinylated dextran amine-containing terminal field. However dense labeling of terminals with biotinylated dextran amine precluded determination if the terminals were nitric oxide synthase-immunoreactive. Therefore, we combined degeneration of vagal afferents after removal of one nodose ganglion with nitric oxide synthase immuno-electron microscopy. Axon terminals that possessed characteristic vesicle clusters and were partially or completely engulfed by glial processes were identified as degenerating vagal afferents. Degenerating axon terminals comprised 38% of the total axon terminals in the nucleus tractus solitarii in a sample of sections; and of the degenerating axon terminals, 67% were nitric oxide synthase-immunoreactive. Nitric oxide synthase immunoreactivity was present in 41% of the non-degenerating axon terminals. Prominent staining of dendrites for nitric oxide synthase immunoreactivity indicated that much of the nitric oxide synthase in the nucleus tractus solitarii is not derived from peripheral afferents. Of the total number of dendritic profiles sampled, half were nitric oxide synthase-immunoreactive. Our data support the hypothesis that nitric oxide or nitric oxide donors may be present in primary vagal afferents that terminate in the nucleus tractus solitarii. While this study confirms that vagal afferents contain brain nitric oxide synthase, it demonstrates for the first time that the majority of nitric oxide synthase immunoreactivity in the nucleus tractus solitarii is found in intrinsic structures in the nucleus. In addition, our data show that second or higher order neurons in the nucleus tractus solitarii may be nitroxidergic and receive both nitroxidergic and non-nitroxidergic vagal input.

Choledochal cyst in infancy: report of two cases

Choledochal cysts are malformations of the biliary ductal system, which rarely occur in infancy. In neonates and infants, choledochal cysts are congenital, may be associated with distal biliary atresia and typically presents with cholestatic jaundice and acholic stools characteristic of biliary obstruction. In older children and adults, it may be acquired in association with an anomalous pancreaticobiliary union and presents with any combination of intermittent jaundice, abdominal pain, and a palpable abdominal mass. Early detection of choledochal cysts is important in the prevention of the fatal complications of biliary obstruction. Here, we present two cases of congenital choledochal cyst in which the patients were 9 weeks old and 7 weeks old respectively. Both of them presented with jaundice, acholic stools, and hepatomegaly. Combined use of sonography, computed tomography and hepatobiliary scintigraphy demonstrated the presence of choledochal cysts. Thereafter, they underwent surgical excision of the cysts with Roux-en-Y reconstruction of the biliary tree; the results were successful.

Up-regulation of nitric oxide synthase and its mRNA in vagal motor nuclei following axotomy in rat

Effects of vagotomy on nitric oxide synthase (NOS) protein and mRNA levels in the dorsal motor nucleus of vagus (DMV) and nucleus ambiguus (NA) of rats were examined by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase (NADPH-d) staining, brain NOS (bNOS) immunostaining and in situ hybridization. NADPH-d staining and bNOS immunoreactivity increased in neurons of the ipsilateral DMV and NA 5, 10, and 20 days after vagotomy. These changes were not observed in unoperated or sham-operated rats. In situ hybridization showed that bNOS mRNA levels were also elevated in neurons of DMV and NA on the operated side. Our results suggest that transection of vagal efferents up-regulates bNOS and its mRNA expression in the DMV and NA.

Sex-dependent expression of placental (P)-cadherin during mouse gonadogenesis

BACKGROUND

Placental (P)-cadherin is one of a family of cell adhesion molecules that participate in embryonic sorting and organogenesis. In previous work, P-cadherin was localized to Sertoli cells in the mouse testis as early as postnatal day 1. This early postnatal localization raised questions about when P-cadherin first appeared in the embryonic testis and whether P-cadherin was expressed differentially in the embryonic testis and ovary.

METHODS

The localization of P-cadherin, epithelial (E)-cadherin, and Müllerian inhibiting substance was determined in frozen sections of mouse gonads between embryonic days 10.5 and 18 using indirect immunohistochemistry. Alkaline phosphatase reactivity was used to identify germ cells.

RESULTS

The expression of P-cadherin was traced back to the indifferent stage of gonadogenesis where uniform distribution was observed in the indifferent gonad of both sexes. However, after sexual differentiation, the expression of P-cadherin in the testis was localized to Sertoli cells in the testicular cords, while its expression in the ovary fell below detectable levels.

CONCLUSIONS

The localization of P-cadherin in the male and female indifferent gonad is similar and cannot be used to distinguish the future testis and ovary. The localization of P-cadherin in the testis after sexual differentiation suggests a role for P-cadherin in testicular cord formation. The common temporal pattern of P-cadherin and Müllerian inhibiting substance expression in Sertoli cells is consistent with a shared regulatory mechanism.

Perforated appendicitis in a 4-month-old infant

A 4-month-old male infant was admitted to our hospital because of poor intake and mild abdominal distention for 1 day. Fever and watery diarrhea had occurred 4 days prior to admission, but subsided 2 days later after taking oral medications. A physical examination showed an acute ill-looking baby with a soft and mildly distended abdomen. The bowel sound was hypoactive and no obvious abdominal tenderness was found. Normal leukocyte and differential counts were noted in initial laboratory examinations; however, the serum level of C reactive protein was extremely high (31.4 mg/dL). Progressive abdominal distention and bilious vomiting occurred. Serial plain films of abdomen showed ileus with a fixed gas pattern and an abdominal echo revealed intraperitoneal fluid accumulation. Under the impression of intestinal perforation, an emergency laparotomy was performed. A perforated appendicitis with turbid fluid in the peritoneal cavity was noted during surgery. A pus culture grew Pseudomonas aeruginosa which was sensitive to Ceftazidime only. Triple antibiotics consisting of Prostaphlin, Metronidazole, and Ceftazidime were administered for 2 weeks. The patient was discharged 3 weeks later without any complications. Appendicitis in infancy is a rare condition and associated with a high frequency of perforation and peritonitis. Diagnosis is often difficult because of variable and nonspecific clinical manifestations.

Differential expression of placental (P)-cadherin in sertoli cells and peritubular myoid cells during postnatal development of the mouse testis

BACKGROUND

In previous work, RNA transcripts for placental (P)-cadherin, a calcium-dependent cell adhesion molecule, were identified in the rat testis during the first 4 weeks of postnatal development. However, the cells in the testis responsible for P-cadherin expression have not yet been identified.

METHODS

We used conventional epifluorescence microscopy to examine P-cadherin immunoreactivity in cryostat sections of mouse testis and scanning laser confocal microscopy to localize P-cadherin and beta-catenin in wholemount preparations of mouse seminiferous tubules. We used fluorescent phalloidin to identify actin filaments.

RESULTS

Sertoli cells expressed P-cadherin on postnatal days 1, 3, and 8, but not on any day thereafter. In contrast, peritubular cells did not express P-cadherin on postnatal day 8 and continued expression in adulthood. beta-Catenin was localized near contact areas between peritubular cells on postnatal days 12 and 15. A mature pattern of actin filament organization in peritubular cells appeared on day 15 and coincided with the uniform appearance of P-cadherin and beta-catenin near areas of contact between adjacent peritubular cells.

CONCLUSIONS

During postnatal development of the testis, the earlier expression of P-cadherin by Sertoli cells is replaced by the subsequent expression of P-cadherin by peritubular cells. The expression of P-cadherin in peritubular cells is correlated temporally with the expression of beta-catenin and the development of a mature network of actin filaments and is consistent with a role in intercellular adhesion and junction formation.

Applicability of short-lived radiometallic nuclide for high sensitivity two-site "sandwich" immunoradiometric assay: human growth hormone assay

The sensitivity of the IRMA method is limited by the specific activity (SA) of the conventionally employed radioisotropic label and high sensitivity radioimmunoassay should theoretically be attained by the use of short-lived radiometallic nuclides. Our group have achieved radiolabeling of high SA IgG by using the radiometal, gallium-67 (67Ga) with a short half-life (T1/2 = 78 h) and deferoxamine (DF), a bifunctional chelating agent bound through a multispacer (dialdehyde starch, DAS) as the linker (J Nucl Med 32:825, 1991). In the present work, the application of the approach is attempted by employing a two-site IRMA for human growth hormone (hGH); the monoclonal antibody to hGH (MAB2) is bound to DF via DAS and the coupled DF-DAS-MAB2 is radiolabeled with 67Ga. The 67Ga-DF-DAS-MAB2 of high SA (4,884 MBq/mg versus 370-518 MBq/mg calculated for radioiodinated MAB2) was thus used for the two site 'sandwich' 67Ga-IRMA. Excellent correlation with the 125I-IRMA was registered, and higher detection capability obtained by using 67Ga over the 125I in the hGH IRMA offered a good basis for the exploitation of short-lived radio-nuclides in the IRMA system.

Region-specific changes in GABAA receptor delta subunit mRNA level by tolerance to and withdrawal from pentobarbital

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the mRNA level of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptor delta subunit could be altered by chronic pentobarbital treatment. Male ICR mice were rendered tolerant to and dependent upon pentobarbital by repeated pentobarbital administration and by abrupt pentobarbital withdrawal, respectively. The levels of the delta subunit mRNA in the frontal cortex and cerebellum were quantified using RNase protection assay in the presence of the housekeeping gene, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, as an internal standard. Our results revealed that the delta subunit mRNA in the cerebellum was upregulated in pentobarbital-tolerant mice and was downregulated in pentobarbital-withdrawn mice. No significant changes were found in the frontal cortex. These results suggest that chronic pentobarbital exposure can modify the expression of GABAA receptor delta subunit in a region-specific manner.

A monoclonal antibody identifies vimentin filaments in Sertoli cells and in a subset of epithelial cells in the rat epididymis, urinary bladder, and prostate

PURPOSE

We describe a monoclonal antibody (Mab B2) against vimentin filaments in rat Sertoli cells and in a subset of epithelial cells in the rat epididymis, prostate and urinary bladder.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The immunoreactivity of Mab B2 was examined on cryostat sections and immunoblots and compared with the reactivity of a previously characterized monoclonal antibody against vimentin.

RESULTS

While both antibodies recognized vimentin in Sertoli cells, only Mab B2 recognized vimentin in urogenital tract epithelia.

CONCLUSIONS

Vimentin is expressed in the urogenital tract, and differential reactivities of antibodies may be responsible for conflicting results reported elsewhere for vimentin expression.

Laboratory aid and ultrasonography in the diagnosis of appendicitis in children

Forty-seven consecutive patients with clinically suspected acute appendicitis were studied at this hospital from June, 1994 to March, 1995. All the patients had received a complete study protocol including: detailed history and physical examination; complete blood cell count with differential count; erythrocyte sedimentation rate; C-reactive protein and sonographic examination. The male to female ratio is 29: 18. The age range is from 4 to 14 years. Thirty patients received laparotomy and 27 were diagnosed as appendicitis by histologic findings including 6 cases of perforated appendicitis. The remaining 3 patients had no evidence of appendicitis histologically. The other 17 patients were observed clinically. In these, the abdominal pain resolved spontaneously, or it was proved due to other diseases. The sensitivity and specificity of these laboratory examinations are: leukocytosis (> 10,000/mm3): 85. 2%, 65%; leukocytosis with a shift-to-the-left (neutrophil > 75%): 81.5%, 70%; elevated ESR (> 20 mm/hr): 40.7%, 85%; elevated CRP (> 0.9 mg/dl): 70.4%, 65%; (> 5 mg/dl); 51.9%, 95%; sonography: 85.2%, 100%. There were 4 false-negative and no false-positive ultrasonographic results in our study. Five of the 6 case of perforated appendicitis had elevated CRP levels of more than 8 mg/dl. In conclusion, detailed history taking and physical examination are still the most reliable tools for diagnosis. For the doubtful cases, sonography can provide excellent specificity and good sensitivity for differential diagnosis. The classical tools of leukocytosis and shift-to-the-left can only provide a screening property but not for diagnosis. CRP was not a good predictor in our study, but it can be a useful parameter when perforated appendicitis is suspected.

Abdominal teratomas in children

Seventeen cases of abdominal teratoma were studied retrospectively. These patients had been diagnosed at Cathay General Hospital from 1978 to 1993. The male to female ratio was 9:8, the range of age at diagnosis was from 2 days to 13 years. The chief complaints were palpable abdominal mass in 13 patients (76%) and abdominal distention in 7 (41%). Fifteen teratomas were located in the retroperitonium; also, 1 of the 17 had gastric teratoma and another, a tumor originating from an undescended testes. The tumors were resected in all patients. Postoperative courses were smooth except for one patient, who died suddenly on the day following surgery. No further specific management was needed because the pathologic findings were all benign in nature. Ultrasonography is of benefit in locating, as well as diagnosing, abdominal teratoma. Surgical excision is curative for the majority of cases. Long term follow-up is necessary, in consideration of the rare chance of recurrence.

Breast-feeding counseling by a 24-hour telephone hot-line

A 24-hour telephone hot-line functioning as a counseling service and case registry was included in a multi-faceted breast-feeding promotion program. The mothers could speak directly to especially trained staff members in a municipal hospital. All the questions were answered according to an "Answering Book" which included the anticipated question and the optimum answer. A total of 201 calls, which included 340 problems, were recorded from January 1, 1993 to October 31, 1993. Almost all the calls were made by the mothers (99%), and more than half (57.7%) of the mothers were primiparous. Most of the calls (79.6%) were made between 8 AM to 4 PM. The questions were frequently raised when the baby was aged 8 to 14 days (23.4%). The most frequently asked questions were: (1) insufficient milk? (14.1%), (2) frequent and loose stools? (13.2%), (3) weaning? (10.3%), (4) drugs? (6.8%), (5) additional formula or water? (6.2%), and (6) maternal contraindication? (6.2%). Although the impact of this telephone consultation could not be properly evaluated, the incidence of breast-feeding during hospital stay increased from 50% to 73.4%, and breast-feeding for more than 1 month increased from 22.7% to 42.2% before and after the whole promotion program. It is recommended that health care professionals provide more help when the mother leaves the hospital. A nation-wide toll-free telephone operated by the Department of Health to increase the chance of successful breast-feeding is also recommended.

Carcinoma of the colon in a child

A 13-year-old boy presented with carcinoma of the ascending colon. He had had intermittent abdominal pain for about one year, with body weight loss, prior to admission. Physical examination showed diffuse abdominal tenderness, but no palpable mass. Lower GI barium study and colonofibroscopic examination showed a protruding mass over the proximal ascending colon. At operation, right hemicolectomy with ileotransversecolostomy was performed, the pathologic finding was adenocarcinoma, signet-ring cell type. Although chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil, mitomycin, and levamisole were given subsequently, the patient expired one year after surgery because of multiple metastasis. Carcinoma of the colon is extremely rare in the young. Mucin-producing adenocarcinoma is the most predominant type of colon cancer, and most are of signet-ring cell carcinoma. While prognosis is relatively bright in adult, the prognosis is quite unfavorable in children because of the preponderance of the poor histological characteristics and the difficulty of diagnosis.

Modification of cysteine residues within G(o) and other neuronal proteins by exposure to nitric oxide

Nitric oxide (NO), a free-radical gas produced endogenously by some neurons, functions as a diffusible intercellular messenger and appears to play a role in activity-dependent modification of synaptic efficacy in the mammalian CNS. The molecular targets and mechanisms of action of NO in neurons remain largely uncharacterized. Employing in vitro brain slices and isolated synaptosomes, we show here that exposure to exogenous or endogenously generated NO results in the modification of cysteine residues within neuronal proteins, as revealed by reduced binding of agents which react with cysteine sulfhydryls. In particular, exposure of synaptosomes to NO inhibits subsequent thiol-linked ADP-ribosylation of the heterotrimeric G-protein, G(o), by pertussis toxin. Our results demonstrate directly that NO may exert its neuronal effects through modification of protein cysteine thiols, and identify G(o) as a potential synaptic target of NO.

Head-direction cells in the rat posterior cortex. I. Anatomical distribution and behavioral modulation

We examined the behavioral modulation of head-directional information processing in neurons of the rat posterior cortices, including the medial prestriate (area Oc2M) and retrosplenial cortex (areas RSA and RSG). Single neurons were recorded in freely moving rats which were trained to perform a spatial working memory task on a radial-arm maze in a cue-controlled room. A dual-light-emitting diode (dual-LED) recording headstage, mounted on the animals' heads, was used to track head position and orientation. Planar modes of motion, such as turns, straight motion, and nonlocomotive states, were categorized using an objective scheme based upon the differential contributions of movement parameters, including linear and angular velocity of the head. Of 662 neurons recorded from the posterior cortices, 41 head-direction (HD) cells were identified based on the criterion of maintained directional bias in the absence of visual cues or in the dark. HD cells constituted 7 of 257 (2.7%) cells recorded in Oc2M, 26 of 311 (8.4%) cells in RSA, and 8 of 94 (8.5%) cells in RSG. Spatial tuning of HD cell firing was modulated by the animal's behaviors in some neurons. The behavioral modulation occurred either at the preferred direction or at all directions. Moreover, the behavioral selectivity was more robust for turns than straight motions, suggesting that the angular movements may significantly contribute to the head-directional processing. These behaviorally selective HD cells were observed most frequently in Oc2M (4/7, 57%), as only 5 of 26 (19%) of RSA cells and none of the RSG cells showed behavioral modulation. These data, taken together with the anatomical evidence for a cascade of projections from Oc2M to RSA and thence to RSG, suggest that there may be a simple association between movement and head-directionality that serves to transform the egocentric movement representation in the neocortex into an allocentric directional representation in the periallocortex.

Inhibition of protein kinase C- and casein kinase II-mediated phosphorylation of GAP-43 by S100 beta

The effect of the glial-derived protein, S100 beta, on the in vitro phosphorylation of the growth-associated protein GAP-43 was investigated. S100 beta inhibited in a dose dependent manner the phosphorylation of GAP-43 by protein kinase C (PKC) or by casein kinase II (CKII). S100 beta appeared to slow down the rate and the degree to which GAP-43 can be phosphorylated by either kinase. The specificity of the inhibition was demonstrated by the observation that the phosphorylation of two other CKII substrates, casein and a selective peptide substrate, was not inhibited by S100 beta. The marked inhibitory effect of S100 beta required the presence of calcium in the phosphorylation reactions. In addition, S100 beta inhibition of GAP-43 phosphorylation was seen with GAP-43 purified under a variety of conditions that alter acylation, suggesting that the acylation state of GAP-43 does not affect the ability of S100 beta to modulate CKII- or PKC-mediated phosphorylation of GAP-43.