Optical coherence tomography detection of characteristic retinal nerve fiber layer thinning in nasal hypoplasia of the optic disc

PurposeTo determine the clinical usefulness of optical coherence tomography (OCT) for detecting thinning of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) in eyes with nasal hypoplasia of the optic discs (NHOD).Patients and methodsThe medical records of five patients (eight eyes) with NHOD were reviewed. The ratio of the disc-macula distance to the disc diameter (DM/DD) and the disc ovality ratio of the minimal to maximal DD were assessed using fundus photographs. The RNFL thicknesses of the temporal, superior, nasal, and inferior quadrants were evaluated using OCT quadrant maps.ResultsAll eight eyes had temporal visual field defects that respected the vertical meridians that needed to be differentiated from those related to chiasmal compression. The mean DM/DD ratio was 3.1 and the mean disc ovality ratio was 0.81. The mean RNFL thicknesses of the temporal, superior, nasal, and inferior quadrants were 90.3, 103.1, 34.8, and 112.8 microns, respectively.ConclusionSmall optic discs and tilted discs might be associated with NHOD. Measurement of the RNFL thickness around the optic disc using OCT scans clearly visualized the characteristic RNFL thinning of the nasal quadrants corresponding to the temporal sector visual field defects in eyes with NHOD. OCT confirmed the presence of NHOD and might differentiate eyes with NHOD from those with chiasmal compression.

A high incidence of WT1 abnormality in bilateral Wilms tumours in Japan, and the penetrance rates in children with WT1 germline mutation

Background:

Bilateral Wilms tumours (BWTs) occur by germline mutation of various predisposing genes; one of which is WT1 whose abnormality was reported in 17–38% of BWTs in Caucasians, whereas no such studies have been conducted in East-Asians. Carriers with WT1 mutations are increasing because of improved survival.

Methods:

Statuses of WT1 and IGF2 were examined in 45 BWTs from 31 patients with WT1 sequencing and SNP array-based genomic analyses. The penetrance rates were estimated in WT1-mutant familial Wilms tumours collected from the present and previous studies.

Results:

We detected WT1 abnormalities in 25 (81%) of 31 patients and two families, which were included in the penetrance rate analysis of familial Wilms tumour. Of 35 BWTs from the 25 patients, 31 had small homozygous WT1 mutations and uniparental disomy of IGF2, while 4 had large 11p13 deletions with the retention of 11p heterozygosity. The penetrance rate was 100% if children inherited small WT1 mutations from their fathers, and 67% if inherited the mutations from their mothers, or inherited or had de novo 11p13 deletions irrespective of parental origin (P=0.057).

Conclusions:

The high incidence of WT1 abnormalities in Japanese BWTs sharply contrasts with the lower incidence in Caucasian counterparts, and the penetrance rates should be clarified for genetic counselling of survivors with WT1 mutations.

Generation of dendritic cells and macrophages from human induced pluripotent stem cells aiming at cell therapy

This report describes generation of dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages from human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. iPS cell-derived DC (iPS-DC) exhibited the morphology of typical DC and function of T-cell stimulation and antigen presentation. iPS-DC loaded with cytomegalovirus (CMV) peptide induced vigorous expansion of CMV-specific autologous CD8+ T cells. Macrophages (iPS-MP) with activity of zymosan phagocytosis and C5a-induced chemotaxis were also generated from iPS cells. Genetically modified iPS-MPs were generated by the introduction of expression vectors into undifferentiated iPS cells, isolation of transfectant iPS cell clone and subsequent differentiation. By this procedure, we generated iPS-MP expressing a membrane-bound form of single chain antibody (scFv) specific to amyloid β (Aβ), the causal protein of Alzheimer's disease. The scFv-transfectant iPS-MP exhibited efficient Aβ-specific phagocytosis activity. iPS-MP expressing CD20-specific scFv engulfed and killed BALL-1 B-cell leukemia cells. Anti-BALL-1 effect of iPS-MP in vivo was demonstrated in a xeno-transplantation model using severe combined immunodeficient mice. In addition, we established a xeno-free culture protocol to generate iPS-DC and iPS-MP. Collectively, we demonstrated the possibility of application of iPS-DC and macrophages to cell therapy.

Electron Holographic Nano-Characterization of Gold Catalyst at Interface

The catalytic properties of nanostructured gold catalyst are known to depend on the size of the gold particles and to be activated when the size decreases to a few nanometers. We investigated the size dependence of the three-dimensional nanostructure on the mean inner potential of gold catalysts supported on titanium oxide using electron holography and high-resolution electron microscopy (HREM). The contact angle of the gold particles on the titanium oxide tended to be over 90° for gold particles with a size of over 5 nm, and below 90° for a size of below 2 nm. This decreasing change in the contact angle (morphology) acts to increase the perimeter and hence the area of the interface between the gold and titanium oxide support, which is considered to be an active site for CO oxidation. The mean inner potential of the gold particles also changed as their size decreased. The value of the inner potential of gold, which is approximately 25 V in bulk state, rose to over 40 V when the size of the gold particles was less than 2 nm. This phenomenon indicates the existence of a charge transfer at the interface between gold and titanium oxide. The 3-D structure change and the inner potential change should be attributed to the specific electronic structure at the interface, owing to both the “nano size effect” and the “hetero-interface effect.”

Identification of SARS-COV spike protein-derived and HLA-A2-restricted human CTL epitopes by using a new muramyl dipeptidederivative adjuvant

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) spread during the winter of 2003, and attempts have been made to develop vaccines against SARS corona virus (SARS-CoV). The present study provides a strategy to rapidly identify SARS-CoV-derived antigenic peptides recognized by HLA-A2-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). Forty-three candidate peptides having HLA-A2-binding motifs were selected in silico and HLA-A2/Db chimeric MHC class I-transgenic mice were immunized with these peptides and a new derivative of muramyl dipeptide that can induce upregulation of HLA-DR, CD80, CD86, and CD40 in human CD14+ antigen presenting cells, was administered as an adjuvant. Six HLAA2-restricted mouse CTL epitopes were identified, including two new epitopes which have never been reported before. One of the novel peptides was naturally processed and successfully induced HLAA2-restricted specific CTLs in both HLA transgenic mice and healthy donors. The method was useful, convenient and efficient for rapid identification of CTL epitopes derived from SARS-CoV proteins and will be possibly applicable for other pathogens to develop a peptide-based vaccine.

HAADF-STEM analysis of layered double perovskite La(2)CuSnO(6) grown epitaxially

Structural observation of layered double perovskite oxide La(2)CuSnO(6) thin films grown epitaxially on SrTiO(3) is reported by high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM). Particularly the transition layer at the interface was observed, and the first B site layer at the interface was found to be almost formed by the Cu atomic layer as the random structure, followed by formation of the layered structure. In addition, HAADF-STEM images indicate that the thin film is not single crystalline, but some irregular structures were observed to grow around the interface near atomic steps of the substrate of SrTiO(3). Therefore, the steps largely affect the growth process of the thin film.

Three-Dimensional Mesoporous Titanosilicates Prepared by Modified Sol−Gel Method: Ideal Gold Catalyst Supports for Enhanced Propene Epoxidation

Mesoporous titanosilicates with 1-12 mol % Ti content and with three-dimensional wormhole-like mesoporosity are prepared by a modified sol-gel technique. Sorption analysis shows that there is little change in the surface properties with increasing Ti concentration in the samples, implying that Ti atoms either are well-dispersed on the walls of the silica matrix or are present inside the framework with no pore blocking effect. Spectroscopic analysis shows that the Ti atoms are atomically dispersed in the silica matrix even at very high Ti concentration and there is no observable Ti aggregate (anatase) present in the samples. These titanosilicate samples after Au deposition followed by trimethylsilylation (for enhanced hydrophobicity) are highly efficient catalysts for vapor-phase propene epoxidation using O2 and H2. It was possible to achieve commercially desirable performance with about 7% propene conversion, >90% propene oxide selectivity, and about 40% hydrogen efficiency.

Hydrophobicity induced vapor-phase oxidation of propene over gold supported on titanium incorporated hybrid mesoporous silsesquioxane

Gold nanoparticles supported on highly hydrophobic ethane bridged Ti incorporated mesoporous organosilica are reported for enhanced vapor phase epoxidation of propene using H2 and O2.

Induction of photoreceptor-specific phenotypes in adult mammalian iris tissue

We show that iris tissue in the adult rat eye, which is embryonically related to the neural retina, can generate cells expressing differentiated neuronal antigens. In addition, the Crx gene transfer induced the specific antigens for rod photoreceptors in the iris-derived cells, which was not seen in the adult hippocampus-derived neural stem cells. Our findings demonstrate a remarkable plasticity of adult iris tissue with potential clinical applications, as autologous iris tissue can be feasibly obtained with peripheral iridectomy.

Upregulated expression of N-syndecan, a transmembrane heparan sulfate proteoglycan, in differentiated neural stem cells

Adult rat hippocampus-derived neural stem cells are incorporated into neural tissues, and differentiate to neuronal and glial cells. However, the cell surface protein molecules are, to date, undefined. RT-PCR, immunoblotting and immunocytochemistry showed the increased expression of N-syndecan, a transmembrane heparan sulfate proteoglycan, in the neural stem cells after the differentiation induced by retinoic acid. Our data indicate that N-syndecan may be involved in the differentiation of neural stem cells.

A Kunitz trypsin inhibitor gene family from trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.): cloning, functional expression, and induction by wounding and herbivory

Three Kunitz trypsin inhibitor genes were isolated from trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) by PCR and cDNA screening. Based on sequence similarity, they were grouped into two classes. Southern blots showed complex banding patterns and a high level of restriction fragment polymorphism between different aspen genotypes, suggesting that these trypsin inhibitors are members of a large, rapidly evolving gene family. One of the trypsin inhibitor genes, PtTI2. was over-expressed in Escherichia coli and its product shown to inhibit bovine trypsin in vitro. Both classes of PtTI genes are induced by wounding and herbivory, permitting rapid adaptive responses to herbivore pressure. The response appears to be mediated by an octadecanoid-based signaling pathway, as methyl jasmonate treatments induced the trypsin inhibitors. Wound-induced accumulation of trypsin inhibitor protein was also observed by western blot analysis. The pattern of expression, the apparent rapid evolution of TI genes, and the in vitro trypsin inhibitory activity are consistent with a role in herbivore defense. This work establishes the presence of a functional protein-based inducible defense system in trembling aspen.

A transgenic apple callus showing reduced polyphenol oxidase activity and lower browning potential

Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) is responsible for enzymatic browning of apples. Apples lacking PPO activity might be useful not only for the food industry but also for studies of the metabolism of polyphenols and the function of PPO. Transgenic apple calli were prepared by using Agrobacterium tumefaciens carrying the kanamycin (KM) resistant gene and antisense PPO gene. Four KM-resistant callus lines were obtained from 356 leaf explants. Among these transgenic calli, three calli grew on the medium containing KM at the same rate as non-transgenic callus on the medium without KM. One callus line had an antisense PPO gene, in which the amount and activity of PPO were reduced to half the amount and activity in non-transgenic callus. The browning potential of this line, which was estimated by adding chlorogenic acid, was also half the browning potential of non-transgenic callus.

Transgenic apple (Malus x domestica) shoot showing low browning potential

Transgenic apple shoots were prepared from leaf disks by using Agrobacterium tumefaciens carrying the kanamycin (KM) resistance gene and antisense polyphenol oxidase (PPO) DNA. Four transgenic apple lines that grew on the medium containing 50 microgram/mL KM were obtained. They contained the KM resistance gene and grew stably on the medium for >3 years. Two transgenic shoot lines containing antisense PPO DNA in which PPO activity was repressed showed a lower browning potential than a control shoot.

Analytical high-resolution TEM study of supported gold catalysts: orientation relationship between Au particles and TiO2 supports

An analytical high-resolution TEM study was carried out for gold deposited on TiO2 (anatase and rutile) to obtain a structural insight into the unique catalytic properties of the system. Preferred orientations between Au particles and the TiO2 support were often observed and a model for the epitaxial orientation between the Au particles and anatase TiO2 was proposed. These results were consistent with the results calculated by the coincidence of reciprocal lattice point (CRLP) method.

Immunological and molecular comparison of polyphenol oxidase in Rosaceae fruit trees

An antibody raised against apple polyphenol oxidase (PPO) cross-reacted with PPOs from Japanese pear (Pyrus pyrifolia), pear (Pyrus communis), peach (Prunus persica), Chinese quince (Pseudocydonia sinensis) and Japanese loquat (Eriobotrya japonica). Core fragments (681 bp) of the corresponding PPO genes were amplified and characterized. The deduced protein sequences showed identities of 85.3 to 97.5%. Chlorogenic acid oxidase activity of these PPOs showed higher activities when assayed at pH 4 than at pH 6. These results indicate that PPOs in Rosaceae plants are structurally and enzymatically similar.

A historical cohort mortality study of workers exposed to asbestos in a refitting shipyard

To investigate the risks of developing asbestos-related diseases we conducted a historical cohort mortality study on 249 ship repair workers (90 laggers and 159 boiler repairers) in a single U.S. Navy shipyard in Japan. We successfully identified the vital status of 87 (96.7%) laggers and 150 (94.3%) boiler repairers, and, of these, 49 (56.3%) and 65 (43.3%) died, respectively, during the follow-up period from 1947 till the end of 1996. Our in-person interviews with some of the subjects clarified that asbestos exposure was considered to be substantially high in the 1950-60s, decreased thereafter gradually but remained till 1979 in the shipyard. The laggers, who had handled asbestos materials directly, showed a significantly elevated SMR of 2.75 (95% C.I.: 1.08-6.48) for lung cancer. The risk developing the disease was greater in the laggers after a 20-year latency (SMR = 3.42). Pancreatic cancer yielded a greater SMR than unity (7.78, 90% C.I.: 2.07-25.19) in a longer working years group. Four laggers died from asbestosis. The boiler repairers, who had many chances for secondary exposure to asbestos and a few for direct exposure, showed no elevation of the SMR of lung cancer overall, but there was a borderline statistically significant SMR of 2.41 (90% C.I.: 1.05-5.45) in a longer working years group. One boiler repairer died from mesothelioma and four from asbestosis.

Cloning genomic DNA encoding apple polyphenol oxidase and comparison of the gene product in Escherichia coli and in apple

Two PCR-amplified genomic DNA fragments encoding apple (cv. Fuji) polyphenol oxidase (PPO) were cloned and sequenced. A comparison of genomic DNA with cDNAs revealed that the PPOs lacked introns. Both PPO DNAs appear to encode a 66-kDa precursor protein consisting of a 56-kDa mature protein and a N-terminal transit peptide of 10-kDa N-terminal transit peptide. Apple PPO DNA was expressed in Escherichia coli, and the gene product (56 kDa) without a transit peptide was immunochemically detected and was the same size (ca. 65 kDa) as the main PPO of apple fruit by SDS-PAGE.

[Umbilical blood-gas status at cesarean section for breech presentation: a comparison with vertex presentation]

Umbilical blood-gas status at elective cesarean section with oxygen inhalation for breech presentation (25 cases) was compared with that for vertex presentation (25 cases), so as to confirm the security of full-term breech fetuses delivered by cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. Umbilical arterial oxygen levels were significantly lower in the breech group (Mean PO2:18.9 mmHg; SO2:37.3%; Oxygen content:7.6 ml/dl). The number of hypoxemic fetuses was significantly higher in the breech group (the breech: 7; the vertex; 0). The other umbilical blood-gas values revealed no significant differences between the breech and vertex groups, and were within normal limits in both groups. Oxygen extraction in the breech (Mean: 49.0%) was higher than that in the vertex (32.9%). Therefore decreased umbilical blood flow in the breech was suggested. The incidence of depression at 1 minute after delivery in the breech infants (24%) was significantly higher than that in the vertex infants (0%). It became obvious in the breech that as the interval between the uterine incision and delivery increased, umbilical arterial blood tended to acidosis and the 1 minute Apgar score decreased. Cesarean section for breech presentation requires sufficient and optimal incisions of the abdominal wall and uterus as well as a skillful manual delivery technique, because the fetus or neonate should be protected against asphyxia resulting from umbilical compression and prolonged delivery interval.

[Effects of maternal hyperventilation and oxygen inhalation during labor on fetal blood-gas status]

The effects of maternal hyperventilation and oxygen inhalation on fetal blood-gas status were studied in 54 fetuses, vaginally delivered of mothers without medical and obstetrical complications. The cases were divided into four groups according to MA (maternal arterial) pH and PCO2 values and by respiring either oxygen or room-air as follows. Group N: pH less than 7.5, PCO2 greater than 23 mmHg (normoventilation), without maternal oxygen inhalation, group H: pH greater than 7.5, PCO2 less than 23 mmHg (hyperventilation), without oxygen inhalation, group NO: pH less than 7.5, PCO2 greater than 23 mmHg, with oxygen inhalation and group HO: pH greater than 7.5, PCO2 less than 23 mmHg, with oxygen inhalation. Umbilical venous (UV) PO2 (27.8 mmHg: mean), SO2 (60.8%) and CO2 (oxygen content, 12.4 ml/dl), and umbilical arterial (UA) PO2 (17.9 mmHg), SO2 (35.6%) and CO2 (7.3 ml/dl) values in group H were significantly lower than those in group N. The fetal oxygenation in group HO was similar to that in group N, and the fetal oxygen values in group NO were significantly higher than those in the other groups. The fetuses in groups H and HO tended to respiratory alkalosis. The UV oxygen values had negative correlations with MA pH and positive correlations with the MA PCO2 value in both oxygen and no-oxygen groups. There was no significant correlation between maternal and fetal PCO2 values, and higher fetal oxygen extraction (41%: mean) in group H. These facts suggest that severe maternal respiratory alkalosis due to hyperventilation may lead to a disorder in placental circulation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Ephedrine administration for cesarean section under spinal anesthesia]

Prophylactic ephedrine was administered to healthy parturients undergoing elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. The methods of ephedrine administration were as follows: intramuscular injection of 0.3 mg/kg, 15 minutes before the block (20 cases: group M), infusion of 0.02% solution immediately after the block (20 cases: group D), premedication with atropine 0.5 mg and infusion immediately after the block (20 cases: group AD). The mean ephedrine dosage was 18.8 +/- 2.2 gm (SD) in group M, 12.6 +/- 6.2 mg in group D and 5.2 +/- 0.7 mg in group AD, and there were significant differences among the three groups. The base line (a), the minimal postanesthetic (b) and the maximal postpartum systolic blood pressures (c) revealed no significant difference among the three groups, and 'b' was significantly higher than 'a' and lower than 'c' in all groups. Only one case (group M) was transiently hypotensive, while hypertension was not found in any of the subjects. One- and 5-minute Apgar scores were 8 or more in all, and umbilical acid-base values were within normal limits in all of them, though the base deficit in group AD was significantly lower than that in group M. Atropine premedication makes it possible to retrench the ephedrine dosage without any harmful effect on either mother or fetus, and ephedrine infusion makes it easy to cope with changes in maternal blood pressure. Consequently, for healthy parturients receiving elective cesarean section under spinal block, we recommend atropine premedication and minimal infusion of ephedrine immediately following the block.

[Neonatal effects of the delivery interval during cesarean section under spinal anesthesia]

The relationships between I-DI (induction to delivery interval) or U-DI (uterine incision to delivery interval) and fetal acid-base status or neonatal clinical condition were studied in 60 healthy parturients undergoing elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. The patients were divided into groups, i.e. group A (U-DI less than 90 sec, I-DI greater than 14 min, 18 cases), group B (U-DI less than 90 sec, I-DI greater than 14 min, 12 cases), group C (U-DI greater than 90 sec, I-DI less than 14 min, 15 cases) and group D (U-DI greater than 90 sec, I-DI greater than 14 min, 15 cases). Acid-base values for maternal arterial (MA), umbilical venous (UV) and umbilical arterial blood (UA), and acid-base gradients for (MA-UV) and (UV-UA) in each group were all in the normal range and revealed no significant differences among 4 groups, though U-DI was correlated with UVPCO2, UAPCO2, and (UV-UA) base deficit (r = 0.322, 0.266, -0.256: p less than 0.05). Acid-base states in cases of long and excessively long U-DI (greater than 90 sec and greater than 150 sec, respectively) were more acidotic than those of short U-DI groups (less than 90 sec). Both 1 and 5 minute Apgar scores were 8 or more in all neonates. There was no correlation between I-DI and fetal acid-base values or neonatal clinical conditions. It is conceivable that gentle and careful manipulations of the uterus and fetus rather than shortening of U-DI might be important in preventing against fetal or neonatal depression during cesarean section under spinal block.