First Application of Mass Measurements with the Rare-RI Ring Reveals the Solar r-Process Abundance Trend at A=122 and A=123

The Rare-RI Ring (R3) is a recently commissioned cyclotronlike storage ring mass spectrometer dedicated to mass measurements of exotic nuclei far from stability at Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory (RIBF) in RIKEN. The first application of mass measurement using the R3 mass spectrometer at RIBF is reported. Rare isotopes produced at RIBF-^{127}Sn, ^{126}In, ^{125}Cd, ^{124}Ag, ^{123}Pd-were injected in R3. Masses of ^{126}In, ^{125}Cd, and ^{123}Pd were measured whereby the mass uncertainty of ^{123}Pd was improved. This is the first reported measurement with a new storage ring mass spectrometry technique realized at a heavy-ion cyclotron and employing individual injection of the preidentified rare nuclei. The latter is essential for the future mass measurements of the rarest isotopes produced at RIBF. The impact of the new ^{123}Pd result on the solar r-process abundances in a neutron star merger event is investigated by performing reaction network calculations of 20 trajectories with varying electron fraction Y_{e}. It is found that the neutron capture cross section on ^{123}Pd increases by a factor of 2.2 and β-delayed neutron emission probability, P_{1  n}, of ^{123}Rh increases by 14%. The neutron capture cross section on ^{122}Pd decreases by a factor of 2.6 leading to pileup of material at A=122, thus reproducing the trend of the solar r-process abundances. The trend of the two-neutron separation energies (S_{2n}) was investigated for the Pd isotopic chain. The new mass measurement with improved uncertainty excludes large changes of the S_{2n} value at N=77. Such large increase of the S_{2n} values before N=82 was proposed as an alternative to the quenching of the N=82 shell gap to reproduce r-process abundances in the mass region of A=112-124.

Change of Retinal Correspondence in Monocularly Reduced Intensity of Stimulus

We analyzed the retinal correspondence with a phase difference haploscope on reducing the stimulus intensity of a monocular image with a series of neutral density filters. Ninety-one exotropes were examined by this method. Five cases changed from normal to anomalous correspondence when the stimulation of the strabismic eye was reduced. Two cases showed anomalous correspondence without a filter, but normal correspondence with a reduced stimulus of the normal eye. All these seven cases showed normal correspondence with any other test. The results suggest that masked anomalous correspondence becomes manifest in some cases when the strabismic eye is stimulated more intensely than the normal eye. These cases display both normal and anomalous correspondence and this condition may be called dual correspondence.

Maximizing T c by tuning nematicity and magnetism in FeSe1-x S x superconductors

A fundamental issue concerning iron-based superconductivity is the roles of electronic nematicity and magnetism in realising high transition temperature (T c). To address this issue, FeSe is a key material, as it exhibits a unique pressure phase diagram involving non-magnetic nematic and pressure-induced antiferromagnetic ordered phases. However, as these two phases in FeSe have considerable overlap, how each order affects superconductivity remains perplexing. Here we construct the three-dimensional electronic phase diagram, temperature (T) against pressure (P) and isovalent S-substitution (x), for FeSe1-x S x . By simultaneously tuning chemical and physical pressures, against which the chalcogen height shows a contrasting variation, we achieve a complete separation of nematic and antiferromagnetic phases. In between, an extended non-magnetic tetragonal phase emerges, where T c shows a striking enhancement. The completed phase diagram uncovers that high-T c superconductivity lies near both ends of the dome-shaped antiferromagnetic phase, whereas T c remains low near the nematic critical point.

Novel development of exciton-coupled circular dichroism based on induced axial chirality

[reaction--see text] A simple method for determining the absolute configuration of chiral alcohols with a unique chromophoric reagent 1 based on induced exciton chirality has been developed. Practical usefulness of the present method was demonstrated by the determination of the absolute configuration of 17,18-dihydroxybergamottin.

[Detection of O,O,S-trimethyl phosphorodithioate, an impurity in phenthoate (PAP), in komatsuna]

An unknown peak (peak A) was detected in a mass chromatogram of komatsuna extract containing a high concentration of phenthoate (PAP), and it was considered to be O,O,S-trimethyl phosphorodithioate (OOS). Although it is generally known that OOS exists as an impurity in technical malathion and PAP, it has not been reported that OOS is present in crops. Since an OOS standard is not commercially available, OOS was separated and purified from commercial emulsifiable malathion. Peak A was confirmed to be OOS by GC/MS using the purified OOS. The concentration of OOS was estimated to be 0.02 microgram/g. It is supposed that OOS was detected in crops because they contained a high concentration of PAP residue.

Distinct aggregation of beta- and gamma-chains of the high-affinity IgE receptor on cross-linking

The high-affinity IgE receptor (FcepsilonRI) on mast cells and basophils consists of a ligand-binding alpha-chain and two kinds of signaling chains, a beta-chain and disulfide-linked homodimeric gamma-chains. Crosslinking by multivalent antigen results in the aggregation of the bound IgE/alpha-chain complexes at the cell surface, triggering cell activation, and subsequent internalization through coated pits. However, the precise topographical alterations of the signaling beta- and gamma-chains during stimulation remain unclarified despite their importance in ligand binding/signaling coupling. Here we describe the dynamics of FcepsilonRI subunit distribution in rat basophilic leukemia cells during stimulation as revealed by immunofluorescence and immunogold electron microscopy. Immunolocalization of beta- and gamma-chains was homogeneously distributed on the cell surfaces before stimulation, while crosslinking with multivalent antigen, which elicited optimal degranulation, caused a distinct aggregation of these signaling chains on the cell membrane. Moreover, only gamma- but not beta-chains were aggregated during the stimulation that evoked suboptimal secretion. These findings suggest that high-affinity IgE receptor beta- and gamma-chains do not co-aggregate but for the most part form homogenous aggregates of beta-chains or gamma-chains after crosslinking.

The McCoy laryngoscope, external laryngeal pressure, and their combined use

The efficacy of the McCoy laryngoscope, external laryngeal pressure, and their combination to improve the laryngoscopic view was evaluated in 219 patients and compared with the Macintosh laryngoscope. An experienced laryngoscopist performed laryngoscopy twice using the Macintosh laryngoscope and the McCoy laryngoscope in a random sequence, and external laryngeal pressure was applied in each laryngoscopy with the laryngoscopist's right hand. The laryngoscopic view obtained was graded on our modified Cormack's method. Without external laryngeal pressure, the McCoy laryngoscope provided a better laryngoscopic view than that obtained by the Macintosh laryngoscope (P < 0.001, signed rank test), but the view was worse than that with the Macintosh laryngoscope under external laryngeal pressure (P < 0.001). The McCoy laryngoscope combined with external laryngeal pressure provided a better view than the Macintosh laryngoscope with external laryngeal pressure (P < 0.001).

C8/119S mutation of major mite allergen Derf-2 leads to degenerate secondary structure and molecular polymerization and induces potent and exclusive Th1 cell differentiation

Hyposensitization therapy for atopic diseases has been conducted for decades but suffered from many problems including anaphylactic reactions. We previously developed a mutant protein of the major mite allergen Derf-2, C8/119S, which showed reduced binding to IgE. The C8/119S mutant was shown to exhibit more efficient hyposensitizing effect than Derf-2 in the animal model of allergic bronchial asthma. In the present study, we indicate that C8/119S exhibits markedly augmented immunogenicity for the proliferation of Derf-2-specific human T cells and T cell clones irrespective of the epitope specificity as compared with Derf-2. Furthermore, C8/119S has induced potent and almost exclusive differentiation of Th1 cells from the peripheral blood of atopic patients in vitro. Neither Ag dosage effect nor absence of B cell-mediated Ag presentation could fully account for these effects. C8/119S has been indicated to lose the characteristic beta-barrel structure as judged by circular dichroism spectroscopic analysis and to polymerize solubly in physiological condition. Heating of Derf-2 also caused less stable molecular aggregation, but it hardly affected the secondary structure and failed to induce such a polarity toward the Th1 cell differentiation. These results have indicated that the degenerate secondary structure of C8/119S leading to stable molecular polymerization is primarily responsible for the marked increase in T cell-immunogenicity and the induction of exclusive Th1 cell differentiation in atopic patients. It has been suggested strongly that the recombinant C8/119S protein can provide an effective Ag with the least risk of anaphylaxis for allergen immunotherapy against house dust mite in human.

Comparison of skin prick test with serially diluted wild-type and genetically engineered recombinant Der f2

BACKGROUND

C8/119S, a genetically engineered less allergenic mutant of group II allergen (Der f2) of house dust mite, Dermatophagoidesfarinae, was constructed in order to reduce the risk of anaphylactic reactions of allergen specific immunotherapy.

OBJECTIVE

To further evaluate, with a larger number of mite-allergic patients, the safety of C8/119S for the treatments of humans.

METHOD

We tested the dose-dependent responses of 20 mite-allergic volunteers to a skin prick test with C8/119S and wild-type recombinant Der f2 and compared the biologic potentials of these allergens to induce type I allergic reactions. In a separate experiment, we compared IgE binding capacities to C8/119S and to wild-type recombinant Der f2 in individual sera from 34 mite-allergic donors.

RESULTS

The concentration of C8/119S needed to induce positive skin prick test (SPT) reaction was at least 100 times more than that of recombinant Der f2 in 95% of the volunteers tested. Consistent with this result, IgE binding data showed that 85% of the mite-allergic donors had little or no detectable IgE bound to C8/119S. Our data also shows that a minority of mite-allergic patients responded in a similar manner to both C8/119S and wild-type recombinant Der f2.

CONCLUSION

Our data confirms that C8/119S is much less allergenic and thus can be used safely for immunotherapy of most of mite-allergic patients. Care should still be taken because, in a minority of patients, C8/119S may cause similar type I allergic reactions as does wild-type recombinant Der f2.

Relationships between atopy and lung function: results from a sample of one hundred medical students in Japan

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of allergic diseases has been increasing dramatically and several studies have shown that atopy is related to asthmatic symptoms and bronchial hyperresponsiveness.

OBJECTIVE

To observe the relationships between atopic status and asthmatic predisposition (obstructive change in lung function) in apparently healthy young adults in Japan.

METHODS

A sample of 100 healthy Japanese medical students were subjected to a skin prick test for 11 common aeroallergens and food allergens, and their spirometric lung function was measured.

RESULTS

Surprisingly, 90% of them showed a positive prick test result for at least one of the 11 allergens tested, and 59% of them showed allergic responses to more than three allergens. The positive rate for Dermatophagoidesfarinae (Der) was the highest (71.0%), followed by house dust (57.0%), Dactylois gloinerata (42.0%), Cryptomeria gromerata (Cry) (40.0%), and cat fur (39.0%). Furthermore, there was no statistical difference in the positive rates for Der and Cry between groups with and without either the present illness or past history of any of the three major allergic diseases: bronchial asthma (BA), atopic dermatitis (AD), or allergic rhinitis (AR). Compared with the positive rates for these aeroallergens, those for food allergens were much lower (4% to 9%). Several lung function parameters, including the levels of FEV1% and %V50 which reflect obstructive pulmonary changes, showed significant negative correlation to the number of skin prick test-positive allergens. The same correlation was observed for groups without either the present illness or past history of BA.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that those who are multi-allergic tend to feature subclinical asthma-like changes in their lung functions. Further studies are needed to determine whether this multi-allergic status can lead to future onset of asthma or other allergic diseases.

[Recent pollen sensitization and its possible involvement in allergic diseases among children in a pediatric allergy clinic]

We studied the rate of sensitization to several pollen allergens as well as to house dust mites in 226 children visiting our pediatric allergy clinic during the past 3 years (from April 1996 to March 1999). The allergens studied were Sugi (Japanese cedar pollen, Cryptomeria japonica), Kamogaya (Dactylis gromerata), Butakusa (ragweed, Ambrosia artemisiifolia), and Der f (house dust mite, Dermatophagoides farinae). The presence of nasal symptoms (either seasonal and perenial) was checked in 97 children visiting the clinic in March 1999. Overall average sensitization rates were 82.3% for Der f, 53.1% for Sugi, 38.5% for Kamogaya, and 17.1% for Butakusa. Among children aged 12 or more, sensitization rates for Sugi and Kamogaya were much higher (68.8%, 56.3%, respectively). Those who had seasonal nasal symptoms showed significantly higher rates of sensitization to the pollens. However, more than half of patients without nasal symptoms, 62.8% of whom had only atopic dermatitis (AD), also showed sensitization to the pollens. Several possible factors accounting for pollen sensitization in children with only AD and no sasal symptoms, such as existence of occult allergic rhinitis, future onset of allergic rhinitis, or pollen as directly aggravating factor of AD, need to be evaluated by careful follow-up of these cases.

Month of birth and prevalence of atopic dermatitis in schoolchildren: dry skin in early infancy as a possible etiologic factor

BACKGROUND

Month of birth has been shown to affect later development of allergic diseases.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to evaluate the relationship between month of birth and the prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) in a large-scale general population of schoolchildren and to elucidate the possible mechanism for this relationship.

METHODS

Questionnaire data on the prevalence of allergic diseases were obtained for 33,725 schoolchildren aged 7 to 15 years. In a separate study the water-holding capacity of "uninvolved" skin was compared for children with and without AD.

RESULTS

We found striking differences in the prevalence of AD according to the month of birth (chi2 = 34.9, P <.0001). Overall, those born in autumn showed the highest (7.5%), and those born in spring showed the lowest (5.5%), prevalence of AD. There was little or no such tendency for the prevalence of bronchial asthma (chi2 = 17.2, P =.103) and allergic rhinitis (chi2 = 24, P =.01). We found no statistical variation across birth month in the ratio of AD with no other allergic disease/total AD, indicating that this deviation was observed whatever the allergic predisposition of the subjects. In a separate study a significantly lower water-holding capacity of uninvolved skin was observed in children with AD even from early infancy.

CONCLUSION

These findings lead us to speculate that the climate in early infancy affects the skin condition and that those born in autumn have dry skin in early infancy, which may ultimately result in a higher prevalence of AD among young schoolchildren. This might be at least one of the "nonallergic" etiologic factors of this complex disease.

Stimulation of neurotrophic factor secretion from 1321N1 human astrocytoma cells by novel diterpenoids, scabronines A and G

Glial cells release neurotrophic factors that maintain neurons functionally. When rat pheochromocytoma cells (PC-12) were cultivated with the conditioned medium of human astrocytoma cells (1321N1) incubated with the new diterpenoids, scabronines A and G, isolated from Sarcodon scabrosus, they changed their morphology and there was neurite outgrowth. The scabronines increased the expression of mRNA for nerve growth factor (NGF), and the secretion of NGF from 1321N1 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. However, the enhanced neurite outgrowth produced by the conditioned media was slightly inhibited by NGF neutralizing antibody, and the concentration of NGF released in response to the scabronines was insufficient to cause differentiation. These results suggest that scabronines cause the secretion of other factors together with NGF from 1321N1 cells. The diterpenoids are useful drugs to clarify the mechanism of synthesis and secretion of neurotrophic factors.

Synthesis and nematocidal activity of diarylnonanoids related to malabaricones

Twenty diarylnonanones were synthesized and their nematocidal activity was examined. Among those, the p-hydroxy compound 16 exhibited the strongest activity comparable to the natural diarylnonanoids, malabaricones A and C. Diarylundecanoid 57 also showed appreciable activity.

[Re-evaluation of multi-allergen skin prick test for infants with atopic dermatitis--clinical relevance and evaluation by mothers]

We performed skin-prick tests (SPT) for 8 food and inhalant allergens on 55 infants (between 3 months and 2 years of age) with atopic dermatitis (AD) at their initial visit to our allergy clinic. SPT results were compared with those of radioallergosorbent tests (RAST) and the severity of AD symptoms. We also administered a questionnaire-based survey of 46 patients mothers to see how they evaluated SPT compared to blood tests. SPT for egg white had the highest positive rate (91%) and far exceeded that for other allergens. More than two allergens showed positive in more than half of the patients, and about 30% of them showed positive reactions to more than three allergens. Concordance rate between SPT and RAST was 78.6%. Patients showing positive reactions to multi-allergens tended to have more severe AD symptoms. Mothers appreciated the SPT test and felt that quick results for multi-allergens was the greatest advantage of SPT. More than 90% of the mothers wanted the allergic status of their next children to be evaluated with SPT. Especially, more than 30% of the mothers preferred SPT than RAST as initial screening test. As SPT is harmless, easy to administer even in infancy, and has different advantages for those of RAST, this method deserves further re-evaluation as a means of identifying allergic status especially among infants.

A useful method to evaluate bone resorption inhibitors, using osteoclast-like multinucleated cells

Since excessive bone resorption in postmenopausal osteoporosis is a pathological manifestation of the disease, it is important to control bone resorption activity of osteoclasts as a means of controlling the disease. To screen bone resorption inhibitors, a simple and quantitative method to assay bone resorption is needed. However, it has been difficult to prepare a lot of osteoclasts required for the screening of many compounds in vitro. We used the method for the preparation of mouse osteoclast-like multinucleated cells in vitro and developed a useful method in which osteoclast-like multinucleated cells were placed on dentin slices and the calcium released from dentin into the culture medium was measured. Under the optimal conditions, the increase of the calcium concentration caused by bone resorption activity of the osteoclast-like cells was significant and inhibited by calcitonin in a dose-dependent manner. We also examined the inhibitory effect of calcitonin on the pit area caused by bone resorption and found that the decrease of the calcium released from dentin was correlated with that of the pit area. Furthermore, several known bone resorption inhibitors such as bisphosphonate, bafilomycin A1, and herbimycin A showed inhibitory effects on the calcium release from dentin slices. Thus, this simple method provides us a useful screening system to find bone resorption inhibitors with novel mechanisms.

[A epidemiologic study on the prevalence of the allergic diseases in school children in Kyoto City]

The prevalence of allergic diseases in school children in Kyoto City (17,906 children) was examined with the questionnaire which was prepared by the Study Group of Epidemiology of Allergic Diseases funded by the Ministry of Public Welfare in 1993.

RESULTS

1) The number of valid reply was 16,176 (reply rate 90.3%). The reply rate of each question was from 89.5% to 98.9% (average 95.7%). 2) The prevalence of bronchial asthma was 4.9% in the elementary school children, 3.5% in the junior high school children and 4.5% in total, and the prevalence in boys was higher than girls (ratio 1.6). The prevalence of wheezing was 6.5%, 2.7% and 5.5%, respectively, and the sex ratio was 1.2. 3) The prevalence of atopic dermatitis was 5.3% in elementary school children, 4.0% in junior high school children and 5.0% in total, and the prevalence in boys was lower than girls (ratio 0.87). 4) The prevalence of allergic rhinitis was 19.8% in elementary school children, 21.2% in junior high school children and 20.3% in total, and the prevalence in boys was higher than girls (ratio 1.3). 5) The prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis was 11.9% in elementary school children, 15.4% in junior high school children and 13.0% in total and the prevalence in boys was almost same as girls (ratio 0.98). 6) The prevalence of any allergic diseases was 32.2% in elementary school children, 31.7% in junior high school children and 32.1% in total and the prevalence in boys was higher than girls (ratio 1.2).

Direct detection of hepatitis B virus gene integrated in the Alexander cell using fluorescence in situ polymerase chain reaction

Prolonged infection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is reported to cause hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) via liver cirrhosis. However, it is still unknown whether the HCC is induced by the HBV DNA integration or by inflammatory stimulation during the phase of liver cirrhosis. The aim of this study is to determine the intracellular or intranuclear distribution of HBV DNA with a highly sensitive assay. Here we directly detected the integration of HBV DNA by fluorescence in situ polymerase chain reaction (FISPCR). Since FISPCR products directly incorporate rhodamine-4-dUTP, the nucleus of Alexander cells integrated with HBV gene reacted with the HBV primers emits obvious fluorescence. The fluorescence values which were measured with an imaging analyzer show a significant difference between Alexander cells as compared to the controls. In conclusion, the target sequences of HBV were specifically amplified as fluorescent DNA after the present FISPCR procedure. This method could provide a novel and simple strategy for determining the quantitative role of viral DNA integration in oncogenesis.

Modulation of oligosaccharide structure of a pro-urokinase derivative (pro-UK delta GS1) by changing culture conditions of a lymphoblastoid cell line Namalwa KJM-1 adapted to serum-free medium

Pro-UK delta GS1 was designed as a long-life and thrombin-resistant derivative of pro-urokinase (pro-UK) by deleting the growth factor domain of pro-UK and introducing a glycosylation site near the thrombin cleaving site for thrombin-resistance using site-directed mutagenesis. An expression plasmid for pro-UKDGS1, pIH1UK delta GS1SEd1-5 was constructed and introduced into Namalwa KJM-1, a lymphoblastoid cell line adapted to serum-free medium, and cells resistant to G418 and Methotrexate (MTX) were obtained. Amongst them, the highest pro-UK delta GS1 producer (resistant to 200 nM of MTX), clone 2-9, was selected and used for further studies. Under the conventional conditions, i.e. at 37 degrees C in serum-free ITPSGF medium (based on RPMI-1640 medium), the oligosaccharide structure of pro-UK delta GS1 produced by clone 2-9 mainly consisted of fucose (Fuc)-containing biantennary complex-type oligosaccharide. Addition of dexamethasone (Dex), changed the carbohydrate contents in the media, and a shift down of incubation temperature caused a change in oligosaccharide structure of pro-UK delta GS1 from mainly Fuc-containing biantennary to mainly Fuc-containing tri- and tetraantennary complex-type oligosaccharide. The modulated pro-UK delta GS1 showed superior in vivo activity for a canine femoral thrombosis formed by inserting a copper-coil.

Stabile production of a thrombin resistant pro-urokinase derivative (PRO-UKS1) by Namalwa KJM-1 cells adapted to serum-free medium

Pro-UKS1 was designed as a thrombin-resistant derivative of pro-urokinase (pro-UK) by introducing a glycosylation site using site-directed mutagenesis. An expression plasmid for pro-UKS1, pMo1UKS1SEd1-5, was constructed and introduced into Namalwa KJM-1 cells (Hosoi et al., 1988), and cells resistant to G418 and Methotrexate (MTX) were obtained. Amongst them, the highest pro-UKS1 producer (resistant to 500 nM of MTX), clone 41-8, was selected and further characterized. Clone 41-8 was cultured in serum-free ITPSGF medium (Hosoi et al., 1988). Under the conventional conditions, the concentration of pro-UKS1 reached 26 micrograms ml-1. Addition of glucose and tri-iodothyronine (T3) improved productivity, and the maximal productivity of pro-UKS1 was 67 micrograms ml-1 day-1. In this conditioned medium, content of pro-UKS1 was above 80% of total proteins.

Assay of DNA denaturation by polymerase chain reaction-driven fluorescent label incorporation and fluorescence resonance energy transfer

We have developed a simple and sensitive assay method to monitor DNA denaturation. This method is based on (i) incorporation of fluorescent labels onto complementary DNA strands during target-specific amplification by polymerase chain reaction and (ii) detection of DNA denaturation by fluorescence resonance energy transfer. Fluorescein-11-dUTP and rhodamine-4-dUTP were used to label complementary DNA strands as the energy transfer donors and acceptors, respectively. The complementary DNA strands thus labeled were then annealed by incubation at a constant temperature, and the energy transfer efficiency was monitored during DNA denaturation experiments. Both heat denaturation and alkali denaturation could be monitored by this assay. Some factors affecting the DNA denaturation were also investigated.

Involvement of CD11b/CD18 in enhanced neutrophil adhesion by Fc gamma receptor stimulation

Neutrophils showed a rapid and transient adhesion to immunoglobulin G (IgG)-coated plates compared with their adhesion to bovine serum albumin (BSA)-coated plates: the adhesion reached a peak after 15 min of incubation and then gradually returned to almost the basal state in 60 min. The addition of monomeric IgG or anti-Fc gamma RII monoclonal antibody (mAb) (IV.3) suppressed the increase in adhesion, whereas anti-Fc gamma RIII mAb (3G8) was hardly effective, indicating that the interaction of Fc gamma R, especially Fc gamma RII, with coated IgG is involved in the process. Adhesion was also blocked by cytochalasin B, suggesting that functional actin filament structures are crucial. Protein kinase inhibitors, erbstatin and genistein, inhibited the adhesion in a dose-dependent manner. The adhesion was inhibited by anti-CD11b (M1/70) and anti-CD18 (MHM23, TS1/18) mAbs. Moreover, neutrophils from a patient with complete leukocyte adhesion deficiency syndrome did not show increased adhesion to IgG-coated plates. The adhesion of neutrophils to fibrinogen- and BSA-coated plates was also increased when Fc gamma R was stimulated in the fluid phase with soluble aggregated IgG, which was also inhibited by anti-CD11b mAb. Stimulation of neutrophil Fc gamma R with soluble aggregated IgG enhanced the expression of CD11b in concert with the enhanced adhesion. These data collectively suggest that stimulation via Fc gamma R evokes a tyrosine kinase-dependent and actin filament-dependent intracellular signal that enhances the specific and nonspecific adhesive activity of neutrophils, presumably through the activation of CD11b/CD18.

[A case of malignant pheochromocytoma treated with 131I-metaiodobenzylguanidine and CVD regimen]

A 44-year-old male had multiple metastasis to the lung, liver, kidney and paraaortic lymph node from primary adrenal malignant pheochromocytoma. Radiation therapy with 131I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (131I-MIBG), was first performed, which was followed by chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, vincristine and dacarbazine (CVD). A total amount of 4810 MBq of 131I-MIBG was administered then 7 cycles of CVD regimen were added. He was survived for sixteen months with tumor response in primary tumor, paraaortic lymph node and liver metastasis tumors, in addition to hormonal response. It was considered that the survival was prolonged in spite of advanced case with inoperative primary tumor.

Anti-human IgE monoclonal antibodies recognizing epitopes related to the binding sites of high and low affinity IgE receptors

Anti-human IgE monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were produced and eight clones recognizing epitopes on native IgE were selected. Epitopes were mapped by a competitive inhibition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Western blotting and a multi-pin peptide technology. Four sites (one each in the C epsilon 1, C epsilon 2, C epsilon 2/C epsilon 3 junction and C epsilon 3) were recognized by the mAbs. The relationship between the four epitopes and the binding sites of high and low affinity IgE receptors (Fc epsilon RI and Fc epsilon RII, respectively) was studied using a monovalent Fab fragment of each mAb as a binding inhibitor. The IgE-Fc epsilon RII binding was clearly inhibited by the mAb recognizing the C epsilon 2/C epsilon 3 junction, suggesting that Fc epsilon RII binds to a rather limited area around the C epsilon 2/C epsilon 3 junction. The IgE-Fc epsilon RI binding, on the other hand, was scarcely inhibited by any single mAb. However, the binding was inhibited when the epitope in C epsilon 2 was blocked simultaneously with that at the C epsilon 2/C epsilon 3 junction or with that in C epsilon 3, indicating that these three distinct epitopes are related to the Fc epsilon RI binding sites. When these three epitopes were shown in the stereograph of human IgE, the Fc epsilon RI binding area was spread largely on the groove side between C epsilon 2 and C epsilon 3 domains. These results suggest that Fc epsilon RI acquires the high affinity through multiple bindings.

[Clinical study on S-1108 in treatment of pediatric infections]

To evaluate the efficacy, the safety and the usefulness of a novel and esterified cephem antibiotic for oral use, S-1108, in pediatric infections, a clinical trial was performed. The study subjects were 15 patients including 9 with acute pharyngitis, 1 with acute tonsillitis, 2 with acute bronchitis, 1 with chronic pyelonephritis, 1 with acute abscess of the skin and 1 with impetigo contagiosa. S-1108 was administered orally at a dose of 3.7 mg/kg to 12.5 mg/kg t.i.d. for 4 to 9 days. Clinical effects were excellent in 7 cases, good in 6, fair in 1 and poor in 1. The Overall efficacy rate was 86.7%. Bacteriologically, causative organisms were all eradicated in evaluable 4 cases. As to side effects, diarrhea was observed in 2 cases. No abnormal laboratory test values were obtained.

[Study of retinal correspondence in esotropia with phase difference haploscope]

There is some concern regarding the evaluated depth of anomalous correspondence, because we often experience paradoxical results. We have already reported that, in intermittent exotropia, we sometimes found dual correspondence with a phase difference haploscope (PDH) reducing the stimulus intensity of either image with a series of neutral density filters. In this study, we analyzed the retinal correspondence in esotropes with the same procedure. 27 esotropes were examined. 11 cases had normal correspondence and 16 cases anomalous correspondence in PDH. All of the 11 normal correspondence cases retained normal correspondence when we reduced the stimulus intensity of either image of fixating eyes or squinting eyes. In the 16 anomalous correspondence cases in PDH, 2 cases showed normal correspondence when the stimulus intensity of the fixating eyes was reduced. On the other hand, 3 cases showed normal correspondence when the stimulus intensity of the squinting eyes was reduced. In fixed heterotropia, both the fovea and the part of the retina of the squinting eye which received the same images as the fovea of the fixating eye (fixating point), were suppressed by the fixating eye. We consider that, in some cases with anomalous retinal correspondence in PDH, when the stimulus intensity of the fixating eyes or the squinting eyes is reduced, the balance of the sensitivity of the foveas and the fixating points of the squinting eyes change, and show normal correspondence.

Stable production of recombinant pro-urokinase by human lymphoblastoid Namalwa KJM-1 cells: host-cell dependency of the expressed-protein stability

Human pro-urokinase (pro-UK) gene was engineered for expression in mammalian cells. The stability of recombinant pro-UKs produced by two kinds of cells, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) and human lymphoblastoid Namalwa KJM-1 cells, were compared. The pro-UK expressed in CHO cells in serum-free medium was degraded by cysteine endopeptidase secreted by CHO cells. This endopeptidase was inhibited by p-chloromercuribenzonate (PCMB) and leupeptin more efficiently than by aprotinin. On the other hand, the pro-UK expressed in Namalwa KJM-1 cells was not degraded, resulting in the stable production of pro-UK at a rate of 2-3 micrograms/10(6) cells/day by use of a gene amplification method with dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) in serum-free medium. Thus, Namalwa KJM-1 cells showed the desired characteristics as a host cell for the production of recombinant proteins. The stability of recombinant proteins in heterologous systems may vary depending on the host cells.

[A clinical evaluation on postprostatectomy incontinence]

Postprostatectomy incontinence was evaluated in 193 patients, who underwent retropubic prostatectomy (RPP) or transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) during the past 5 years from 1985 to 1989 at the Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine. The occurrence rate of postprostatectomy incontinence was 17.2% in the patients who had undergone RPP and 33.3% of those who had undergone TURP. Although postprostatectomy incontinence disappeared within one week in half of the patients, postprostatectomy incontinence remained for more than one month in 4.9% of the patients who had undergone RPP and 3.3% of those who had undergone TURP. The incidence of postprostatectomy incontinence tended to be high in the patients of advanced ages. Postprostatectomy incontinence recognized in this series was classified into stress incontinence and urgency incontinence groups. An analysis of the results of cystometry performed before the operation showed that the volume of maximum desire of voiding in the urgency incontinence group was smaller than that in the group without postprostatectomy incontinence. Furthermore, supposing the urgency degree as a new parameter, which is defined as a ratio of first desire of voiding to maximum desire of voiding, the urgency degree of the urgency incontinence group was higher than that of the group without postprostatectomy incontinence. Patients with an urgency degree higher than 70% were found to have a high probability of urgency incontinence. These findings suggested that advanced age was the risk factor of postprostatectomy incontinence and that a small bladder capacity and high urgency degree were the high risk factors of postprostatectomy urgency incontinence.

Urinary leukotriene E4 after exercise challenge in children with asthma

To assess the role of sulfidopeptide leukotrienes in the pathogenesis of exercise-induced asthma (EIA), the urinary levels of leukotriene E4 (LTE4), a metabolite of LTC4 and LTD4, were measured by RIA before and after exercise in 13 children with EIA and 10 healthy children. Mass spectrometry was used to confirm the presence of LTE4 in urine and the specificity of the RIA. There was no significant difference in the urinary LTE4 levels before exercise between the children with asthma and healthy children (109 [21 to 265] versus 122 [45 to 156] pg/mg of creatinine; median and range). Urinary LTE4 levels increased significantly after exercise in the children with EIA (from 109 [21 to 265] to 196 [40 to 655] pg/mg of creatinine; median and range; p less than 0.05) but not in the healthy children. The children with asthma demonstrated no significant correlation between the LTE4 level after exercise and the degree of bronchoconstriction, as revealed by the maximal percent fall in the peak expiratory flow rate. Taken together with a recent study that pretreatment with a potent and selective LTD4 antagonist markedly attenuated EIA, our findings suggest that sulfidopeptide leukotrienes may play some role in the pathogenesis of this type of asthma with other factors also being involved in determining the overall airway response.

Tyrosine phosphorylation and its possible role in superoxide production by human neutrophils stimulated with FMLP and IgG

Superoxide production by human neutrophils stimulated with FMLP and soluble aggregated human IgG were inhibited in a dose dependent manner by two kinds of tyrosine kinase inhibitors, erbstatin and genistein. Superoxide production stimulated with surface bound IgG, however, was scarcely inhibited by either inhibitor. Protein tyrosine phosphorylation studies with immunoblotting revealed specific tyrosine phosphorylation of a 40 Kd protein by soluble aggregated and surface bound IgG, and that of a 39 Kd protein, as well as the 40 Kd protein, by FMLP. These were all inhibited by the tyrosine kinase inhibitors. These data suggest that superoxide production induced by FMLP and soluble aggregated IgG are, at least in part, tyrosine kinase dependent, but the tyrosine kinases and/or substrates of tyrosine kinases involved may be different. In addition, tyrosine kinase independent pathways are also suggested to be involved in superoxide production by stimulation with surface bound IgG.

Effects of intravesically administered verapamil HC1 (calcium entry blocker) on the bladder function in unanesthetized rats

The effects of intravesically administered verapamil HCl (calcium entry blocker) on the bladder function were investigated using an experimental model for unanesthetized rats. Intravesical verapamil HCl caused a marked suppression of maximum intravesical pressure accompanied by an increase of residual urine in a dose-dependent manner. The effect almost disappeared 90 min after the elimination of verapamil HCl. It is tentatively suggested that the intravesical instillation of verapamil HCl could be a potent therapy for disorders of bladder function, such as uninhibited contraction.

[Production of useful recombinant proteins using Namalwa KJM-1 cells adapted to serum-free medium]

We investigated the basic technology of cell culture conditions for production of useful substances such as cytokines, and related proteins produced by Namalwa cells. Namalwa cells, human B lymphoblastoid cells, were used for large scale production of alpha-interferon. Namalwa KJM-1, a subline of Namalwa cells, adapted to serum- and albumin-free medium, can grow at a high density above 1 x 10(7) cells/ml in suspension manner by the use of a perfusion culture system, Biofermenter, containing a cone-type cell-sedimentation column as cell separator. Several kinds of cytokine cDNA can be introduced and expressed in Namalwa KJM-1 cells. Some of these were produced in large quantities by use of a gene amplification method with dhfr, even through the Namalwa KJM-1 cells contained endogenous dhfr genes. For stable production of the target protein, Namalwa KJM-1 cells are very useful host cells, because they have no effective endogenous protease activity in the conditioned medium. Using Biofermenter with micro-silicone fibers and a dialysis system, the specific productivity of the target proteins was not depressed at a high cell density.

Rapid detection and counting of single bacteria in a wide field using a photon-counting TV camera

Using Escherichia coli as a model bacterium, we tested a photon-counting method for enumeration of bacteria. This method is based on the principle that microscopic sized luminous particles in a wide field can be directly detected and counted using a photon-counting TV camera without the use of a microscope. E. coli cells were labeled with peroxidase and luminescence induced by adding a luminol-based reaction mixture. The number of luminous spots in the TV images was in good agreement with the number of bacterial colonies grown from labeled cells. The results show that our method provides a rapid and easy microbial counting system for such purposes as clinical diagnosis, microbial analysis in food, and environmental assessment.

Optimization of cell culture conditions for G-CSF (granulocyte-colony stimulating factor) production by genetically engineered namalwa KJM-1 cells

An expression vector for G-CSF, pASLB3-3, was constructed and introduced into Namalwa KJM-1 cells (Hosoi et al., 1988), and cells resistant to 100 nM of methotrexate (MTX) were obtained. Among them, the highest producer, clone SC57, was selected and the productivity of this clone was further characterized. The maximal production of G-CSF was at the most 1.8 micrograms/ml/day using a 25 cm2 tissue culture flask, even though the cell number was above 7 x 10(5) cells/ml. The limiting factors at high density were analyzed as the deficiency of nutrients, such as glucose, cysteine and serine, and pH control. The depression of specific G-CSF productivity per cell under the batch culture conditions was overcome by using a perfusion culture system, Biofermenter (Sato, 1983) with modifications of nutrients supplementation by a dialysis membrane and/or dissolved oxygen (DO) supplementation by microsilicone fibers. ITPSGF medium was modified to elevate concentrations of amino acids and glucose by 2.0- and 2.5-times, respectively. Under the control of pH at 7.4 and DO at 4 ppm, the specific G-CSF productivity was not depressed even at high cell density (above 1 x 10(7) cells/ml), and the amount of G-CSF reached 41 micrograms/ml. These results indicated the possibility of finding the optimum culture conditions for the production of recombinant proteins by Namalwa KJM-1 cells.

A novel method for detection and counting of single bacteria in a wide field using an ultra-high-sensitivity TV camera without a microscope

We describe a novel method for enumeration of bacteria, based on the principle that small, light emitting particles on a flat surface can be easily and rapidly detected and counted using an ultra-high-sensitivity TV camera. To test this method, we obtained TV images of individual cells of a luminous bacterium on a membrane filter without the use of a microscope. The positions of the luminous points in the TV images were almost the same as the positions of the bacterial colonies after growth. Our results show that the single cells can be efficiently detected and counted by our method if they emit light or can be stimulated to emit light.

Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus specific IgM antibody and its complement activation in children with bronchial asthma

Western blotting analysis and ELISA were used to examine Dp specific IgM abs in the sera and sputa of bronchial asthmatic and non-atopic children. With Western blotting Dp specific IgM abs were detected binding diffusely to high molecular weight (greater than 65 kD) components of Dp extracts and from the intensities of the staining of the sera the asthmatic children were divided into two groups: an intensive staining and a faint staining group. The non-atopic children showed still fainter staining than the latter group. ELISA titers of Dp specific IgM abs in the intensive staining group were significantly higher than in the faint staining group and the non-atopic children (p less than 0.01). Dp specific IgM abs in sputa were also detected more intensively in asthma than in non-atopy by Western blotting. The hemolytic complement activities of the fresh sera were consumed when they were incubated with Dp extracts at 37 degrees C. The degree of consumption was significantly higher in the intensive staining group than in the faint staining group and the non-atopic children (p less than 0.05). High molecular weight fractions of Dp extracts were responsible for this complement inactivation. From these results we suspected that Dp specific IgM abs might react with high molecular weight components of Dp to induce complement activation by the classical pathway and might cause chronic inflammatory changes in the respiratory mucosa. This chronic inflammation might emphasize IgE mediated asthmatic reactions to cause late phase reactions or chronic asthma.

Exercise-induced urinary excretion of leukotriene E4 in children with atopic asthma

Urinary levels of leukotriene (LT) E4, a stable end-product of LTC4 and LTD4, were measured before and after exercise in 10 children with severe asthma and seven children with moderate asthma using HPLC and RIA to clarify the relationship of LT to the severity of asthma and to the degree of bronchospasm in exercise-induced asthma. The urinary LTE4 level significantly increased after exercise in the severe asthma group, but not in the moderate asthma group (14.3 +/- 14.5 to 24.3 +/- 20.6 versus 19.6 +/- 12.3 to 17.6 +/- 10.8 ng/mmol creatinine, p less than 0.05). The urinary LTE4 level increased in 10 patients (eight with severe asthma), and it decreased in seven patients (five with moderate asthma). A significant difference in the degree of bronchospasm after exercise (as shown by the maximal % fall in the peak expiratory flow rate), was seen when patients with increased urinary LTE4 excretion were compared with those with decreased excretion (60.4 +/- 17.3 versus 24.1 +/- 14.3%, p less than 0.01). Our findings suggest that exercise-induced asthma, or at least a subtype of exercise-induced asthma, may partly develop through the release of LTC4.

Nerve growth factor specifically induces human IgG4 production

The effect of nerve growth factor (NGF) on human IgG4 production was studied. NGF specifically enhanced IgG4 production in cultures of human tonsillar mononuclear cells without affecting production of other isotypes or other IgG subclasses. Optimal enhancement of IgG4 production by NGF required the presence of T cells. However, NGF induced significant IgG4 production by small resting B cells in the absence of T cells, and this production was enhanced by stimulation with Staphylococcus aureus Cowan strain I (SAC). In contrast to small B cells, large activated B cells produced IgG4 spontaneously; this production was enhanced by NGF. NGF also enhanced IgM and IgA production by large B cells, while production of IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgE was not affected. The enhancement of IgG4 production was blocked by anti-NGF serum but not by control serum. NGF, T cells and SAC, separately or together, failed to induce IgG4 production by surface (sIgG4+)-depleted B cells. In contrast to NGF, other recombinant human cytokines including interleukin (IL) 1 beta, IL 2, IL 4, IL 5, IL 6, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, interferon alpha and gamma failed to induce IgG4 production. These results suggest that NGF directly and preferentially stimulates activated sIgG4+ B cells to produce IgG4.

Optimization of cell culture conditions for production of biologically active proteins

We investigated the basic technology of cell culture conditions for production of useful substances such as cytokines, and related proteins produced by Namalwa cells. Namalwa cells (Klein, 1972), human B lymphoblastoid cells, were used for large scale production of alpha-interferon (Klein, 1979). Namalwa KJM-1, a subline of Namalwa cells, adapted to serum- and albumin-free medium, can grow at a high density above 1 x 10(7) cells/ml in suspension mode by the use of a perfusion culture system, Biofermenter, containing a cone-type cell-sedimentation column as cell separator (Sato, 1983). Several kinds of cytokine cDNA can be introduced and expressed in Namalwa KJM-1 cells (Miyaji, 1990a,b,c). Some of these were produced in large quantities by use of a gene amplification method with dhfr (Miyaji, 1990c), even though the Namalwa KJM-1 cells contained endogenous dhfr genes. For stable production of the target protein, Namalwa KJM-1 cells are very useful host cells, because they have no effective endogenous protease activity in the conditioned medium. Using Biofermenter with micro-silicone fibers and a dialysis system, the specific productivity of the target proteins was not depressed at a high cell density.

Chinese hamster ovary cells continuously secrete a cysteine endopeptidase

The protease activity in serum-free conditioned medium of chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells was measured using peptidyl (or aminoacyl)-4-methylcoumaryl-7-amides (MCAs) as the substrates. Aminopeptidase increased in level as amounts of nonviable cells increased during cultivation in serum-free medium, indicating that the activity seems to be originated from intracellular proteases. The activity toward Boc-Leu-Arg-Arg-MCA, which was strongly inhibited by p-chloromercuribenzonate and N-ethylmaleimide, was the strongest among those toward peptidyl-MCAs in the conditioned medium within 48 h-cultivation in serum-free medium. In contrast to the case of aminopeptidase activity, the endopeptidase activity decreased in level after 48 h-cultivation although amounts of nonviable cells increases. Thus, CHO cells continuously secrete the cysteine proteases.

Expression of human beta-interferon in Namalwa KJM-1 which was adapted to serum-free medium

A Namalwa cell line, KJM-1, which was adapted to serum-free medium is thought to be a very useful host cell line for recombinant DNA technology. Thus, the utility of Namalwa KJM-1 for expression of foreign genes was examined. As a model system human beta-interferon (beta-IFN) gene was engineered for expression in this cell line. For construction of the beta-IFN expression vector pSE1 beta 1-4, the expression vector pAGE107 was constructed and used. It contains simian virus 40 (SV40) early promoter, the rabbit beta-globin RNA processing signals for splicing and polyadenylation, and SV40 early RNA processing signal for polyadenylation. In addition to the above transcription unit, pAGE107 contains the ampicillin-resistance gene and G418-resistance gene. They can confer ampicillin resistance to Escherichia coli (E. coli) and G418 resistance to animal cells. To introduce plasmid DNA into cells, electroporation is a useful method (Wong, 1982; Potter, 1984). We have established conditions for DNA-mediated transfection of Namalwa KJM-1 cell line by electroporation. Among pSE1 beta 1-4-introduced cells, clone 1-3 was further examined for the expression of beta-IFN in serum-free medium. The production level of beta-IFN was elevated with the increase of the cell density. The results indicated that the Namalwa KJM-1 cell line is useful for production of foreign gene products.

Evaluation of production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies to human IgG of four subclasses

Human IgG of four subclasses, semi-purified from pooled human serum by a series of DEAE ion exchange and protein A affinity chromatographies, were used as immunogens and initial screening antigens to produce subclass-specific and -restricted monoclonal antibodies (McAbs). These McAbs were bound to CNBr-activated Sepharose 4B and utilized in immunoaffinity chromatography to prepare four polyclonal human IgG subclasses of satisfactory purities, which were then used as final screening antigens. Subclass-specific McAbs thus chosen were further evaluated for subclass- and especially allotype-specificity using a panel of monoclonal IgG myeloma proteins with representative Gm markers for each subclass in micro enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A total of 10 clones of subclass-specific McAbs (one for anti-IgG1, three anti-IgG2, two anti-IgG3, four anti-IgG4) were established. Among them, IgG2-specific clones of HG2-30F and HG2-56F, IgG3-specific HG3-7C and HG3-32C, and IgG4-specific HG4-53G McAbs were superior to the corresponding specificity standard McAbs chosen by the Human Immunoglobulins Subcommittee of the WHO/International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS) in 1985. As allotype-specific McAbs, HG1-1E for G1m(az) and HG3-3B for G3m(b) were obtained. In micro ELISA of this study as well as all protocols of the previous WHO/IUIS collaborative study, antigens (myeloma IgG subclasses) were immobilized or fixed to a solid phase, resulting in possible variations in their epitope expressions. We developed a new assay system, micro radioimmunoassay (RIA), in which reactivities of McAbs against free IgG subclasses in solution can be evaluated. HG2-30F, having extremely high reactivities to coated IgG2 in micro ELISA, remarkably reduced its reactivities to free IgG2 in solution in micro RIA. Two other clones also showed some different reactivities in micro RIA and micro ELISA. We believe that this micro RIA is valuable for evaluation of McAbs reactivities against native human IgG subclasses in solution.