Risk factors for thrombocytopenia and analysis of time to platelet transfusion after azacitidine treatment

The use of azacitidine (AZA) has been known to lead to a high incidence of hematotoxic adverse events. The aims of this study were to identify the risk factors for thrombocytopenia after the administration of AZA and to analyze time to the initial platelet transfusion. Sixty-two patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), who were treated with AZA in Gifu Municipal Hospital between March 2012 and June 2020, were included in this study. The risk factors for thrombocytopenia were identified using univariate analysis of patient characteristics, disease type, and laboratory values immediately before the start of treatment. Variables with p<0.2 identified in the univariate analysis were used as independent variables in the multivariate analysis. This analysis identified "creatinine clearance (CCr) <60 mL/min" as a significant factor (odds ratio, 4.790; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.380-16.70; p=0.014). Subsequently, time in days to the initial platelet transfusion after the initial administration of AZA was analyzed using the log-rank test. The overall median time in days to platelet transfusion was 370 days. The log-rank test was used to determine the influence of patient characteristics, disease type, and laboratory values immediately before the start of treatment. The subsequent Cox proportional hazard regression analysis using variables with p<0.2 as independent variables identified "hemoglobin (Hb) <8.0 g/dL" as a significant factor (hazard ratio, 2.143; 95% CI, 1.001-4.573; p=0.048). The results of this study led to the following clinical implications: first, patients with CCr of <60 mL/min at the start of treatment should be treated with caution due to the risk of thrombocytopenia. Second, patients with Hb of <8.0 g/dL at the start of treatment may require platelet transfusion in the early stage of treatment.

Effects of polypharmacy on the prevalence of adverse drug events resulting in outpatient visits and hospitalization

A high proportion of hospitalizations is attributable to the prevalence of adverse drug events. This retrospective study included outpatients and inpatients to determine the prevalence of adverse drug events and if polypharmacy increases it. The prevalence, classification, and causality of adverse drug events were assessed based on medical records, laboratory values, and other data. Multivariate analysis (multiple logistic regression analysis) was performed with the presence or absence of adverse drug events at the time of the visit as the dependent variable and items for which the P-value was <0.25 in the univariate analysis as independent variables. The prevalence of adverse drug events was 13.0%, 10.9%, and 16.0% among all patients, the outpatient group, and the inpatient group, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that polypharmacy (≥5 drugs) significantly increased the risk of adverse drug events in all patients. The prevalence of adverse drug events significantly increased with each additional drug used. We expect that minimizing the number of medications through moderation of the number of prescription drugs and elimination of polypharmacy will reduce the number of outpatient visits and hospitalizations due to adverse drug events.

Relationship Between Initial Renal Function and the Inhibitory Effect of Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitor Treatment on Renal Function Decline

We retrospectively investigated the renal function index of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) to examine the influence of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors on renal function between patients up to early nephropathy and after overt nephropathy. Patients with T2DM (>18 years old) who had been prescribed hypoglycemic agents for ≥3 months at Gifu Municipal Hospital between March 2010 and April 2014 were included in the study. Renal function was evaluated as the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline from baseline at 12 months. Patients in the DPP-4 inhibitor-treated and untreated groups with an eGFR ≥60 (358 [58.2 %] and 257 [41.8 %], respectively) and eGFR <60 (115 [60.2 %] and 76 [39.8 %], respectively) were subjected to multiple logistic regression analysis. Among patients with an eGFR ≥60, no significant differences were observed in eGFR decline rates over time. However, among patients with an eGFR <60, significant decreases were observed in eGFR decline rates >10 % (6 months; odds ratio, 0.476; P = 0.043, 12 months; odds ratio, 0.413; P = 0.010). Similar results were obtained for an eGFR decline rate >20 % (12 months; odds ratio, 0.369; P = 0.049). DPP-4 inhibitors are renoprotective in patients with T2DM and an eGFR <60.

Involvement of the membrane-localized ubiquitin ligase ATL8 in sugar starvation response in Arabidopsis

As major components of the ubiquitin system, ubiquitin ligases mediate the transfer of ubiquitin to specific target substrates, thereby playing important roles in regulating a wide range of cellular processes. The Arabidopsis Tóxicos en Levadura (ATL) family is a group of plant-specific RING-type ubiquitin ligases with N-terminal transmembrane-like domains. To date, 91 ATL isoforms have been identified in the Arabidopsis genome, with some reported to regulate plant responses to environmental stresses. However, the functions of most ATLs remain unclear. This study showed that ATL8 is a sugar starvation response gene and that ATL8 expression was significantly increased by sugar starvation conditions but repressed by exogenous sugar supply. The ATL8 protein was found to possess ubiquitin ligase activity in vitro and to localize to membrane-bound compartments in plant cells. In addition, Starch Synthase 4 was identified as a putative interactor with ATL8, suggesting that ATL8 may be involved in modulating starch accumulation in response to sugar availability. These findings suggest that ATL8 functions as a membrane-localized ubiquitin ligase likely to be involved in the adaptation of Arabidopsis plants to sugar starvation stress.

Sugar-responsive transcription factor bZIP3 affects leaf shape in Arabidopsis plants

Sugars are essential for plant metabolism, growth and development. Plants must therefore manage their growth and developmental processes in response to sugar availability. Sugar signaling pathways constitute a complicated molecular network and are associated with global transcriptional regulation. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying sugar signaling remain largely unclear. This study reports that the protein basic-region leucine zipper 3 (bZIP3) is a novel sugar-responsive transcription factor in Arabidopsis plants. The expression of bZIP3 was rapidly repressed by sugar. Genetic analysis indicated that bZIP3 expression was modulated by the SNF1-RELATED KINASE 1 (SnRK1) pathway. Moreover, transgenic plants overexpressing bZIP3 and dominant repressor form bZIP3-SRDX showed aberrant shaped cotyledons with hyponastic bending. These findings suggest that bZIP3 plays a role in plant responses to sugars and is also associated with leaf development.

Methods for Elucidation of Plant Senescence in Response to C/N-Nutrient Balance

Carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) are essential elements for metabolism, and the ratio of C to N availability is called the C/N balance. C/N balance is very important for plant growth, but little is known about the detailed mechanisms of plant C/N responses. Previously a method of treating Arabidopsis plants with sugar-supplemented medium for studying C/N responses at early post-germinative growth stages has been developed. This method, however, cannot be used to determine physiological C/N effects in plants of mature growth stages, including senescence. Here we present two methods of analyzing responses to C/N treatments in senescing plants: transient C/N treatment with liquid medium and long-term C/N treatment with elevated atmospheric CO₂.

Membrane-localized ubiquitin ligase ATL15 functions in sugar-responsive growth regulation in Arabidopsis

Ubiquitin ligases play important roles in regulating various cellular processes by modulating the protein function of specific ubiquitination targets. The Arabidopsis Tóxicos en Levadura (ATL) family is a group of plant-specific RING-type ubiquitin ligases that localize to membranes via their N-terminal transmembrane-like domains. To date, 91 ATL isoforms have been identified in the Arabidopsis genome, with several ATLs reported to be involved in regulating plant responses to environmental stresses. However, the functions of most ATLs remain unknown. This study, involving transcriptome database analysis, identifies ATL15 as a sugar responsive ATL gene in Arabidopsis. ATL15 expression was rapidly down-regulated in the presence of sugar. The ATL15 protein showed ubiquitin ligase activity in vitro and localized to plasma membrane and endomembrane compartments. Further genetic analyses demonstrated that the atl15 knockout mutants are insensitive to high glucose concentrations, whereas ATL15 overexpression depresses plant growth. In addition, endogenous glucose and starch amounts were reciprocally affected in the atl15 knockout mutants and the ATL15 overexpressors. These results suggest that ATL15 protein plays a significant role as a membrane-localized ubiquitin ligase that regulates sugar-responsive plant growth in Arabidopsis.

Arabidopsis CBL-Interacting Protein Kinases Regulate Carbon/Nitrogen-Nutrient Response by Phosphorylating Ubiquitin Ligase ATL31

In response to the ratio of available carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) nutrients, plants regulate their metabolism, growth, and development, a process called the C/N-nutrient response. However, the molecular basis of C/N-nutrient signaling remains largely unclear. In this study, we identified three CALCINEURIN B-LIKE (CBL)-INTERACTING PROTEIN KINASES (CIPKs), CIPK7, CIPK12, and CIPK14, as key regulators of the C/N-nutrient response during the post-germination growth in Arabidopsis. Single-knockout mutants of CIPK7, CIPK12, and CIPK14 showed hypersensitivity to high C/low N conditions, which was enhanced in their triple-knockout mutant, indicating that they play a negative role and at least partly function redundantly in the C/N-nutrient response. Moreover, these CIPKs were found to regulate the function of ATL31, a ubiquitin ligase involved in the C/N-nutrient response via the phosphorylation-dependent ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of 14-3-3 proteins. CIPK7, CIPK12, and CIPK14 physically interacted with ATL31, and CIPK14, acting with CBL8, directly phosphorylated ATL31 in a Ca²⁺-dependent manner. Further analyses showed that these CIPKs are required for ATL31 phosphorylation and stabilization, which mediates the degradation of 14-3-3 proteins in response to C/N-nutrient conditions. These findings provide new insights into C/N-nutrient signaling mediated by protein phosphorylation.

Phosphorylation of Arabidopsis ubiquitin ligase ATL31 is critical for plant carbon/nitrogen nutrient balance response and controls the stability of 14-3-3 proteins

Ubiquitin ligase plays a fundamental role in regulating multiple cellular events in eukaryotes by fine-tuning the stability and activity of specific target proteins. We have previously shown that ubiquitin ligase ATL31 regulates plant growth in response to nutrient balance between carbon and nitrogen (C/N) in Arabidopsis. Subsequent study demonstrated that ATL31 targets 14-3-3 proteins for ubiquitination and modulates the protein abundance in response to C/N-nutrient status. However, the underlying mechanism for the targeting of ATL31 to 14-3-3 proteins remains unclear. Here, we show that ATL31 interacts with 14-3-3 proteins in a phosphorylation-dependent manner. We identified Thr(209), Ser(247), Ser(270), and Ser(303) as putative 14-3-3 binding sites on ATL31 by motif analysis. Mutation of these Ser/Thr residues to Ala in ATL31 inhibited the interaction with 14-3-3 proteins, as demonstrated by yeast two-hybrid and co-immunoprecipitation analyses. Additionally, we identified in vivo phosphorylation of Thr(209) and Ser(247) on ATL31 by MS analysis. A peptide competition assay showed that the application of synthetic phospho-Thr(209) peptide, but not the corresponding unphosphorylated peptide, suppresses the interaction between ATL31 and 14-3-3 proteins. Moreover, Arabidopsis plants overexpressing mutated ATL31, which could not bind to 14-3-3 proteins, showed accumulation of 14-3-3 proteins and growth arrest in disrupted C/N-nutrient conditions similar to wild-type plants, although overexpression of intact ATL31 resulted in repression of 14-3-3 accumulation and tolerance to the conditions. Together, these results demonstrate that the physiological role of phosphorylation at 14-3-3 binding sites on ATL31 is to modulate the binding ability and stability of 14-3-3 proteins to control plant C/N-nutrient response.

Ubiquitin ligase ATL31 functions in leaf senescence in response to the balance between atmospheric CO2 and nitrogen availability in Arabidopsis

Carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) are essential elements for metabolism, and their availability, called the C/N balance, must be tightly coordinated for optimal growth in plants. Previously, we have identified the ubiquitin ligase CNI1/ATL31 as a novel C/N regulator by screening plants grown on C/N stress medium containing excess sugar and limited N. To elucidate further the effect of C/N balance on plant growth and to determine the physiological function of ATL31, we performed C/N response analysis using an atmospheric CO2 manipulation system. Under conditions of elevated CO2 and sufficient N, plant biomass and total sugar and starch dramatically increased. In contrast, elevated CO2 with limited N did not increase plant biomass but promoted leaf chlorosis, with anthocyanin accumulation and increased senescence-associated gene expression. Similar results were obtained with plants grown in medium containing excess sugar and limited N, suggesting that disruption of the C/N balance affects senescence progression. In ATL31-overexpressing plants, promotion of senescence under disrupted CO2/N conditions was repressed, whereas in the loss-of-function mutant it was enhanced. The ATL31 gene was transcriptionally up-regulated under N deficiency and in senescent leaves, and ATL31 expression was highly correlated with WRKY53 expression, a key regulator of senescence. Furthermore, transient protoplast analysis implicated the direct activation of ATL31 expression by WRKY53, which was in accordance with the results of WRKY53 overexpression experiments. Together, these results demonstrate the importance of C/N balance in leaf senescence and the involvement of ubiquitin ligase ATL31 in the process of senescence in Arabidopsis.

Regulation of senescence under elevated atmospheric CO₂ via ubiquitin modification

Elevated atmospheric CO₂ concentration is a serious global environmental problem. Elevated CO₂ affects plant growth by changing primary metabolism, closely related to carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) availability. Under sufficient N conditions, plant growth is dramatically promoted by elevated CO₂. When N availability is limited, however, elevated CO₂ disrupts the balance between cellular C and N (C/N). Disruption of the C/N balance is regarded as an important factor in plant growth defects. Here we highlight the regulation of senescence in higher plants by atmospheric CO₂ and N, and the physiological function of C/N-related ubiquitin ligase ATL31 under condition of elevated CO₂. We also provide an overview of the ubiquitin ligases and related enzymes involved in regulating senescence in plants.

Impact of levofloxacin dose adjustments by dispensing pharmacists on adverse reactions and costs in the treatment of elderly patients

Ensuring an appropriate dosage of renally eliminated drugs for patients with renal insufficiency is important for preventing adverse drug reactions. We investigated the effectiveness of interventions by pharmacists in a hospital pharmaceutical department. The comparative study was performed at Gifu Municipal Hospital in Japan from March to August 2011, and included an intervention (142 patients) and a control group (98 patients). Upon receiving a prescription of levofloxacin for patients aged > or = 75 years, pharmacists evaluated the patients' kidney function and adjusted the appropriate dosage at the time of dispensation. In the intervention and control groups, levofloxacin-induced adverse reactions developed in 6 of 142 (4.2%) and 13 of 98 (13.3%) patients, respectively (p < 0.05). The cost of reducing levofloxacin per patient was yen 191.1 and yen 0 in the intervention and control groups, respectively. The cost per patient for adverse reaction treatments and examinations was yen 15.5 and yen 290.0 in the intervention and control groups, respectively. The intergroup difference in the total cost per patient was yen 465.6. Dose adjustment of levofloxacin at the time of dispensation by the pharmacist for patients aged > or = 75 years resulted in a decrease in the incidence of adverse reactions and cost. These findings can be applied not only to hospitals, but also to community pharmacies, because the intervention, which is a manual system, is simply performed when pharmacists are dispensing drugs.

Hemodynamic stabilizing effects of L-carnitine in chronic hemodialysis patients

BACKGROUND

The effects of L-carnitine on the hemodynamic state of chronic hemodialysis patients have been debated. In order to clarify the effect of administered L-carnitine on cardiac function and hypotensive episodes during the hemodialysis procedure, a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study was performed for 3 months.

METHODS AND RESULTS

TWENTY STABLE OUTPATIENTS UNDERGOING HEMODIALYSIS TREATMENT WERE DIVIDED INTO TWO GROUPS: controls (placebo) and treated patients (L-carnitine 900 mg p.o. daily). After 3 months, cardiac function was reevaluated by echocardiography, and hypotensive episodes during hemodialysis were assessed. Free and acyl carnitine levels increased significantly from 22.3 ± 7.1 to 140.3 ± 57.5 μmol/l and from 15.8 ± 2.8 to 94.8 ± 50.4 μmol/l, respectively, in the treated group. The ejection fraction significantly increased from 61.8 ± 16.0 to 64.4 ± 13.8% (p < 0.05) in the treated group. However, there was no difference in other echocardiographic parameters between the two groups. Hypotensive episodes significantly decreased from 4.0 ± 1.7 to 1.3 ± 0.9 times per month (p < 0.05), although patients' body weight did not change significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

Beneficial effects of L-carnitine on the hemodynamic state of chronic hemodialysis patients were observed. L-Carnitine supplementation might be considered especially for chronic hemodialysis patients with unstable hemodynamic conditions.

Risk factors for Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea and the effectiveness of prophylactic probiotic therapy

Measures for prevention of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea, a common nosocomial infection, in hospital settings are urgently needed. This study was conducted to identify the risk factors contributing to C. difficile-associated diarrhea and to evaluate the clinical benefit of probiotics in its prevention. The study included 2716 patients at least 20 years old who received an injected antibiotic at any time between February 2010 and February 2011; a total of 2687 patients (98.9%) were assigned to the non-C. difficile-associated diarrhea group, and 29 patients (1.1%) were assigned to the C. difficile-associated diarrhea group. Univariate analysis revealed a significant difference between the two groups for the following factors: antibiotic therapy for > or = 8 days; enteral nutrition; intravenous hyperalimentation; fasting; proton pump inhibitor use; H2 blocker use; and serum albumin < or = 2.9g/dL (p<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed a significant difference between the two groups for several factors. Antibiotic therapy for > or = 8 days, intravenous hyperalimentation, proton pump inhibitor use, and H2 blocker use were therefore shown to be risk factors for C. difficile-associated diarrhea. Prophylactic probiotic therapy was not shown to suppress the occurrence of C. difficile-associated diarrhea.

Apparent formation constants of Pu(IV) and Th(IV) with humic acids determined by solvent extraction method

Apparent formation constants of Pu(IV) and Th(IV) with two kinds of humic acids were determined in 0.1 M NaClO4 at 25 ºC using a solvent extraction method with thenoyltrifluoroacetone in xylene. The acid dissociation constants of humic acids were also measured by potentiometric titration and used as the degree of dissociation for calculating the formation constants. The effect of solution conditions, such as the pH, the initial metal and humic acid concentrations, and the ionic strength, on the formation constants was examined. The obtained data were compared with the ones in the literature.

Tensor force manifestations in ab initio study of the 2H(d,γ)4He, 2H(d,p)3H, and 2H(d,n)3He reactions

The (2)H(d,p)(3)H, (2)H(d,n)(3)He, and (2)H(d,γ)(4)He reactions are studied at low energies in a multichannel ab initio model that takes into account the distortions of the nuclei. The internal wave functions of these nuclei are given by the stochastic variational method with the AV8' realistic interaction and a phenomenological three-body force included to reproduce the two-body thresholds. The obtained astrophysical S factors are all in very good agreement with the experiment. The most important channels for both transfer and radiative capture are identified by comparing to calculations with an effective central force. They are all found to dominate thanks to the tensor force.

Relationship between several criteria of challenge-immunity and humoral immunity in chickens vaccinated with avian infectious bronchitis vaccines

Several methods were compared for assessing the immunity of chickens vaccinated with avian-infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) by observing tracheal ciliary activity, respiratory signs and virus recovery from several organs following challenge with virus which had not been passaged in embryos. All chickens vaccinated twice with live Kita-1 strain were protected according to all criteria. However, in chickens vaccinated with killed IBV and with H-120 strain 13 weeks earlier, respiratory signs were present and tracheal virus was isolated from the birds with ciliostasis regardless of their having significant levels of haemagglutination inhibiting (HI) antibody. This indicated that only observing the ciliary activity is insufficient for assessing complete immunity and no direct correlation exists between the serum HI titre and the presence of ciliostasis, respiratory signs and virus recovery from tracheas, excluding those from kidneys and genitalia. Regardless of the serum HI titres at challenge, full protection based on the six criteria was found in some birds at 1 week and in most chickens from 2 to 6 weeks after intraocular vaccination with live Kita-1 strain.

Frontal cerebral blood flow change associated with infant-directed speech

OBJECTIVE

To examine the auditory perception of maternal utterances by neonates using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS).

METHODS

Twenty full-term, healthy neonates were included in this study. The neonates were tested in their cribs while they slept in a silent room. First, two probe holders were placed on the left and right sides of the forehead over the eyebrows using double-sided adhesive tape. The neonates were then exposed to auditory stimuli in the form of infant-directed speech (IDS) or adult-directed speech (ADS), sampled from each of the mothers, through an external auditory speaker.

RESULTS

A 2 (stimulus: IDS and ADS) x 2 (recording site: channel 1 (right side) and channel 2 (left side)) analysis of variance for these relative oxygenated haemoglobin values showed that IDS (Mean = 0.25) increased brain function significantly (F = 3.51) more than ADS (Mean = -0.26).

CONCLUSIONS

IDS significantly increased brain function compared with ADS. These results suggest that the emotional tone of maternal utterances could have a role in activating the brains of neonates to attend to the utterances, even while sleeping.

Pigmented villonodular synovitis of the temporomandibular joint: differential diagnosis and case report

Pigmented villonodular synovitis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is rare. We present a patient in whom the lesion had invaded the infratemporal fossa and destroyed the mandibular condyle.

Expression of Dmrt1 protein in developing and in sex-reversed gonads of amphibians

Many genes are known to be involved in gonadal differentiation in vertebrates. Dmrt1, a gene that encodes a transcription factor with a DM-domain, is considered to be one of the essential genes controlling testicular differentiation in mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish. However, it still remains unknown which testicular cells of animals other than mice and chicks express Dmrt1 protein. For an explanation of its role(s) in testicular differentiation in vertebrates, the expression of the Dmrt1 protein needs to be studied. For this purpose, we conducted an immunohistochemical study of this protein in an amphibian by using an antibody specific for Dmrt1. No positive signal was found in the indifferent gonad of tadpoles of Rana rugosa at early stages. However, in the testis of tadpoles at later stages (XV-XXV) and in frogs one month after metamorphosis, this protein was expressed in interstitial cells and Sertoli cells. In the testis of adult frogs, germ cells also expressed Dmrt1 protein. RT-PCR analysis revealed that the gene for this protein was not transcribed at any time during ovarian development, but was expressed in the female to male sex-reversed gonad. This was true when immunohistological studies were performed. In addition, Southern blot analysis showed DMRT1 to be an autosomal gene. Taken together, our findings indicate that Dmrt1 protein is expressed by interstitial cells, Seroli cells and germ cells in the testis of R. rugosa. Dmrt1 may thus be very involved in the testicular differentiation of amphibians.

Industry forum: Progress in pursuit of therapeutic A2A antagonists: The adenosine A2A receptor selective antagonist KW6002: Research and development toward a novel nondopaminergic therapy for Parkinson's disease

Research and development of the adenosine A2A receptor selective antagonist KW6002 have focused on developing a novel nondopaminergic therapy for Parkinson's disease (PD). Salient pharmacologic features of KW6002 were investigated in several animal models of PD. In rodent and primate models, KW6002 provides symptomatic relief from parkinsonian motor deficits without provoking dyskinesia or exacerbating existing dyskinesias. The major target neurons of the A2A receptor antagonist were identified as GABAergic striatopallidal medium spiny neurons. A possible mechanism of A2A receptor antagonist action in PD has been proposed based on the involvement of striatal and pallidal presynaptic A2A receptors in the "dual" modulation of GABAergic synaptic transmission. Experiments with dopamine D2 receptor knockout mice showed that A2A receptors can function and anti-PD activities of A2A antagonists can occur independent of the dopaminergic system. Clinical studies of KW6002 in patients with advanced PD with L-dopa-related motor complications yielded promising results with regard to motor symptom relief without motor side effects. The development of KW6002 represents the first time that a concept gleaned from A2A biologic research has been applied successfully to "proof of concept" clinical studies. The selective A2A antagonist should provide a novel nondopaminergic approach to PD therapy.

Targeting oncogenesis by introduction of a 5.2-kbp segment of the 5' regulatory region of the human thyrotropin beta-subunit gene

We produced transgenic mice carrying a fusion gene (TTP-5) consisting of a 5.2-kbp segment of the 5' flanking sequence of the human thyrotropin beta-subunit (TSH beta) gene linked to the simian virus 40 large T antigen (SVT) gene. These mice developed pituitary tumors 6 months after birth and wasted away. With the 5.2-kbp TSH beta 5' flanking region governing SVT expression, SVT mRNA was present in the pituitary and testis but not in other tissues, as detected by the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses showed that the pituitary tumors of the transgenic mice were composed of moderately differentiated pituitary cells that expressed TSH, growth hormone, and prolactin. These results indicate that the 5.2-kbp segment of the human TSH beta 5' regulatory region is sufficient to drive expression of SVT and induce tumorigenesis of hormone-producing pituitary cells in transgenic mice.

Differential diagnosis of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition of the temporomandibular joint

Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) deposition disease (pseudogout) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is rare. It is characterized by the presence of crystal deposits that are birefringent under polarized light. Although these crystals are characteristically weakly birefringent, some other crystals such as those of calcium oxalate, synthetic steroids, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid are also birefringent. The differential diagnosis should therefore be based on a quantitative analysis of crystals or observation of the crystal structure in calcified sections. We present a case of CPPD deposition disease of the TMJ and report on the value of such an analysis to substantiate the diagnosis.

Rescue of locomotor impairment in dopamine D2 receptor-deficient mice by an adenosine A2A receptor antagonist

In Parkinson's disease a degeneration of dopaminergic neurons of the nigrostriatal pathway is observed. Loss of dopaminergic regulation of striatal neuron activity results in altered motor functions. Adenosine A2A (A2AR) and dopamine D2 (D2R) receptors are colocalized in striatal medium spiny neurons. It has been proposed that adenosine binding to A2AR lowers the affinity of dopamine for D2R, thus modulating the function of this receptor. Absence of D2R in knockout mice (D2R-/-) results in impaired locomotion and coordinated movements. This indicates that absence of dopamine in Parkinson's disease might principally affect D2R-mediated effects with regard to locomotor functions. A2AR-selective antagonists have been demonstrated to have anti- parkinsonian activities in various models of Parkinson's disease in rodents and nonhuman primates. In this article, D2R-/- mice were used to explore the possibility that an A2AR antagonist might reestablish their motor impairment. Interestingly, blockade of A2AR rescues the behavioral parameters altered in D2R-/- mice. In addition, the level of expression of enkephalin and substance P, which were altered in D2R-/-, were also reestablished to normal levels after A2AR antagonist treatment. These results show that A2AR and D2R have antagonistic and independent activities in controlling neuronal and motor functions in the basal ganglia. They also provide evidence that selective A2AR antagonists can exhibit their anti-parkinsonian activities through a nondopaminergic mechanism.

Reactions of a series of 1-aminobenzimidazoles and 1-amino-3-methylbenzimidazolium chlorides with 2,4-pentanedione

Reactions of a series of 1-aminobenzimidazoles and 1-amino-3-methylbenzimidazolium chlorides with 2,4-pentanedione were carried out and pyridazino[1,6-a]benzimidazoles and 2-pyrazolylanilines were generated. The product ratios of these compounds remarkably depended on the reaction conditions and on the electronic character of the substituent at the benzene moiety. The possible mechanisms involved in these reactions are discussed.

Reactions of chloride salts of 7-amino-9-ethylguanine and 1-amino-3-methylbenzimidazoles with lead(IV) acetate: formation of 8-aza-9-ethylguanine and 1-methyl-1H-benzotriazoles

Reaction of 7-amino-9-ethylguaninium chloride with lead(IV) acetate (LTA) in MeOH yielded 8-aza-9-ethylguanine. Similarly, the reaction of 1-amino-3-methylbenzimidazolium chloride or its substituted derivatives (6-methyl, 5,6-dimethyl and 5-nitro) with LTA gave the corresponding 1-methyl-1H-benzotriazole (or 1-methyl-2-azabenzimidazole) derivatives along with N-methylformananilide derivatives.

Oxidation of 1-amino-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine, a 1-amino analog of MPTP, by type A and B monoamine oxidase

A 1-amino analog of MPTP, 1(N)-amino-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine, was synthesized and the oxidation was examined using human synaptosomal mitochondria as sources of type A and B monoamine oxidase. An oxidation product, 1-amino-4-phenylpyridinium ion, was quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography-fluorometric detection. The amino analog was a substrate of both type A and B monoamine oxidase and the oxidation depended linearly on the enzyme amount and the reaction time with an optimal pH around 7.5. After the systemic injection of the amino analog in C57/black mice for one week, 1-amino-4-phenylpyridinium ion was detected in the brain. 1(N)-Amino-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine was proved to be cytotoxic to pheochromocytoma PC12 cells, and it may be a new neurotoxin bioactivated through the oxidation by type A and B monoamine oxidase.

Cytotoxicity of 1-amino-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine and 1-amino-4-phenylpyridinium ion, 1-amino analogues of MPTP and MPP+, to clonal pheochromocytoma PC12 cells

1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) induces parkinsonism in humans after its oxidation into 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+) by type B monoamine oxidase. The 1-amino analogues of MPTP and MPP+, 1-amino-4-phenyl-1,2,3, 6-tetrahydropyridine (APTP) and 1-amino-4-phenylpyridinium ion (APP+), were synthesized, and their cytotoxicity to clonal pheochromocytoma PC12 cells was examined using a tetrazolium formazan assay. After incubation for 48 and 72 h, both APP+ and APTP were found to be cytotoxic to PC12 cells, whereas with the N-methyl analogues, only MPP+, but not MPTP, was cytotoxic. The cytotoxicity of APTP increased with incubation time and equaled that of MPP+ after 72 h. It was found that APTP was oxidized to APP+ by type A monoamine oxidase in PC12 cells, suggesting that APP+ itself may damage the cells. In addition to APTP and APP+, N-amino analogues of N-methylisoquinolines and related derivatives were also synthesized and examined for their cytotoxicity to PC12 cells.

[Prevalence of glucose intolerance in Japan--from the National Circulatory Disorders Basic Survey, 1990]

The prevalence of glucose intolerance was surveyed in 8,063 people over 30 years old from the general population of Japan. The data used in the analysis were from the Fourth National Circulatory Disorders Basic Survey, which was conducted in 1990. Survey items included history of diabetes mellitus, body mass index (BMI) and daily life activity. Blood and urine were also examined, and the blood glucose levels, presence or absence of sugar in urine, and levels of glycohemoglobin (HbA1c) were determined. Glucose intolerance was identified from the blood glucose level, HbA1c level and history of diabetes mellitus. The frequency of glucose intolerance was 8.6% in all subjects (11.9% in men and 6.3% in women). The frequency was higher in older people: 1.7 times higher in men over 65 years old and 2.5 times higher in women over 65 years old. Among people over 40 years old, glucose intolerance was significantly more prevalent in men than in women. It was also significantly more prevalent in men living in big cities than in men living in rural areas. Among obese male subjects and men with a low level of activity in daily life, the frequency of glucose intolerance was higher than in normal male subjects. The level of activity in daily life tended to be lower for people living in big cities than for those in rural areas. The results suggest that the prevalence of glucose intolerance depends on the environment in which people live. The results also indicate that raising the level of activities in daily life might help prevent diabetes mellitus.

Hepatic veno-occlusive disease in a case of polymyositis associated with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura/hemolytic uremic syndrome

A 50-year-old woman was treated with prednisolone for polymyositis. During the therapy, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura/hemolytic uremic syndrome (TTP/HUS) occurred. Neither plasma infusion nor plasma exchange could relieve the clinical manifestations of TTP/HUS. Moreover, massive ascites appeared and worsened her condition. She died approximately one year after the diagnosis of polymyositis. The autopsy revealed centri-lobular hepatic necrosis and nonthrombotic obliteration of hepatic small veins. The diagnosis of hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) was made. It was suspected that common factors other than cytoreductive therapy had damaged the endothelium and caused TTP/HUS and VOD in a case of polymyositis.

Reactions of 1-methylbenzimidazole derivatives with m-chloroperoxybenzoic acid

Oxidation of seven 1-methylbenzimidazole (MBI) derivatives (with pKa's ranging from 1.6 to 6.0) was carried out with m-chloroperoxybenzoic acid and structures of the products formed were identified. (Condensed benzene moiety-hydroxylated)-2-(m-chlorobenzyloxy)-MBIs and 2-oxo-MBIs were obtained from MBIs with pKa's of more than 5.6 and about 3.3, respectively.

[The effect of FK 506, an immunosuppressant, on cerebral infarction volume in focal cerebral ischemia in rats]

The effect of FK 506, an immunosuppressant which is widely used in the transplantation of liver, kidney and bone marrow, on cerebral infarction volume in transient focal ischemia was investigated. Focal cerebral ischemia was produced by 2 h occlusion of the left middle cerebral artery in rats. FK 506 (0.3 mg/kg body weight) and vehicle were administered intravenously immediately after induction of cerebral ischemia. After 24 h reperfusion the rats were sacrificed and brain infarct volume and edema volume were determined. The FK 506 treatment group showed a significantly reduced infarct volume in the cerebral cortex when it was compared with the vehicle treatment group, but infarct volume was not significantly reduced in the striatum which was the ischemic core in this focal ischemia model. However, FK 506 did not reduce the edema volume significantly. These results suggest that the reduction of infarct volume is a result of the neuroprotective effect of FK 506. This immunosuppressant may be useful in the treatment of cerebral infarction.

Morphological study of pituitary tumorigenesis in transgenic mice induced by hybrid oncogene of the thyrotropin beta-subunit and the simian virus 40 large T-antigen

We have created a transgenic mouse, TTP-1, generating anterior pituitary tumors by using the simian virus 40 (SV40) large T antigen gene and human thyrotropin beta-subunit gene. To examine characteristics of tumors, histological details were investigated using light and electron microscopies. The main tumor tissues, composed of small chromophobe cells, were located inferior to but clearly separated from the hypothalamus; however, neuron fibers probably derived from the hypothalamus were observed to invade some tumor tissues. Some differentiated endocrine cells occupied the caudal region of the tumor. Immunohistochemically, SV40 large T antigen was expressed in the cell nucleus of the undifferentiated cell area, whereas cells expressing several hormones were mainly distributed in the differentiated cell area. Electron microscopically, the undifferentiated cells were divided into 2 types; electron-dense and -lucent cells, the nuclei of which were composed of obscured nucleoli and many notable invaginations of the nuclear membrane. No intracellular microfilamentous structures were observed. Sometimes it was noted that cytoplasmic processes were connected with gap junctions. In the intercellular spaces, there were neuron fibrous and synapse-like structures. In the differentiated cell area, the cell membranes directly contacting other cells were relatively smooth, and many gap junctions were demonstrated. Secretory granules, which were round and less than 100 nm in diameter, were more electron dense in smaller cells than in larger cells. They were aligned just below the cell membrane. Immuno-electron microscopically, positive reactions for SV40 were observed in the nuclei of the undifferentiated cell area. In the differentiated cell area, most of the secretory granules were labeled by GH. TTP-1 transgenic mice should provide a valuable animal model for studying the pathogenesis of anterior pituitary tumors.

Indole derivatives as a new class of steroid 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors

A series of indole derivatives with varied substituents on the alpha, beta-unsaturated double bond were synthesized and evaluated for their ability to inhibit rat prostatic 5 alpha-reductase. Compounds possessing an ethyl substituent at the beta-position of the double bond showed potent inhibitory activity. Among them, (Z)-4-{2-[[3-[1-(4,4'-difluorobenzhydryl)indol-5-yl]-2-pentenoy l]- amino]phenoxy}butyric acid (16, KF20405) showed the maximum potency with an IC50 value of 0.48 +/- 0.086 nM, which was 20-fold higher potency than 1 (MK-906). Compound 16 effectively inhibited DHT production 4 h after a 3 mg/kg oral administration. Several potent indole derivatives, 1 and 2 ((+/-)-ONO-3805), were tested versus rat and human isozymes. Nonsteroidal inhibitors such as indole derivatives and 2 were 2-3 orders of magnitude less potent for human type 2 isozyme than steroidal inhibitor 1 and expressed a significant species deference for these isozymes.

Morphometric study on the fetal thyroid gland in the nude mouse (BALB/cAnNCrj-nu/nu)

Fetal thyroid glands of athymic nude mice (BALB/cAnNCrj-nu/nu) were examined morphometrically on day 18 of gestation. Compared to euthymic litter mate controls (BALB/ cAnNCrj-nu/+), both the cell height and diameter of thyroid follicles were significantly smaller; fewer well-developed follicles were found in the peripheral region of the thyroid; the body weight and total volume of the thyroid gland were also smaller in nude mice. These results suggest underdevelopment of the fetal thyroid gland of the athymic nude mouse.

[Clinical study of ten cases with acute abdomen after eating raw firefly squid (Watasenia scintillans, Hotaruika), which are probably due to type X larvae of the suborder spirurina]

We studied ten cases with abdominal pain after eating raw firefly squid, Watasenia scintillans, Hotaruika. Characteristic clinical features were abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, creeping eruption and ileus with ascites. In ten patients, there were all cases with abdominal pain, nine with nausea and vomiting, four with diarrhea, one with creeping eruption, six with ileus. Laboratory examination revealed eosinophilia on peripheral blood in ten cases and high serum IgE value in nine cases. The infection rate of type X lavae of the suborder spirurina in Watasenia scintillans is almost 3%, so we measured the antibody to type X larvae of the suborder spirurina in nine patients by indirect fluorescent antibody method and the antibody titer was positive in seven cases. Most patients recovered in several days from first visit. But one patient was diagnosed peritonitis and operated with partial ileectomy. Pathological finding of resected specimen showed an erosion in the mucosal layer and an inflammation with marked eosinophilia in the submucosal layer. These results suggest that abdominal complaints after eating Watasenia scintillans are due to type X larvae of the suborder spirurina.

The natural occurrence of fumonisins in Brazilian corn kernels

Since animal intoxication related to corn-based feed is frequently observed in the State of Paraná, Brazil, natural contamination by fumonisins in 48 corn samples (39 from the State of Paraná, and 9 from the Brazilian tropical states, Mato Grosso do Sul and Goias) harvested in 1990-1991 was investigated, along with fungal flora. The total mould count ranged from 6.3 x 10(2) to 5.5 x 10(7) cfu/g, and Fusarium moniliforme and Aspergillus species belonging to section Flavi were detected in 41 and 33 samples, respectively. Regarding the samples from the State of Paraná, F. moniliforme was present in 33 samples at a count of 1.0 x 10(2) to 1.6 x 10(7) cfu/g and Aspergillus spp. in section Flavi in 27 samples at 1.0 x 10(2) to 1.0 x 10(6) cfu/g. HPLC analysis of fumonisins in the corn showed that fumonisins B1 (FB1) and B2 (FB2) were positive for 97.4% and 94.8% of samples respectively. All the corn from North Paraná was positive for fumonisins, with average FB1 levels of 4.79 micrograms/g and average FB2 levels of 3.95 micrograms/g: the Central-West region had average levels of 3.30 and 2.52 micrograms/g, and the Central-East had average of 3.25 and 2.34 micrograms/g, respectively. Except for one negative sample all the corn samples from the Central Region were positive for fumonisins, averaging FB1 levels being 5.45 micrograms/g and FB2 levels being 5.09 micrograms/g. Out of eight samples from the tropical state of Mato Grosso do Sul, F. moniliforme was detected in seven and Aspergillus spp. in section Flavi in five samples with average FB1 levels of 10.59 micrograms/g and average for FB2 levels of 10.31 micrograms/g. The samples from Goias were also contaminated with these two fungi, with the FB1 contamination being 5.83 and the FB2 contamination 3.62 micrograms/g.

[Marked dilatation of the bilateral common carotid artery: a case report]

We reported a rare case of marked dilatation of the bilateral common carotid artery (CCA) associated with stenosis of the left middle cerebral artery (MCA). A 64-year-old female was admitted with right hemiparesis and dysarthria. She was hospitalized 2 years ago for cholecystitis. For 5 years, she has been under medical treatment for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, cardiac failure associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and atrial fibrillation. Brain CT scan showed infarction of the left corona radiata. Angiography revealed marked dilatation of the bilateral CCA and the internal carotid artery (ICA), moderate dilatation of the innominate artery and the right subclavian artery, kinking of the right CCA, diverticular outpouching of the left ICA, and stenosis of the right external carotid artery and the left MCA. Breast CT scan revealed moderate dilatation and marked calcification of the ascending aorta and the aortic arch. Laboratory examination did not show any sign of inflammation, rheumatoid factor (RA), antistreptolysis-O (ASLO) and antinucleotic antibody. Based on the clinical course, radiological findings and laboratory data, possible diagnosis of the dilatation of the bilateral CCA was discussed with particular emphasis on arteriosclerotic aneurysm and aortitis syndrome.

Targeted pituitary tumorigenesis using the human thyrotropin beta-subunit chain promoter in transgenic mice

We have generated transgenic mice that express the simian virus 40 (SV40) large T antigen under the control of a 1109 bp 5'-flanking sequence of the human thyrotropin beta-subunit (TSH beta) gene. The hybrid gene, termed TTP-1, was microinjected into fertilized mouse eggs and 11 transgenic mice were obtained. One of the transgenic mice, a female, a phenotypical dwarf, developed a pituitary tumor and wasted away from 7 to 9 weeks after birth. To establish the transgenic mouse line, her ovaries were transferred to a normal female, whose ovaries were removed beforehand. To examine the tissue specificity of transgene expression, mRNA of SV40 large T antigen was monitored in various tissues from the transgenic mice by the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis, and was detected only in the pituitary. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses showed that the pituitary tumors of the transgenic mice were composed of poorly differentiated pituitary cells expressing SV40 large T antigen. These results indicated that the 1109 bp sequence of the human TSH beta 5'-flanking region is essential for pituitary-specific expression of SV40 large T antigen in transgenic mice, which exhibited a dwarf phenotype and developed pituitary tumors. The tumors were composed of undifferentiated cells and did not produce thyrotropin. These transgenic mice should provide a valuable animal model for studying the pathogenesis of anterior pituitary tumors.

Expression of the Newcastle disease virus (NDV) fusion glycoprotein and vaccination against NDV challenge with a recombinant baculovirus

The hybrid baculovirus constructed from Autographa california nuclear polyhedrosis virus (NPV) and Bombyx mori (silkworm) NPV was used for expression of fusion glycoprotein (F) of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) strain D26. The gene encoding F protein was introduced into the improved baculovirus expression vector derived from the host-range-expanded baculovirus. In Spodoptera frugiperda (fall armyworm) cells infected with a recombinant baculovirus, HyF121, the expressed F protein was properly located onto the cell surface. After silkworm pupae were infected with HyF121, a subunit vaccine against NDV was prepared from the HyF121-infected pupae. Chickens inoculated with the subunit vaccine were protected against virulent NDV challenge.