Favourable swallowing outcomes after subtotal glossectomy with laryngeal suspension

Subtotal or total glossectomy for advanced tongue cancer has an adverse impact on swallowing. The purpose of this retrospective study was to analyse postoperative swallowing outcomes and to determine the ideal reconstruction method in these patients. The clinical and swallowing data of patients with tongue cancer who underwent subtotal glossectomy at the study institution between 2005 and 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. Data were available for 101 patients. The most common reconstruction method was a free rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap (69 cases). The postoperative feeding tube dependency rate was 11.1% at discharge and 9.4% at 1 year. During the study period, laryngeal suspension and/or a cricopharyngeal myotomy was performed in 39 patients (38.6%), with 25 of these operations performed after 2017. Patients treated in 2017-2019 were significantly more able to take thin liquid (P < 0.001) and lost less weight (P = 0.015) compared to those treated in 2005-2016. Multivariate analysis of 61 patients who did not undergo laryngeal suspension and/or cricopharyngeal myotomy showed significant feeding tube dependency in those aged 65 years and older (P = 0.004). Thin liquid intake was significantly improved after subtotal glossectomy with laryngeal suspension, which led to better postoperative swallowing and improved quality of life.

Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab versus lenvatinib or sorafenib in non-viral unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: an international propensity score matching analysis

BACKGROUND

A growing body of evidence suggests that non-viral hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) might benefit less from immunotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We carried out a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from consecutive patients with non-viral advanced HCC, treated with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab, lenvatinib, or sorafenib, in 36 centers in 4 countries (Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, and UK). The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS) with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab versus lenvatinib. Secondary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab versus lenvatinib, and OS and PFS with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab versus sorafenib. For the primary and secondary endpoints, we carried out the analysis on the whole population first, and then we divided the cohort into two groups: non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) population and non-NAFLD/NASH population.

RESULTS

One hundred and ninety patients received atezolizumab plus bevacizumab, 569 patients received lenvatinib, and 210 patients received sorafenib. In the whole population, multivariate analysis showed that treatment with lenvatinib was associated with a longer OS [hazard ratio (HR) 0.65; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.44-0.95; P = 0.0268] and PFS (HR 0.67; 95% CI 0.51-0.86; P = 0.002) compared to atezolizumab plus bevacizumab. In the NAFLD/NASH population, multivariate analysis confirmed that lenvatinib treatment was associated with a longer OS (HR 0.46; 95% CI 0.26-0.84; P = 0.0110) and PFS (HR 0.55; 95% CI 0.38-0.82; P = 0.031) compared to atezolizumab plus bevacizumab. In the subgroup of non-NAFLD/NASH patients, no difference in OS or PFS was observed between patients treated with lenvatinib and those treated with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab. All these results were confirmed following propensity score matching analysis. By comparing patients receiving atezolizumab plus bevacizumab versus sorafenib, no statistically significant difference in survival was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The present analysis conducted on a large number of advanced non-viral HCC patients showed for the first time that treatment with lenvatinib is associated with a significant survival benefit compared to atezolizumab plus bevacizumab, in particular in patients with NAFLD/NASH-related HCC.

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in hepatocarcinoma: new insights about its prognostic role in patients treated with lenvatinib

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment remains a big challenge in the field of oncology. The liver disease (viral or not viral) underlying HCC turned out to be crucial in determining the biologic behavior of the tumor, including its response to treatment. The aim of this analysis was to investigate the role of the etiology of the underlying liver disease in survival outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a multicenter retrospective study on a large cohort of patients treated with lenvatinib as first-line therapy for advanced HCC from both Eastern and Western institutions. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Among the 1232 lenvatinib-treated HCC patients, 453 (36.8%) were hepatitis C virus positive, 268 hepatitis B virus positive (21.8%), 236 nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) correlate (19.2%) and 275 had other etiologies (22.3%). The median progression-free survival (mPFS) was 6.2 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 5.9-6.7 months] and the median overall survival (mOS) was 15.8 months (95% CI 14.9-17.2 months). In the univariate analysis for OS NASH-HCC was associated with longer mOS [22.2 versus 15.1 months; hazard ratio (HR) 0.69; 95% CI 0.56-0.85; P = 0.0006]. In the univariate analysis for PFS NASH-HCC was associated with longer mPFS (7.5 versus 6.5 months; HR 0.84; 95% CI 0.71-0.99; P = 0.0436). The multivariate analysis confirmed NASH-HCC (HR 0.64; 95% CI 0.48-0.86; P = 0.0028) as an independent prognostic factor for OS, along with albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade, extrahepatic spread, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, portal vein thrombosis, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status and alpha-fetoprotein. An interaction test was performed between sorafenib and lenvatinib cohorts and the results highlighted the positive predictive role of NASH in favor of the lenvatinib arm (P = 0.0047).

CONCLUSION

NASH has been identified as an independent prognostic factor in a large cohort of patients with advanced HCC treated with lenvatinib, thereby suggesting the role of the etiology in the selection of patients for tyrosine kinase treatment. If validated, this result could provide new insights useful to improve the management of these patients.

Increased Facet Fluid Predicts Dynamic Changes in the Dural Sac Size on Axial-Loaded MRI in Patients with Lumbar Spinal Canal Stenosis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Axial-loaded MR imaging, which simulates the spinal canal in a standing position, demonstrates reductions of the dural sac cross-sectional area in patients with lumbar spinal canal stenosis. However, there has been no useful conventional MR imaging finding for predicting a reduction in the dural sac cross-sectional area on axial-loaded MR imaging. Previous studies have shown that increased facet fluid is associated with the spinal instability detected during positional changes. The purpose of this study was to analyze the correlations between facet fluid and dynamic changes in the dural sac cross-sectional area on axial-loaded MR imaging.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In 93 patients with lumbar spinal canal stenosis, the dural sac cross-sectional area was measured by using axial images of conventional and axial-loaded MR imaging. Changes in the dural sac cross-sectional area induced by axial loading were calculated. The correlation between the facet fluid width measured on conventional MR imaging and the change in dural sac cross-sectional area was analyzed. The change in the dural sac cross-sectional area was compared between the intervertebral levels with and without the facet fluid width that was over the cutoff value determined in this study.

RESULTS

The dural sac cross-sectional area was significantly smaller on axial-loaded MR imaging than on conventional MR imaging. The facet fluid width significantly correlated with the change in the dural sac cross-sectional area (r = 0.73, P < .001). The change in the dural sac cross-sectional area at the intervertebral level with the facet fluid width over the cutoff value was significantly greater than that at the other level.

CONCLUSIONS

The increased facet fluid on conventional MR imaging is highly predictive of the dynamic reduction of dural sac cross-sectional area detected on axial-loaded MR imaging in the clinical assessment of lumbar spinal canal stenosis.

Dynamic changes in the dural sac cross-sectional area on axial loaded MR imaging: is there a difference between degenerative spondylolisthesis and spinal stenosis?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Axial loaded MR imaging, which can simulate the spinal canal of patients in a standing position, demonstrates a significant reduction of the DCSA compared with conventional MR imaging and provides valuable imaging findings in the assessment of the lumbar spinal canal. The purpose of this study was to compare the DCSA on axial loaded MR imaging between patients with DS and SpS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighty-eight consecutive patients were divided into DS and SpS groups. DCSA on conventional MR imaging and axial loaded MR imaging and changes in the DCSA induced by axial loading were compared between DS and SpS groups. The prevalence of a significant change (>15 mm(2)) in the DCSA was compared between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

Axial loaded MR imaging demonstrated significantly smaller DCSA in the DS group (35 ± 22 mm(2)) than in the SpS group (50 ± 31 mm(2)), though conventional MR imaging did not show any differences between the 2 groups. The change in the DCSA induced by axial loading was significantly larger in the DS group (17 ± 12 mm(2)) compared with the SpS group (8 ± 8 mm(2)). The prevalence of a >15-mm(2) change in the DCSA was significantly higher in the DS group (62.5%) than in the SpS group (16.7%) (odds ratio, 8.33; 95% confidence interval, 3.09-22.50).

CONCLUSIONS

Axial loaded MR imaging demonstrated significantly larger changes in the DCSA in patients with DS compared those with SpS. A significant change in the DCSA was more frequently observed in patients with DS. Axial loaded MR imaging may therefore be a more useful tool to decrease the risk of underestimating the spinal canal narrowing in patients with DS than in those with SpS.

An X-linked body color gene of the frog Rana rugosa and its application to the molecular analysis of gonadal sex differentiation

We identified a sex-linked, recessive body color gene, presently designated w (whitish-yellow), in the frog Rana rugosa from the Iwakuni population in Western Japan. This is the first time a sex-linked body color gene was found in amphibians so far. In this population of R. rugosa, males are the heterogametic sex, but the sex chromosomes are still homomorphic. When heterozygous males (Ww), which were produced by crossing a whitish-yellow female (ww) found in the field and a wild-type male (WW) of the same population, were backcrossed to the homozygous whitish-yellow female (ww), the resultant male offspring were all wild-type, whereas the females were all whitish-yellow. This result definitely indicates that w is recessive and X-linked, and its wild-type allele W is located on the Y chromosome. Using this strain (X(w)X(w) female and X(w)Y(W) male), we found that expression of Dmrt1 and Rspo1, which are involved in testicular and ovarian differentiation in vertebrates, was higher in males and females, respectively, prior to the onset of the sexually dimorphic expression of Cyp17 and Cyp19, which are involved in biosynthesis of sex steroids and are critical markers of gonadal sex differentiation.

Styrene monomer primarily induces CYP2B1 mRNA in rat liver

To determine the cytochrome P450 (CYP) primarily expressed after styrene exposure, seven forms of hepatic CYP mRNA in rats treated with 600 mg kg(-1) styrene were examined. CYP1A2, CYP2B1/2, CYP2E1 and CYP3A2 mRNA were observed using real-time LightCycler PCR. The amount of CYP2B1 mRNA was significantly increased, 47-fold compared with controls, suggesting that this CYP is the primary cytochrome P450 in rats exposed to styrene. Significant increases in the amount of CYP2E1, CYP1A2 and CYP2B2 mRNA were also observed after styrene exposure, and their increase levels were 3.1-, 1.7- and 1.7-fold higher than controls, respectively. Western blot analysis also indicated that the protein levels of CYP2B1, CYP2B2, CYP2E1 and CYP1A2 showed clear increases after styrene treatment, corresponding to their mRNA expression. CYP2C11 mRNA decreased significantly in rats after styrene exposure. CYP1A1 was detected at the mRNA level in rat liver, but it was not detected at the protein level. The expression of epoxide hydrolase (EH), involved in Phase I drug metabolism, was also examined. EH mRNA increased 2-fold compared with controls after styrene exposure. Styrene thus appears to be a chemical compound that induces multiple CYPs. The results demonstrate that CYP2B1 is the primarily induced CYP form by styrene treatment to rats at acute toxic level.

Validity and utility of the Japanese version of the WHO-Five Well-Being Index in the context of detecting suicidal ideation in elderly community residents

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to evaluate the validity and the utility of the Japanese version of the WHO-Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5-J) in the context of detecting suicidal ideation in elderly community residents.

METHODS

A sample of 696 subjects aged 70 years or over who completed a set of questionnaires was examined.

RESULTS

Cronbach's alpha was 0.87 and Loevinger's coefficient was 0.64. The total score was significantly correlated with the number of cohabitants, the number of physical illnesses, physical functioning, instrumental activities of daily living, and depressive symptoms. Subjects with suicidal ideation had significantly lower scores on the WHO-5-J. The receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that the scale significantly discriminated the subjects with suicidal ideation. When combined with the assessment of a lack of perceived social support (PSS), a standard cut-off criterion of "a total score < or = 12 or answering 0 or 1 to any of the five items" more appropriately identified elderly subjects with suicidal ideation: sensitivity = 87%, specificity = 75%, negative predictive value = 99%, and positive predictive value = 10%.

CONCLUSIONS

In combination with PSS, the scale has predictive utility to detect suicidal ideation in elderly community residents.

Role of intracellular esterases in the production of esters by Acetobacter pasteurianus

Esters are the major flavor compounds produced by Acetobacter sp. during vinegar production. The two genes encoding the esterases in the bacteria were disrupted, and the effects of the disruptions studied. When cultured in the presence of ethanol, the est1 gene-disrupted mutant (DE1K) did not produce any ethyl acetate or isoamyl acetate. However, the disruption of est2 did not affect the ester production. Ethyl acetate production by N-23 (pME122P) and DE1K (pME122P), which contain est1, was 1.7-fold higher than that by the wild type, N-23. On analyzing the relationship between ethyl acetate production and the extracellular ethanol and acetic acid concentrations, we found that the highest amount of ethyl acetate was produced when the molar ratio of ethanol and acetic acid was 1:1. These results indicate that the ester production by Acetobacter sp. is mostly catalyzed by the intracellular esterase, esterase-1, with ethanol and acetic acid used as the substrates.

A permease exhibiting a dual role for lysine and biotin uptake in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Among Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains each defective in one of 11 amino acid permeases, a lysine permease disruptant (DK) exhibited about 2-fold reductions in maximum cell density and fermentation ability compared to the parent in a synthetic medium. These unusual properties of DK were found to result from the requirement of biotin for growth, in contrast to the parent whose growth was not dependent on external biotin. The rate of 14C-labeled biotin uptake and the intracellular free biotin content of DK were 2-2.5 fold lower than in the parent. We suggest that lysine permease in S. cerevisiae has the ability to transport both lysine and biotin.

Cloning and characterization of ethanol-regulated esterase genes in Acetobacter pasteurianus

The esterase encoding genes, est1 and est2, were cloned from Acetobacter pasteurianus. Nucleotide sequence analysis of est1 revealed a gene of 954 bp, and est1 coded for an arylesterase with a molecular weight of 34863 Da consisting of 317 amino acids. The est2 gene contained an open reading frame composed of 1221 bp encoding an esterase with a molecular weight of 43389 Da consisting of 406 amino acids. The est1 gene showed some similarity, but the est2 gene showed no significant homology to other esterases reported in various microorganisms. Northern blot analysis of total RNA from A. pasteurianus revealed that transcription of the est1 gene was induced only when the cells were grown in a medium containing ethanol, and suggested that the est1 transcript is monocistronic. In contrast, transcription of the est2 gene was repressed in the presence of ethanol. In the absence of ethanol, expression of the est2-mRNA, capable of encoding a multiple number of proteins, was revealed by Northern blot analysis. In addition, deletion analysis indicated that the 5'-region of the est2 gene contained a cis-acting domain for est2 transcriptional regulation. Analysis of the est1 promoter using the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene as a reporter gene showed that the promoter within the 305-bp fragment upstream of the ATG initiation codon was responsible for the transcription in cells grown in the presence of ethanol. Primer extension analysis of est1-mRNA showed that the transcription initiation site was 49 bp upstream from the ATG initiation codon. The results of a gel mobility shift assay indicated that there is a regulatory protein related to est1 regulation, which may have some relation to the ethanol resistance of Acetobacter sp.

Green tea and the risk of breast cancer: pooled analysis of two prospective studies in Japan

In a pooled analysis of two prospective studies with 35 004 Japanese women, green-tea intake was not associated with a lower risk of breast cancer (222 cases), the multivariate relative risk for women drinking ⩾5 cups compared with <1 cup per day being 0.84 (95% confidence interval 0.57–1.24, Trend P=0.69).

Regenerative process of the facial nerve: rate of regeneration of fibers and their bifurcations

After the main trunk of the mouse facial nerve was injured by crushing, a fiber tracing method was used to quantify the facial motor neurons that extended regenerating nerve fibers to the specific site of the facial nerve branch. The total number of motor neurons retrogradely labeled with a fluorescent tracer, Fluoro-Gold (FG), were 0 on postsurgical days (PSDs) 1 and 2, 75+/-25 on PSD3, 264+/-21 on PSD4, 378+/-19 on PSD6, 428+/-19 on PSD8, 491+/-13 on PSD12 and 532+/-15 on PSD16. Assuming that the FG-positive neurons (535+/-11) of the control mice represent 100%, the FG-labeled neurons accounted for 0, 14, 49, 71, 80, 92 and 99% on the corresponding days. Two different fluorescent tracers were applied to the different facial nerve branches 16 days after facial nerve injuries. Double-labeled neurons were consistently found in the nerve-crushed facial nucleus (3.2%), and their number increased in the nerve-transected facial nucleus (12.2%). The present study indicates that the regenerating facial nerve consists of heterogeneous nerve fibers with varying growth rates and that excessive axonal branching occurs more frequently in the nerve-transected than in the nerve-crushed injuries.

3D eye movement analysis during sinusoidal off vertical axis rotation in human subjects

OBJECTIVE

It has been reported that the eye movements induced by off vertical axis rotation (OVAR) are composed of two components: a bias component (BIC) and a modulation component (MOC). It was suggested that the MOC compensates for changes in head orientation with respect to gravity and that the BIC is related to the velocity storage mechanism. However, the characteristics of the otolith organs remain obscure. In order to investigate these characteristics, we performed a 3D analysis of eye movements induced by human sinusoidal s-OVAR, and compared the result with that of eye movements induced by constant c-OVAR.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Fifteen healthy human subjects participated in this study. OVAR stimulation was produced by rotation following tilt. After a 30 degrees tilt, the subject was rotated sinusoidally at 0.05 and 0.02 Hz at 50 degrees/s peak velocity. Eye movements were recorded using an infrared charge-coupled device camera, and the updated version of our standard computerized image recognition method was used to analyze them three-dimensionally.

RESULTS

The eye movements induced by s-OVAR consisted of two kinds of sine waves: low- and high-frequency components. The low-frequency component was related to the change in angular acceleration, and the eye movements were found to derive from the semicircular canals. In contrast, the high-frequency component was related to the change in head position, and the eye movements were found to derive from the otolith organs.

CONCLUSION

s-OVAR may prove to be a useful tool for simultaneously assessing the functions of both the otolith organs and the semicircular canals.

Spasmolytic effects of colforsin daropate on serotonin-induced pulmonary hypertension and bronchoconstriction in dogs

BACKGROUND

We have previously found that agents increasing intracellular cAMP levels of smooth muscles, such as PDE3 inhibitors, aminophylline and prostaglandin E1, produce both bronchodilation and pulmonary vasodilation in serotonin-induced pulmonary hypertension and bronchoconstriction models. In the present study we have simultaneously evaluated the spasmolytic effects of colforsin daropate, a novel forskolin derivative, on serotonin-induced pulmonary hypertension and bronchoconstriction.

METHODS

Ten mongrel dogs were anesthetized with pentobarbital. The pulmonary hypertension and bronchoconstriction were elicited with serotonin (10 microg/kg + 1 mg x kg(-1) x h(-1)) and assessed as percentage changes in pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and bronchial cross-sectional area (BCA) (basal = 100%). Initially, the relaxant effects of colforsin daropate (0-300 microg/kg) were determined. The PVR and BCA were assessed before and 30 min after serotonin infusion began and 5 min after each dose of colforsin daropate. To determine whether colforsin daropate-induced relaxation is independent of plasma catecholamine, propranolol 0.4 mg/kg was given following colforsin daropate 300 microg/kg i.v.

RESULTS

Colforsin daropate reversed both pulmonary hypertension and bronchoconstriction dose-dependently: -logED50 (95% confidence intervals, mean ED50) for pulmonary hypertension and bronchoconstriction 5.44 (5.08-5.80, 3.6 microg/kg) and 4.90 (4.06-5.20, 12.5 microg/kg), respectively. However, colforsin daropate (>or= 30 microg/kg) produced a more pronounced systemic than pulmonary vasodilation. Although colforsin daropate (>or= 30 microg/kg) significantly increased plasma catecholamines, propranolol did not reverse the relaxant effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Colforsin daropate may attenuate bronchoconstriction and pulmonary hypertension. In addition, as beta-blockade did not change the attenuation, the relaxant effects may be independent of plasma catecholamines.

A gene encoding phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase from Acetobacter aceti and some properties of its disruptant

Phosphatidylcholine (PC) is a major component of membranes not only in eukaryotes, but also in several bacteria, including Acetobacter. To identify the PC biosynthetic pathway and its role in Acetobacter sp., we have studied Acetobacter aceti IFO3283, which is characterized by high ethanol oxidizing ability and high resistance to acetic acid. The pmt gene of A. aceti, encoding phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (Pmt), which catalyzes methylation of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) to PC, has been cloned and sequenced. One recombinant plasmid that complemented the PC biosynthesis was isolated from a gene library of the genomic DNA of A. aceti. The pmt gene encodes a polypeptide with molecular mass of either 25125, 26216, or 29052 for an about 27-kDa protein. The sequence of this gene showed significant similarity (44.3% identity in the similar sequence region) with the Rhodobacter sphaeroides pmtA gene which is involved in PE N-methylation. When the pmt gene was expressed in E. coli, which lacks PC, the Pmt activity and PC formation were clearly demonstrated. A. aceti strain harboring an interrupted pmt allele, pmt::Km, was constructed. The pmt disruption was confirmed by loss of Pmt and PC, and by Southern blot analyses. The null pmt mutant contained no PC, but tenfold more PE and twofold more phosphatidylglycerol (PG). The pmt disruptant did not show any dramatic effects on growth in basal medium supplemented with ethanol, but the disruption caused slow growth in basal medium supplemented with acetate. These results suggest that the lack of PC in the A. aceti membrane may be compensated by the increases of PE and PG by an unknown mechanism, and PC in A. aceti membrane is related to its acetic acid tolerance.

Is the pathology of horizontal canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo really localized in the horizontal semicircular canal?

In order to clarify the pathological localization of horizontal canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (HC-BPPV), we performed 3D analysis of positional nystagmus in 11 patients with HC-BPPV. In addition, these results were compared with 3D analysis data of pressure nystagmus in patients with HC fistula. 3D analysis of nystagmus was carried out using a video image analysis system. In seven patients with HC-BPPV, the velocity vectors were well aligned with the axes of the HC and in four patients they were not. In addition, the 3D velocity vectors of the slow phase of pressure nystagmus in all 11 subjects with HC fistula were closely aligned with the axes of the HC. The pathology of HC-BPPV in most patients with apogeotropic positional nystagmus has been considered to be localized in the HC. However, our results strongly suggest that the pathology of HC-BPPV with geotropic nystagmus is localized in the utricle. This is the first report concerning the pathological localization of HC-BPPV based on physiological evidence.

Rapid and wide-reaching delivery of HIV-1 env DNA vaccine by intranasal administration

Although the potential of DNA vaccination is now beginning to be greatly appreciated, no detailed study of its localization in tissue or its expression kinetics has been reported. In this study, we investigated these issues using HIV-1 DNA plasmids administered either intranasally or intramuscularly. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) revealed that the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) plasmids administered intranasally localized in the alveoli, lung, liver, spleen, regional lymph nodes, kidney, fetus, and esophagus. These HIV plasmids were detected 2 to 4 weeks after administration. We detected messenger RNA production of HIV env gene in the lung, liver and spleen, and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-specific proteins were detectable in the lung. These observations may provide important information for understanding the mechanisms of strong immune activation induced by DNA vaccination via the intranasal route. This technology of DNA administration suggests possible practical applications for vaccination and probably for gene therapy.

Structure of green pigment formed by the reaction of caffeic acid esters (or chlorogenic acid) with a primary amino compound

A marked greening observed in some foods such as sweet potato, burdock, and others during food processing was shown to be due to green pigment formation by the condensation reaction of two molecules of chlorogenic acid or caffeic acid ester with one molecule of a primary amino compound under aeration in alkaline solution. Reduction of the green pigment by ascorbic acid or NaBH4 gave a yellow product, which readily turn green and then blue in air. The reduced and acetylated product of the green pigment was identified to be a novel trihydroxy benzacridine derivative, and the yellowish ethanol solution of this product immediately turned green upon addition of butyl amine or diluted alkali. Therefore, the green pigment was assumed to be an oxidized quinone type product of trihydroxy benzacridine. This identification of the structure was supported by the correspondence of the measured absorption spectra with those calculated by the molecular orbital method. A possible charge transfer complex between products of different oxidation steps in green solution was proposed.

Development of free radical products during the greening reaction of caffeic acid esters (or chlorogenic acid) and a primary amino compound

ESR spectra were measured directly on a marked greening reaction mixture of Et-caffeate and a primary amino compound in alkali solution under aeration. A clear hyperfine structure was commonly detected early in the greening reaction with different amino compounds. Its hyperfine spectrum split into seven peaks was analyzed and found to be due to the oxidized free radical product of the Et-caffeate using an authentic sample system. Another type of hyperfine ESR spectrum was observed later in the reaction, and was altered with different amino compounds. The hyperfine structure for n-butylamine split into 12 lines. The latter type of free radical products were assumed to be a semiquinone type radical compound of the trihydroxy benzacridine derivative, which was identified as the principal structure of the green and yellow pigments formed by this greening reaction system. A formation mechanism of the green pigment and related products involving these free radical products is proposed.

Treatment of pyogenic granuloma with a sclerosing agent

BACKGROUND

Pyogenic granulomas have been treated by cryosurgery, curettage, electrodesiccation, chemical cauterization, and laser surgery. The therapeutic effects of these conservative treatments are limited, however.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, the efficacy of a sclerosing agent (monoethanolamine oleate) was evaluated for the treatment of pyogenic granuloma.

METHODS

Pyogenic granuloma was treated by local injection of the monoethanolamine oleate solution in nine patients who were from 1 to 57 years of age (median 18 years). The treatment effect was determined by physical examination.

RESULTS

All lesions were removed completely with no recurrence, and scars were inconspicuous in all cases. Complications occurred in only one patient who complained of pain due to an avoidable injection of excess solution.

CONCLUSION

Sclerotherapy with monoethanolamine oleate is effective in the treatment of pyogenic granuloma and offers an alternative to conventional methods in cases for which conservative treatment is preferable.

Infection density of Wolbachia and incompatibility level in two planthopper species, Laodelphax striatellus and Sogatella furcifera

Wolbachia, a bacterial endosymbiote of arthropods, causes cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) in many insect species. CI traits were studied in two planthopper species, Laodelphax striatellus and Sogatella furcifera, and Wolbachia densities in these planthopper species were calculated by quantitative PCR methods. The CI level of L. striatellus was quite high and even aged males strongly caused CI. In contrast, S. furcifera showed partial CI, and males lost their ability to cause CI with age. Wolbachia infecting these two planthopper species were the same with respect to the nucleotide sequences of Wolbachia genes, 16S rDNA, ftsZ gene, groE genes, and wsp gene. Two methods for quantitative PCR, one using a DNA sequencer and the other a real-time sequence detection system, were established to calculate the amount of Wolbachia in the planthoppers. The density of Wolbachia in S. furcifera males was quite low. The difference in CI levels between the two planthopper species seems to be due to different amounts of Wolbachia infecting males.

The est1 regulation depends on the oxygen concentration in Acetobacter pasteurianus

The regulation mechanism for expression of the ethanol inducible esterase gene, est1, was investigated in A. pasteurianus. Deletion analysis of the 5' non coding region of est1 showed that the FNR-binding consensus sequence is important in the induction of est1 by ethanol. Cells grown under oxygen starvation produced esterase-1 in not only the presence but also the absence of ethanol. These results suggest that the induction of est1-expression depends on the oxygen concentration, and the gene may be induced by a FNR-like factor activated by a decrease in the intracellular oxygen concentration.

[Light-wand (Trachlight) guided nasotracheal intubation]

We report that Trachlight-guided nasotracheal intubation might be achieved successfully and traumatically without removal of a stiff internal stylet. Endotracheal tube was mounted on a Trachlight with the stylet in position and bent to form a less sharp curvature than a right angle, namely 40-60 degree, at 7 cm proximal to the endotracheal tube tip. Forty-six patients scheduled for nasal intubation were studied to measure the intubation time and the success rate with the use of Trachlight. The tracheas were successfully intubated in 89% of patients. We suggest that Trachlight-guided nasotracheal intubation could be clinically feasible without traumatic complication when applied with a stiff stylet in position and this approach is a useful method for nasal intubation.

MUP1, high affinity methionine permease, is involved in cysteine uptake by Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Using a mutant defective in cysteine uptake, which is resistant to a toxic analog of cysteine, allylglycine, we searched for a gene that complements the defect in cysteine uptake in a yeast genomic library and found a DNA fragment causing the recovery of cysteine uptake and sensitivity to allylglycine. The gene in the fragment was identical to MUP1, the high affinity methionine permease gene. We conclude that Mup1 is a major permease in cysteine uptake.

Peroxynitrite production by TNF-alpha and IL-1beta: implication for suppression of osteoblastic differentiation

To determine the roles of nitric oxide (NO) and its metabolite, peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)), on osteoblastic activation, we investigated the effects of a NO donor [ethanamine, 2, 2'-(hydroxynitrosohydrazono)bis- (dNO)], an O(-2) donor (pyrogallol), and an ONOO(-) scavenger (urate) on alkaline phosphatase (ALPase) activity and osteocalcin gene expression, which are indexes of osteoblastic differentiation. dNO elevated ALPase activity in the osteogenic MC3T3-E1 cell line. The combination of dNO and pyrogallol reduced both ALPase activity and osteocalcin gene expression. Because both indexes were recovered by urate, ONOO(-), unlike NO itself, inhibited the osteoblastic differentiation. Furthermore, treatment with a combination of the proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) was found to yield ONOO(-) as well as NO and O(-2). The reductions in ALPase activity and osteocalcin gene expression were also restored by urate. We conclude that ONOO(-) produced by TNF-alpha and IL-1beta, but not NO per se, would overcome the stimulatory effect of NO on osteoblastic activity and inhibit osteoblastic differentiation.

Fluorescence in situ hybridization evaluation of c-myc and androgen receptor gene amplification and chromosomal anomalies in prostate cancer in Japanese patients

BACKGROUND

Oncogene amplification and chromosomal anomalies are found in many solid tumors and are often associated with aggressiveness of cancer. We evaluated the frequency and the association of c-myc and androgen receptor (AR) gene amplification and gain of chromosome 8 or X in prostate cancer in Japanese patients.

METHODS

We examined a total of 42 prostate cancer specimens, using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Dual-labeling hybridization with a directly labeled centromere probe for chromosome 8 or X together with a probe for the c-myc or AR locus was performed.

RESULTS

Gain of chromosome 8 was identified in 54.8% of specimens and was associated with Gleason sum and nuclear anaplasia in untreated prostate cancers. c-myc gene amplification was found in 14.3% of specimens. Gain of chromosome X was identified in 42.9% of specimens. AR gene amplification was detected in 0 of 37 untreated prostate cancers, but in 1 of 5 hormone-refractory prostate cancers.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that c-myc and AR gene amplification and gain of chromosome 8 or X may be associated with the development and progression of prostate cancers. These results obtained in Japanese cases are consistent with the results observed in prostate cancer in Western countries.

Effects of lipid composition on the transcorneal penetration of liposomes containing disulfiram, a potential anti-cataract agent, in the rabbit

We previously demonstrated that topical treatment with disulfiram (DSF) prevented the development of cataracts in sodium selenite-injected rat pups. In biological systems, DSF is rapidly reduced to diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC), a potent antioxidant. In this study, we investigated the effect of altering the lipid composition of liposomes containing DSF on the transcorneal transit of DDC. Liposomes containing DSF were prepared with various molar ratios of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC), dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and cetylpyridinum chloride (CPC) by reverse-phase evaporation. Liposomes with a DMPC to DPPC molar ratio of 5:5, examined by differential scanning calorimetry, had the highest enthalpy of transition and the presence of one molar ratio of CPC further enhanced the enthalpy value. The addition of bovine serum albumin or a homogenate of rabbit cornea to the incubation buffer resulted in the release of DDC, but not DSF from the liposomes. The amount of DDC present in the aqueous humor of rabbit eyes following topical administration increased with increase in DMPC to DPPC ratios and was also enhanced by the addition of CPC to the liposomes. The results of this study suggest that liposome formulations are effective for transcorneal drug delivery of anticataract agents such as DSF. DSF in liposomes consisting of DMPC, DPPC, and CPC with a molar ratio of 8:2:1 may be a potential drug formulation for the prevention and/or treatment of cataracts.

Identification of the binding region of basic calponin on alpha and beta tubulins

Calponin is a basic smooth muscle protein capable of binding to actin, calmodulin, tropomyosin, and phospholipids. We have found that the basic calponin interacted with brain tubulin under polymerized and unpolymerized conditions in vitro [Fujii, T., Hiromori, T., Hamamoto, M., and Suzuki, T. (1997) J. Biochem. 122, 344-351]. We examined the calponin-binding site on the tubulin molecule by sedimentation, limited digestion, chemical-cross linking, immunoblotting, and delayed extraction matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometric (DE MALDI-TOF) analyses. Calponin interacts with both the alpha and beta tubulins and only slightly with the tyrosinated and acetylated form of alpha tubulin. The binding of calponin to microtubules was blocked by adding poly(L-aspartic acid) (PLAA) or MAP2. After digestion of microtubule proteins with subtilisin, the amount of calponin binding to alphabetas microtubules was reduced compared to native microtubules, but no further reduction was observed in the case of alphasbetas microtubules. The chemical cross-linked products of calponin and synthesized peptides (KDYEEVGVDSVEGE; alpha-KE) derived from the C-terminal region of alpha tubulin and (YQQYQDATADEQG; beta-YG) and (GEFEEEGEEDEA; beta-GA) from that of beta tubulin were detected by mass spectrometry. One kind of calponin-peptide complex was formed in the presence of alpha-KE or beta-YG, while five complexes (calponin:peptide = 1:1-5) were generated in the presence of beta-GA. Peptides alpha-KE and beta-GA inhibited the binding of calponin to tubulin produced by EDC in a concentration-dependent manner. These findings suggest that basic calponin interacts with both tubulin subunits and that their C-terminal regions, which also contain the binding sites of MAP2, tau, and kinesin, may be involved in calponin-binding.

Correlation between prevention of cataract development by disulfiram and fates of selenium in selenite-treated rats

PURPOSE

We found a new pharmacological effect of disulfiram (DSF) against rat pups with cataract induced by selenite injection. The possible reactive mechanism is discussed in this present paper.

METHODS

Wistar male and female rats aged 13 and 30 days, and male rats aged 7 weeks were used this present study. Cataract was induced by injection of selenite (19 micromol/kg, s.c.) to 13-day old rats. The lens opacification was monitored by using the slit lamp equipped with an anterior eye segment analysis system (EAS-1000, Nidek). The selenium contents in rat organs were detected fluorimetrically. Liposomes containing DSF (DSF-liposomes) were prepared by the reverse-phase evaporation method. Rat pups were instilled 5 microl of DSF-liposomes into both eyes 4 times per day. Adult rats were administered with DSF suspensions (100 mg/kg) by nasal cannulation. The changes of plasma concentration of diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC), which was a metabolite of disulfiram, were determined by HPLC method.

RESULTS

Intraocular treatment with DSF-liposomes prevented the onset of cataract development in rat pups injected with sodium selenite. Treatment with DSF also significantly reduced the selenium contents in plasma at 1 h post-treatment and in the eye at 96 h post-treatment. No significant differences of selenium content in liver and kidney were observed in 13-day old rats instilled with DSF-liposomes or DSF free liposomes. Cataract could not be induced in the 30-days-old rats with the same dose of selenite (19 micromol/kg) and the liver, kidney, and especially eye of the older rats had lower levels of selenium than 13-day old rats. Diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC), an active metabolite of DSF, was decreased in the plasma following a subcutaneous injection of sodium selenite. The selenium concentration in the plasma was decreased by the intranasal administration of DSF suspensions.

CONCLUSIONS

Instillation of DSF-liposomes into the eyes of rat pups given a subcutaneous injection of sodium selenite to induce cataracts prevented the formation of cataracts. The mechanism of inhibition may have resulted from a decreased level of selenium in the eyes following the treatment with DSF. On the other hand, as it is known that the cataracts may result from selenite-induced oxidative stress in the lens, DSF and DDC may react as anti-oxidants.

Improved survival of children with advanced tumors by myeloablative chemotherapy and autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation in complete remission

Five children with neuroblastoma (NB) stage IV and five children with rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) stage III were treated with myeloablative chemotherapy and autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (MCT/PBSCT) in the state of complete remission (CR) achieved by conventional therapy. PBSCs were collected in CR status using a cell separator with blood access through a double-lumen central venous catheter. PBSCs with 1.9+/-0.8x10(5) of CFU-GM per patient weights (kg) were infused following MCT after a period of conventional therapy for 11.1+/-2.1 or 9.7+/-0.9 months in NB or RMS patients, respectively. Regimen-related toxicity of MCT was tolerable and peripheral white blood cell count recovered beyond 1.0x10(3)/microl 10-12 days after infusion of PBSCs in all patients. All of RMS patients and three of five NB patients survived for an average of 31.6 months (ranged 10.8-58.1). The survival rate of these patients was improved as compared with our historical controls, and presumably, with that of conventional chemotherapy previously reported. Despite a limited number of patients, it appears that MCT/PBSCT may be effective in improving survival by preventing relapse which may occur thereafter if treated with conventional therapy alone. Furthermore, MCT/PBSCT reduced the duration of treatment, as compared with that of conventional chemo-therapy. Therefore, this study may suggest the feasibility and promise of the therapy including MCT/PBSCT for children with advanced stages of NB and RMS.

Establishment of a novel cell line (TS-2) of pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia with a t(1;19) not involving the E2A gene

The t(1;19)(q23;p13) translocation involving the E2A gene on chromosome 19p13.3 is a nonrandom translocation that is often seen in childhood pre-B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). However, recent studies have demonstrated the presence of immunophenotypic and molecular heterogeneity among patients with the cytogenetically identical chromosome translocation. Here we report a novel pre-B ALL cell line, TS-2, with t(1;19) translocation not involving the E2A gene. The breakpoint of t(1;19) in TS-2 was demonstrated to be at 19p13.3, a region indistinguishable from the locus of the E2A gene, by cytogenetic study and fluorescence in situ hybridization. However, rearrangement of the E2A gene was not detected in TS-2 by Southern blot analysis. Moreover, the expressions of PBX1 or E2A/PBX1 fusion genes were not detected by an extensive study with Northern blot analysis and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. These findings suggest that TS-2 may have a genetic abnormality involving uncharacterized gene(s) at 19p13.3 distinct from the E2A gene and, therefore, may be useful for investigating the heterogeneity of molecular pathogenesis in leukemias with t(1;19)(q23;p13) translocation.

Polyamine content of ordinary foodstuffs and various fermented foods

Soybeans, tea leaves, and mushrooms were conspicuously rich in spermidine, while oranges contained a large amount of putrescine. Among the fermented foods, soy sauces were rich in putrescine and histamine, while Japanese sake contained plenty of agmatine. These polyamines are thought to be produced from amino acids during fermentation with amino acid decarboxylases formed by the micro-organisms.

Changes in DNA copy number in primary gastric carcinomas by comparative genomic hybridization

We examined 33 primary gastric carcinomas using comparative genomic hybridization to detect changes in the DNA copy number and the chromosomal location of these changes. Ninety-four percent (31 of 33) showed 1 or more DNA copy number changes, such as increases at 2p23-p25 (observed in 21% of the total cases), 3q26.3-q27 (24%), 7p15 (24%), 9p22-pter (18%), and 13q22-q34 (21%) and decreases at 1p34.2-p36.2 (18%) and Y (52%). Histological examination indicated that increases at 3q26.1-q26.3 and 7p15 and decreases at 1p36.1-p36. 2 and Y were commonly observed in both differentiated and undifferentiated types. Increases at 3q27, 6q23-q25, and 7cen-p14 and decreases at 1p34.2-p35 and 17p12 were predominantly observed in the differentiated type, and increases at 2p23-pter, 9p22-pter, and 13q31-qter and a decrease at 6p21.3 were predominantly observed in the undifferentiated type. In addition, clinical staging of tumors showed that increases at 2p23-p25, 7p14-p21, 7q31-q32, and 9p22-pter and a decrease at Y were observed in early-stage tumors, whereas increases at 9q32-q33 and 15q26 were observed only in late-stage tumors. Many of the abnormalities detected in this study were not previously reported in gastric carcinomas. Our comparative genomic hybridization results indicate the presence of genetic alterations that may play some important role in the development and progression of gastric carcinomas.

A case of congenital Listeria septicemia associated with high levels of inflammatory cytokines

A case of congenital Listeria septicemia is reported. A 2256 g male infant suffering from respiratory and circulatory failure with shock-like symptoms and high levels of inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1 beta, -6, and -8), was admitted to the Morioka Red Cross Hospital. Listeria monocytogenes was cultured from cord blood, contents from the external ear canal, rectum and stomach. The infant was treated with surfactant replacement as well as conventional therapy. The high levels of interleukin-1 beta decreased with the improvement of the circulatory function, which might have been the major cause of the poor clinical state.