Naltrexone modulates contextual processing in depression

Context, the information surrounding an experience, can significantly alter the meaning and the affective responses to events. Yet the biological mechanisms through which context modulate experiences are not entirely understood. Here, we hypothesized that the µ-opioid system-extensively implicated in placebo effects, a clinical phenomenon thought to rely on contextual processing-modulates the effects of contextual information on emotional attributions in patients with depression. To test this hypothesis, 20 unmedicated patients with depression completed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study of one dose of 50 mg of naltrexone, or placebo immediately before completing two sessions of the Contextual Framing fMRI task. This task captures effects of valenced contextual cues (pleasant vs. unpleasant) on emotional attribution (the rating of subtle emotional faces: fearful, neutral, or happy). Behaviorally, we found that emotional attribution was significantly moderated by the interaction between contextual cues and subtle emotional faces, such that participants' ratings of valenced faces (fearful and happy), compared to neutral, were more negative during unpleasant, compared to pleasant context cues. At a neural level, context-induced blood-oxygen-level-dependent responses in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, the dorsal anterior cingulate, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and the lateral orbitofrontal cortex, significantly moderated the effects of context on emotional attribution, and were blunted by naltrexone. Furthermore, the effects of naltrexone on emotional attribution were partially abolished in more severely depressed patients. Our results provide insights into the molecular alterations underlying context representation in patients with depression, providing pivotal early data for future treatment studies.

2206Prevalence and determinants of complicated grief in bereaved caregivers of patients admitted for cardiovascular diseases

Introduction

Few studies have examined complicated grief in bereaved caregivers of patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD), in contrast with studies in caregivers of patients with cancers. We examined the prevalence and determinants of complicated grief among bereaved caregivers of patients with CVD.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey using a self-administered questionnaire for bereaved family members of CVD patients who had died in the cardiology departments of 9 tertiary care centers in Japan. We assessed bereaved caregiver grief status using the Brief Grief Questionnaire (BGQ), and its association with their depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [PHQ-9]). Questionnaire also covered following associated factors: bereaved family member and patient characteristics, end-of-life care (Care Evaluation Scale [CES], a scale for assessment of the structure and process of care); and the quality of the deceased patients' death (Good Death Inventory [GDI]).

Results

A total of 269 bereaved caregivers (mean age, 64±12 years; 35% male) of patients with CVD (heart failure n=155 myocardial infarction n=32, cardiopulmonary arrest n=15, arrhythmia n=8, and others n=59) were enrolled in the study. Overall, 14.1% of the bereaved caregivers had complicated grief (BGQ≥8), 32.3% had subthreshold complicated grief (BGQ=5–7), and 13.3% had depression (PHQ-9≥10). Bereaved caregivers with complicated grief frequently developed depression (58% vs. 6%, p<0.001). Among the bereaved caregivers with complicated grief, the assessment of end-of-life care was worse (CES score: 28 [21–40] vs. 23 [19–39], p=0.04), and the assessment of the deceased patients' quality of death tended to be worse (GDI score: 4.0 [3.0–4.8] vs. 4.3 [3.7–4.9], p=0.05). The cause of admission as well as preferences of the patient and family (e.g., treatment [focusing on extending life vs. relieving discomfort], desire for information, place of end-of-life) were not associated with the prevalence of complicated grief. The prevalence of complicated grief was associated with loss of a spouse, poor psychological health during the deceased patients' admission, and poor preparation for the patient's imminent death (all p<0.05). Bereaved caregivers with complicated grief had experienced more decisional burdens regarding the deceased patients' treatment (55% vs. 25%, p=0.001). Notably, 64% of bereaved caregivers with complicated grief were not treated (i.e., neither routine follow-up by psychiatrists/psychotherapist nor prescription for anti-depressants/tranquilizers).

Conclusions

The prevalence of complicated grief of bereavement was 14.0%. When subthreshold complicated grief was included, the prevalence of complicated grief increased to include half of the caregivers; therefore, routine screening of the bereaved could be recommended. Clinicians should pay particular attention to bereaved families with high risk factors to identify those at risk for future development of complicated grief.

Induction of Calcification in MC3T3-E1 Cells by Inorganic Polyphosphate

Relatively large amounts of inorganic polyphosphate [poly(P)] (400 μM) have been found in normal osteoblasts. The effect of poly(P) with an average chain length of 65 phosphate residues on cell calcification was therefore investigated with the use of MC3T3-E1 cells. Expression of both osteopontin and osteocalcin was induced by poly(P) (0.1 ~ 1 mM), and cells treated with poly(P) were strongly stained by alizarin red. In addition, the level of alkaline phosphatase activity induced in poly(P)-treated cells was two-fold higher than that in either orthophosphate-treated or control cells but not higher than that in cells treated with β-glycerophosphate and ascorbic acid. In contrast, however, polyphosphatase activities were activated by poly(P) treatment to levels up to six-fold greater than that in controls. MC3T3-E1 cells may utilize poly(P) as a phosphate source for calcification rather than phosphate sources that are mainly produced by ALPase. Poly(P)-dependent induction of polyphosphatase activities may therefore promote calcification in MC3T3-E1 cells.

Erwinia uzenensis sp. nov., a novel pathogen that affects European pear trees (Pyrus communis L.)

Bacteria were isolated from black lesions on shoots of European pear trees (Pyrus communis L.) in an orchard in Japan. Previous characterization of this novel pathogen by phenotypic and genotypic methods suggested that it should belong to the genus Erwinia but might not correspond to either Erwinia amylovora or Erwinia pyrifoliae . Here, phylogenetic analyses of the 16S rRNA gene, gyrB, and rpoD gene sequences indicated that it could not be assigned to any recognized species of the genus Erwinia . DNA–DNA hybridization confirmed that the bacterial strains represented a novel species. The DNA G+C contents, the fatty acid profile and phenotypic characteristics resembled those previously reported for members of the genus Erwinia . On the basis of these and previous results, the pathogen represents a novel species of the genus Erwinia , for which the name Erwinia uzenensis sp. nov. (type strain: YPPS 951T = LMG 25843T = NCPPB 4475T) is proposed.

Effects of Salicylate and Other Enhancers on Rectal Absorption of Erythropoietin in Rats

To develop a new treatment for patients with anaemia in which erythropoietin (EPO) can be given without injection, the effects of promoters of the rectal absorption of EPO were studied. Recombinant human (rHu) EPO (5000 units) in a dosing solution or in a rectal suppository was placed in the rectum of healthy rats and changes in serum EPO levels were monitored by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Without a promoter, rHuEPO was not absorbed. Sodium glycocholate, sodium caprate, and sodium salicylate in the solution of rHuEPO increased the absorption of rHuEPO. Sodium salicylate or sodium caprate in the suppository with rHuEPO also increased its absorption. The bioavailability of rHuEPO in a suppository containing 5% sodium salicylate compared with that by an intravenous injection was 1·2%. rHuEPO given in rectal suppositories containing sodium salicylate and inserted once a day for 6 consecutive days increased erythropoiesis in peripheral blood.

Fabrication of nanostripe surface structure by multilayer film deposition combined with micropatterning

Top-down fabrication processes for nanostructures are superior to bottom-up processes from the aspect of long-range order, but have limitations in their processing time and/or material selection. Here we developed a nanopatterning method for 'nanostripes' that incorporates deposition of a multilayer film on a microscale slope array and mechanical polishing. This method is used to fabricate a nanostripe structure consisting of two kinds of materials to form a stripe array on a silicon substrate. Although this nanopatterning method is categorized as a top-down fabrication process, the fabrication efficiency is quite high, because the number of nanostripes is 'multiplied' by the number of multilayered films. Another feature of the nanostripe is renewability; even if the nanostripe surface is damaged, the underlying nanostructure can be exposed and form a similar nanostripe by polishing. The nanostripe structure can be easily applied to a wide range of fields due to its ease of production.

RNAi-mediated down-regulation of alpha-actinin-4 decreases invasion potential in oral squamous cell carcinoma

alpha-actinin-4, originally identified as an actin-binding protein associated with cell motility, invasion, and metastasis of cancer cells, appears to be overexpressed in various human epithelial carcinomas, including colorectal, breast, esophageal, ovarian, and non-small cell lung carcinomas. The authors evaluated whether alpha-actinin-4 might be appropriate as a molecular target for cancer gene therapy. In 64 primary oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) and 10 normal oral mucosal specimens, and in seven human OSCC cell lines, alpha-actinin-4 expression was evaluated immunologically and correlations with clinicopathologic factors were examined. Overexpression of alpha-actinin-4 was detected in 38 of 64 oral squamous cell carcinomas (70%); significantly more frequently than in normal oral mucosa. The expression of alpha-actinin-4 was significantly associated with invasion potential defined by the Matrigel invasion assay. Cancer cell lines with higher alpha-actinin-4 expression had greater invasive potential. An RNAi-mediated decrease in alpha-actinin-4 expression reduced the invasion potential. These results indicated that the overexpression of alpha-actinin-4 was associated with an aggressive phenotype of OSCC. The study indicated that alpha-actinin-4 could be a potential molecular target for gene therapy by RNAi targeting for OSCC.

Diagnostic accuracy of 18F-2-deoxy-fluoro-D-glucose positron emission tomography for pN1 lymph nodes in patients with lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Nodal status has been reported to be one of the most important factors affecting survival in patients with lung cancer. For determining treatment strategy, accurate evaluation of nodal status is expected.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the accuracy of (18)F-2-deoxy-fluoro-D-glucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) for diagnosing nodal status in lung cancer patients with pathologically proven N1 (pN1) lymph node metastases, in comparison with that of computed tomography (CT).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Nineteen pN1 patients with primary lung cancer undergoing preoperative CT and FDG-PET were investigated. The diagnosis was confirmed by surgery in all patients. Lymph nodes were considered to be positive when uptake higher than the surrounding mediastinum level was visually observed. Radiological and pathological correlation was investigated, and the association between FDG uptake and the size of metastatic nodes was evaluated.

RESULTS

Of the 19 pN1 patients, nodal stage determined by FDG-PET was cN0 in eight, cN1 in four, cN2 in six, and cN3 in one. Thus, FDG-PET provided correct N-staging in 21%, under-staging in 42%, and over-staging in 37%. FDG-PET could not depict pN1 lymph node in six (32%) of 19 patients. In two patients (11%), mild symmetrical hilar and mediastinal accumulation was found and considered as benign physiological uptake. In six patients (32%), the ipsilateral mediastinal uptake was depicted and diagnosed as cN2. One patient was diagnosed as cN3 because of FDG accumulation at the supraclavicular fossa. On CT, nodal staging was cN0 in nine, cN1 in six, and cN2 in four. CT staging was therefore correct in 32%, underestimated in 47%, and overestimated in 21%.

CONCLUSION

The diagnostic accuracy of FDG-PET (21%) was low and similar to that of CT (32%); under- and over-diagnosis were found in similar proportions. The limitation of FDG-PET should be recognized when nodal staging might alter the therapeutic strategy in patients with primary lung cancer.

Overexpression of metastasis-associated MTA1 in oral squamous cell carcinomas: correlation with metastasis and invasion

Metastasis-associated protein 1 (MTA1) is physiologically expressed at low levels in human tissues. Its expression is associated with progression of solid cancers and is common in cancer cell lines. This study investigated whether MTA1 was expressed in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and would be a useful metastatic marker. Specimens from 38 patients with oral SCC were stained using the avidin-biotin-peroxidase technique with polyclonal antibodies against MTA1. Human SCC cell lines SAS, HSC2, OSC19 and OSC20 were analysed for MTA1 mRNA expression. MTA1 expression in control tissues was significantly lower than in carcinomas. MTA1 protein expression was detected in 33 of 38 SCC tissues from patients. Histologically, MTA1 protein production was strongly associated with cancer cell invasion, and clinically there was a correlation between lymph node metastasis and MTA1 protein production. Among the cancer cell lines, HSC2 showed the lowest mRNA expression, and OSC20 showed the highest MTA1 mRNA expression. In the Matrigel invasion assay, the HSC2 cell line showed the lowest invasion and the OSC20 cell line showed the highest invasion. RNAi-mediated MTA1 silencing in the OSC20 cells decreased the invasion index. MTA1 expression in oral SCC may be associated with increased invasive ability, which may cause lymph node metastasis.

Beer brewing using a fusant between a sake yeast and a brewer's yeast

Beer brewing using a fusant between a sake yeast (a lysine auxotrophic mutant of sake yeast K-14) and a brewer's yeast (a respiratory-deficient mutant of the top fermentation yeast NCYC1333) was performed to take advantage of the beneficial characteristics of sake yeasts, i.e., the high productivity of esters, high tolerance to ethanol, and high osmotolerance. The fusant (F-32) obtained was different from the parental yeasts regarding, for example, the assimilation of carbon sources and tolerance to ethanol. A brewing trial with the fusant was carried out using a 100-l pilot-scale plant. The fusant fermented wort more rapidly than the parental brewer's yeast. However, the sedimentation capacity of the fusant was relatively low. The beer brewed using the fusant contained more ethanol and esters compared to that brewed using the parental brewer's yeast. The fusant also obtained osmotolerance in the fermentation of maltose and fermented high-gravity wort well.

[The tape for pulmonary artery banding]

Pulmonary artery banding remains a useful procedure for special conditions. A 3-month-old girl diagnosed as Down syndrome with atrioventricular septal defect underwent pulmonary artery banding. We used polyester tape smeared with Bone Wax for this pulmonary artery banding. After 7 months period, the tape was easily dissected from surrounding tissue and removed at radical operation. Microscopic appearance showed that the tape was intact and no evidence of inflammation or mineralization. We believe Bone Wax smeared polyester tape accomplishes well as silicone impregnated one.

Enzyme replacement therapy in Japanese Fabry disease patients: the results of a phase 2 bridging study

Fabry Disease (alpha-galactosidase A deficiency) is an X-linked hereditary disorder leading to the pathological accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (GL-3) in lysosomes, particularly in the vascular endothelium of the kidney, heart and brain. We report the results of an open-label phase 2 study that was undertaken to evaluate whether ethnic differences exist that would affect agalsidase beta (Fabrazyme) treatment of Fabry patients in the Japanese population, relative to safety and efficacy. The study design mirrored the design of the completed phase 3 clinical trial that led to approval of the product agalsidase beta. The 13 Japanese, male Fabry patients enrolled in the study received the enzyme replacement therapy over a period of 20 weeks as biweekly infusions. All selected efficacy end points showed improvements that were comparable with findings from the phase 3 study. These improvements included reductions of GL-3 accumulation in both kidney and skin capillary endothelial cells to (near) normal levels (92% of patients). Kidney and plasma GL-3 levels decreased by 51.9% and 100%, respectively, by ELISA. Renal function remained normal. Fabry-associated pain, and quality of life, showed improvement over baseline in multiple categories. Related adverse events were mild or moderate in intensity and mostly infusion-associated (fever and rigors). As expected, IgG antibody formation was observed in 85% of the patients, but had no effect on treatment response. These results suggest that treatment with agalsidase beta is safe and effective in Japanese patients with Fabry disease. With regard to safety and efficacy, no differences were observed as compared to the caucasian population.

Ice-water interface migration by temperature controlling for stretching of DNA molecules

This report shows a new DNA stretching method using migration of an ice-water interface. DNA molecules were stretched accompanying the migration of the solid-liquid interface and immobilized in frozen area. This simple method needs no chemical modification to keep DNA in the stretched form. For full stretching of DNA molecules, one terminus of the DNA molecules were anchored on silanized substrate. The anchored DNA molecules were stretched by freezing the DNA solution. The stretched DNA molecules were observed after sublimation of the frozen solution keeping its stretched form on silanized surface which had no attractive interaction with DNA molecules except for the SH-modified terminus in solution. An infrared (IR) laser beam was introduced to a frozen DNA solution through an objective lens for local area melting of the solution. Scanning of the laser irradiation caused stretching and enclosing of DNA molecules in the frozen area followed by migration of the solid-liquid interface.

RecA-double stranded DNA complexes studied by atomic force microscopy

RecA-double stranded (ds) DNA complexes have been studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM). When the complexes were prepared in the presence of ATP gamma S, fully covered RecA-dsDNA filaments were observed by AFM. When the concentration of RecA proteins was lower, various lengths of filaments were found. The variation of the observed structures may directly reflect the real distribution of the intermediate complexes in the reaction mixture, as the mixture was simply deposited on a mica surface for AFM observation without special fixation or staining. The use of a carbon nanotube (CNT) AFM tip enabled high resolution to reveal the periodicity of RecA-dsDNA filaments. Our observations demonstrated the potential of the AFM method for the structural studies of the RecA-dsDNA complexes, especially their intermediate states.

Transplantation of skin fibroblasts expressing BMP-2 promotes bone repair more effectively than those expressing Runx2

We investigated the osteogenic potential of skin fibroblasts that overexpressed BMP-2 or Runx2 by using adenoviral vectors. In in vitro experiments, skin fibroblasts infected with adenovirus vector encoding BMP-2 (AdBMP-2) released substantial levels of BMP-2 proteins into culture media, and those infected with adenovirus vector encoding Runx2 (AdRunx2) produced its protein. Transduction of BMP-2 or Runx2, respectively, increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and induced expression of mRNAs of ALP, osteocalcin, and osterix in skin fibroblasts. In in vivo experiments, we investigated the bone induction activity by transplantation of a complex composed of carrier [poly-D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid/gelatin sponge (PGS)] and skin fibroblasts (PGS/SF complex). Transplantation of PGS/SF complexes composed of skin fibroblasts transduced with AdBMP-2-induced ectopic bone formation when transplanted into the subfascia of back muscle, unlike those infected with AdRunx2. Transplantation of PGS/SF complexes composed of skin fibroblasts transduced with AdBMP-2 into craniotomy defects induced bone formation from 2 weeks after transplantation, and almost all PGS was replaced by newly synthesized bone at 6 weeks. To investigate the fate of the transplanted cells, we transplanted skin fibroblasts isolated from green fluorescence protein transgenic mice into craniotomy defects. Transplantation of these skin fibroblasts transfected with AdBMP-2 generated green fluorescence protein-positive osteoblasts and osteocytes, indicating that the transplanted skin fibroblasts differentiated into osteoblastic lineage cells during bone repair. In contrast, transplantation of PGS/SF complexes composed of skin fibroblasts transduced with AdRunx2 induced a few ALP-positive cells at 1 week after transplantation, but their number decreased depending on time after transplantation. In addition, transplantation of these complexes was insufficient to induce bone repair. Taken together, our results suggest that skin fibroblasts expressing BMP-2 are more suitable for cell-mediated therapy of bone repair than those expressing Runx2.

Manipulation of a Large DNA Molecule using the Phase Transition

A conventional method of DNA sequencing can determine up to 1000 base pairs at one time. Therefore, long DNA should be cut into many short fragments that are suitable for DNA sequencing. Those fragments, however, lose their order information. If the fragments are prepared from the terminus of the long DNA, the reorganization process can be omitted. This process consists of following unit operations; manipulation of genomic DNA, fixation with a stretched form, cutting from the terminus, recovery and amplification. In these unit operations, manipulation and cutting of DNA are focused in this report. Globular transformation suppresses break down of long genome DNA and permits manipulation of large DNA. Because globular transition is reversible, the coiled DNA can be sequentially spun from the globular DNA like a spindle. Thespun DNA was successfully fixed on a glass surface in an arbitrary pattern. To prepare fragments from the stretched DNA molecule, a method to cut DNA moleculen was developed. Since most restriction enzyme requires magnesium ion for their activation, the restriction enzyme was successfully activated only when magnesium ion was electrochemically supplied.

Continuous antegrade blood cardioplegia: cold vs. tepid

BACKGROUND

Continuous antegrade blood cardioplegia (CABCP) is used at different temperatures. We investigated the consequences of CABCP at 6 degrees C (COLD) vs. 28 degrees C (TEPID).

METHODS

Anesthetized open-chest pigs (25 +/- 2 kg) were placed on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The hearts were arrested for 30 min by 6 degrees C cold or 28 degrees C tepid CABCP (n = 8 each). After an initial 3 min antegrade application of high potassium (20 mEq) cold (6 degrees C) blood cardioplegia, the hearts were arrested for a subsequent 27 min by normokalemic blood delivered antegrade at either 6 degrees C or 28 degrees C. After this, the hearts underwent perfusion with warm systemic blood for an additional 30 min on CPB. Biochemical cardiac data (MVO2 [ml/min/100 g], release of creatine kinase [CK U/min/100 g] and lactate [mg/min/100 g]) were measured during CPB. Total tissue water content (%) and left ventricular stroke work index (SWI g x m/kg) were determined 30 min after discontinuation of CPB and compared to pre-CPB controls.

RESULTS

Cold CABCP kept all hearts continuously arrested. The COLD hearts showed no biochemical or functional disturbance. The TEPID hearts intermittently fibrillated and required additional high potassium BCP shots. The TEPID hearts showed a marked CK leakage (2.6 +/- 0.4 vs. 0.7 +/- 0.4), lactate production (4.0 +/- 1.6 vs. extraction from the COLD group) despite the non-ischemic protocol, an impaired initial oxygen consumption (4.2 +/- 1.3 vs. 7.1 +/- 1.6) at the end of cardiac arrest, the formation of myocardial edema (79.5 +/- 1.0 vs. 77.0 +/- 0.8), and a depressed recovery of SWI (0.69 +/- 0.15 degrees vs. 1.41 +/- 0.13). *p < 0.05 for comparison of TEPID vs. COLD hearts using Student's t-test for unpaired data; degrees p < 0.05 for intergroup-comparison of TEPID vs. COLD vs. controls using ANOVA adjusted for repeated measures.

CONCLUSIONS

Uninterrupted cardioplegia can be safely performed with cold normokalemic CABCP. In contrast, tepid normokalemic CABCP leads to fibrillation, jeopardizes the heart, and should be avoided.UND

Lactosylceramide is essential for the osteoclastogenesis mediated by macrophage-colony-stimulating factor and receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand

Glycosphingolipids and their metabolites play important roles in a variety of biological processes. Several signal molecules are localized in a glycolipid-enriched microdomain on the cell surface, and their signals are regulated by the glycolipid composition. However, the function of glycolipids in osteoclastogenesis has not been clearly understood. We found that D-threo-1-phenyl-2-decanoylamino-3-morpholino-1-propanol (D-PDMP), a glucosylceramide synthase inhibitor, completely inhibits the osteoclast formation induced by macrophage-colony-stimulating factor and receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL) in a dose-dependent manner. Expression of RANK, the receptor of RANKL, induced by macrophage colony-stimulating factor, was reduced markedly in D-PDMP-treated cells. d-PDMP also inhibited the phosphorylation of the inhibitor of nuclear factor-kappa B and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 induced by RANKL. In several experiments with the addition of glycolipids to D-PDMP-treated purified bone marrow cells, lactosylceramide (LacCer) strongly affected the differentiation into tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase mononucleated cells, but not positive multinucleated cells. GM3 and GM1 also recovered, but less effectively compared with LacCer. Moreover, exogenous LacCer recovered the reduced expression of RANK and the phosphorylation of inhibitor of NF-kappa B and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 after stimulation by RANKL at the same level of cells without D-PDMP treatment. Our data suggest that glycosphingolipids, especially LacCer, are necessary for the initiation step of RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis.

Syntheses and biological evaluations of alpha-D-mannosyl [60]fullerenols

[60]Fullerenols carrying mono- and bis-alpha-D-mannosyl linkages on the surface were prepared via a [3+2]-cycloaddition reaction between 2-azidoethyl alpha-D-mannoside and C(60) followed by polyhydroxylation with aqueous NaOH. Their biological activity was evaluated in terms of binding affinity to lectins by hemagglutination assay and surface plasmon resonance. [60]Fullerenols without the mannosyl linkage caused aggregation of erythrocytes and binding to a beta-D-galactopyranoside specific lectin (RCA(120)). In contrast, mono- and bis-mannosyl fullerenols were found to decrease the activity for both aggregating erythrocytes and binding to RCA(120), and mono-mannosyl fullerenols turned to binding to alpha-D-mannose specific lectin (Con A).

Immunological study on circulating murine osteoprotegerin/osteoclastogenesis inhibitory factor (OPG/OCIF): possible role of OPG/OCIF in the prevention of osteoporosis in pregnancy

Osteoprotegerin (OPG)/osteoclastogenesis inhibitory factor (OCIF) is a soluble member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor family and plays a crucial role in the negative regulation of osteoclastic bone resorption. We have immunized OPG/OCIF knockout mice with murine rOPG/rOCIF and established a panel of hybridomas producing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to murine rOPG/rOCIF. Utilizing the mAbs, we developed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) systems: one detecting both homodimeric and monomeric forms of murine OPG/OCIF and the other detecting only dimeric form of murine OPG/OCIF. With the aid of these ELISA systems we showed that OPG/OCIF is present mainly as a monomer in murine blood. The concentration of OPG/OCIF in normal mouse sera was approximately 500 pg/ml and there was no statistical difference in the serum concentration of OPG/OCIF among genders, age, and strains. Interestingly, the concentration of circulating OPG/OCIF in mouse markedly increased during pregnancy. The result indicated that circulating OPG/OCIF plays an important role in the protection of bone from excess resorption during pregnancy in mammals.

[Bacteria isolated from surgical infections and their susceptibilities to antimicrobial agents. Special references to bacteria isolated between April 1998 and March 1999]

The annual multicenter studies on isolated bacteria from infections in general surgery and their antimicrobial susceptibility have been conducted in Japan since July 1982. This paper describes the results obtained in fiscal 1998 (from April 1998 to March 1999). The number of cases investigated as objectives was 225 for one year. A total of 429 strains (121 strains from primary infections and 308 strains from postoperative infections) were isolated from 183 cases (81.3% of total cases). In primary infections, the isolation rates of anaerobes and Escherichia coli were higher than in postoperative infections, while in postoperative infections, those of Gram-positive aerobes and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were higher than in primary infections. On the whole, among Gram-positive aerobes, the isolation rate of Enterococcus faecalis was the highest, followed by Staphylococcus aureus with high frequency in isolation from postoperative infections. Among Gram-positive anaerobes, Peptostreptococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. were predominantly isolated. Among Gram-negative aerobes, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterobacter cloacae were frequently isolated. Among Gram-negative anaerobes, Bacteroides fragilis group was the majority of isolates. In primary infections, the percentage of Gram-negative aerobes has gradually increased since fiscal 1995 or 1996 with these years as the turning point, while those of Gram-positive and Gram-negative anaerobes have gradually declined. In postoperative infections, the percentage of Gram-negative anaerobes has increased continuously since the mid-1980s. The percentage of MRSA among S. aureus rose to 89.7%, which was the highest level since the beginning of this study. The susceptibilities of B. fragilis, which did not show apparent changes, were recognized to have decreased against cephems in fiscal 1998. Among other bacteria in B. fragilis group, development of resistance to cephems has continued on a long-term basis since the mid-1980s. E. coli and K. pneuminiae have obviously not changed in susceptibilities, however, the susceptibilities of isolated strains in fiscal 1998 against high-generation cephems, oxacephems and monobactams have declined. We found neither vancomycin-resistant nor teicoplanin-resistant strains of S. aureus and Enterococcus spp.

Transforming growth factor beta affects osteoclast differentiation via direct and indirect actions

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) is abundant in bone and has complex effects on osteolysis, with both positive and negative effects on osteoclast differentiation, suggesting that it acts via more than one mechanism. Osteoclastogenesis is determined primarily by osteoblast (OB) expression of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related molecule receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL) and its decoy receptor osteoprotegerin (OPG), which are increased and decreased, respectively, by osteolytic factors. A RANKL-independent osteoclastogenic mechanism mediated by TNF-alpha has also been shown. Therefore, we investigated TGF-beta effects on osteoclast formation in culture systems in which osteoclastogenic stimulus is dependent on OBs and culture systems where it was provided by exogenously added RANKL or TNF-alpha. Both OPG and TGF-beta inhibited osteoclast formation in hemopoietic cell/OB cocultures, but the kinetics of their action differed. TGF-beta also inhibited osteoclastogenesis in cocultures of cells derived from OPG null (opg-/-) mice. TGF-beta strongly decreased RANKL messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in cultured osteoblasts, and addition of exogenous RANKL to TGFbeta-inhibited cocultures of opg-/- cells partially restored osteoclastogenesis. Combined, these data indicate that the inhibitory actions of TGF-beta were mediated mainly by decreased OB production of RANKL. In contrast, in the absence of OBs, TGF-beta greatly increased osteoclast formation in recombinant RANKL- or TNF-alpha-stimulated cultures of hemopoietic cells or RAW 264.7 macrophage-like cells to levels several-fold greater than attainable by maximal stimulation by RANKL or TNF-alpha. These data suggest that TGF-beta may increase osteoclast formation via action on osteoclast precursors. Therefore, although RANKL (or TNF-alpha) is essential for osteoclast formation, factors such as TGF-beta may powerfully modify these osteoclastogenic stimuli. Such actions may be critical to the control of physiological and pathophysiological osteolysis.

Real-time observation of a single DNA digestion by lambda exonuclease under a fluorescence microscope field

A fluorescence microscopy technique has been developed to visualize the behavior of individual DNA and protein molecules. Real-time direct observation of a single DNA molecule can be used to investigate the dynamics of DNA-protein interactions, such as the DNA digestion reaction by lambda exonuclease. In conventional methods it is impossible to analyze the dynamics of an individual lambda exonuclease molecule on a DNA because they can only observe the average behavior of a number of exonuclease molecules. Observation of a single molecule, on the other hand, can reveal processivity and binding rate of an individual exonuclease molecule. To evaluate the dynamics of lambda exonuclease, a stained lambda DNA molecule with one biotinylated terminal was fixed on an avidin-coated coverslip and straightened using a d.c. electric field. Microscopic observation of digestion of a straightened DNA molecule by lambda exonuclease revealed that the DNA digestion rate was approximately 1000 bases/s and also demonstrated high processivity.

Severe dental open bite malocclusion with tongue reduction after orthodontic treatment

We treated a 21-year-old woman with a severe open bite and macroglossia with a standard edgewise appliance and without partial glossectomy. This was followed by retention using a Begg-type plate retainer for the upper dental arch and a fixed canine-to-canine for the lower arch. A crib was added to the upper plate retainer for suppression of a tongue thrust. The lower arch relapsed during the retention period, with a widening of the intermolar distance, flaring of the anterior teeth, and increased mobility of the teeth. We chose tongue reduction to resolve these problems and one-third of the middle dorsal part of the tongue was excised. After the tongue reduction, the patient experienced no functional problem in mastication, swallowing, and gustation, but she complained of mild speech difficulty and slight pain on the dorsal portion of her tongue. These symptoms disappeared 6 months after surgery. At this time, the mandibular dental arch was markedly improved. The flared lower dental arch had returned to an upright position and the tooth mobility reduced to normal. No appliance was used after surgery. Most of the recovery changes occurred within 4 months. This case highlights the importance of the teeth tending to move toward a balance between the tongue pressure from the inside and labio-buccal pressure from the outside.

Effect of leptin on insulin sensitivity in the Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty rat

Leptin has been proposed to be a sensor of energy storage in adipose tissues, and is capable of mediating a feedback signal to the hypothalamus, which is involved in the regulation of energy homeostasis and body weight. In order to investigate the issue of whether resistance to the activity of leptin on insulin sensitivity is observed in young Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats at 8 weeks of age, leptin (50 nmol/kg/h) was administered intravenously for 16 h to OLETF and Long-Evans Tokushima Otsuka (LETO) (lean controls) rats, followed by a measurement of insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in hindlimb muscles during hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp technique. In the case of LETO rats, the administration of leptin significantly decreased plasma insulin levels prior to the clamp test, but did not change plasma glucose levels. Furthermore, leptin led to an increase in insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in hindlimb muscles. However, in the case of OLETF rats, leptin administration changed neither plasma insulin levels nor insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. These data demonstrate that OLETF rats at 8 weeks of age have already become resistant to high concentration of peripheral leptin.

Cold continuous antegrade blood cardioplegia: high versus low hematocrit

OBJECTIVE

Cold continuous antegrade blood cardioplegia (CCABCP) is used with different hematocrit values. We investigated the consequences of CCABCP with low hematocrit (LH: 20-25%) versus high hematocrit (HH: 40-45%).

METHODS

Anesthetized open chest pigs (25 kg) were placed on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The hearts were arrested for 30 min by 6 degrees C CCABCP with either LH or HH (n=8, each): After an initial 3 min application of high potassium (20 mEq) BCP the hearts were arrested for subsequent 27 min by normokalemic 6 degrees C cold blood delivered continuously antegradely. Thereafter the hearts underwent perfusion with warm systemic blood for an additional 30 min on CPB. Biochemical cardiac data (MVO(2) (ml min(-1)100 g(-1)), release of creatine kinase (CK; units min(-1)100 g(-1))) and lactate (mg min(-1)100 g(-1))) and the coronary vascular resistance index (CVRI (mmHg ml(-1)ming)) were measured during CPB. Total tissue water content (%) and left and right ventricular stroke work indices (LV-and RV-SWI (g m kg(-1))) were assessed 30 min after discontinuation of CPB and compared to pre-CPB controls.

RESULTS

The hearts of the LH group had no biochemical or functional disturbance. The HH group showed marked CK leakage (0.6+/-0.2* vs. 0.1+/-0.1, *P<0.05 for comparison of LH vs. HH with Student's t-test for unpaired data), impaired initial oxygen consumption (4+/-1* vs. 7+/-1) after cardiac arrest, an increased CVRI (82+/-12* vs. 50+/-8), the formation of myocardial edema (81.0+/-1.3* vs. 77.5+/-1.2), and poor functional recovery (LVSWI 0.2+/-0.1* vs. 1.0+/-0.1; RVSWI 0.1+/-0.1* vs. 0.5+/-0.1). The absence of lactate production in both groups was in accord with the non-ischemic protocol.

CONCLUSIONS

CCABCP with a low hematocrit of 20-25% is cardioprotective. In contrast, CCABCP with a high hematocrit of 40-45% jeopardizes the heart despite avoiding ischemic periods, and should be avoided.

Atomic force microscopy of RecA--DNA complexes using a carbon nanotube tip

We report high resolution images of RecA-double stranded (ds) DNA complexes obtained by atomic force microscopy (AFM). When a carbon nanotube (CNT) tip was used, AFM images visualized the 10-nm pitch of RecA-dsDNA complexes and RecA filaments as three-dimensional surface topography without reconstruction analysis. The depth of the notch between two pitches was less than 1 nm. When adsorbed on a soft surface covered with proteins, naked DNA, RecA monomers, RecA hexamers, and short RecA filaments were all clearly resolved in one image. The high resolution images with a CNT tip provided valuable information on the initiation process of RecA-dsDNA complex formation.

Specificity of carbohydrate structures of gangliosides in the activity to regenerate the rat axotomized hypoglossal nerve

We previously reported that a ganglioside mixture from bovine brain could prevent neuronal death and promote regeneration in rats with hypoglossal nerve resection. In the present study, we have compared the neurotrophic effects of various glycosphingolipids including lactosyl-ceramide. The findings revealed that GT1b had the activity of neuronal death prevention equivalent to a ganglioside mixture or autograft, while other glycolipids exhibited about 60% activity. However, the capability to promote the regeneration varied among glycolipids, that is, GT1b (86%), GD1b (55%), GD1a (35%), GQ1b (34%), GM1 (20%), lactosyl-ceramide (17%) in the number of horseradish peroxidase-positive neurons as an indicator of regeneration. The experiments with oligosaccharides of GT1b or GD1b and ceramide showed that the carbohydrate moiety mainly exerts neurotrophic effects. These findings suggested that fine structures of carbohydrate moiety in gangliosides are critical in the regenerative activity in this hypoglossal nerve regeneration system.

Juvenile hyaline fibromatosis complicated with oral squamous cell carcinoma: a case report

A 45-year-old woman was referred because of swelling of the palate, gingival hypertrophy, and multiple cutaneous tumors. She had many cutaneous tumors, which covered most of her body, and she also displayed contractures of the major joints. Maxillary and mandibular gingival hypertrophy, malposition of the teeth, and swelling of the hard palate were the oral findings. The histopathologic features of the cutaneous and gingival tumors were consistent with hyaline fibromatosis, and the swelling of the palate proved to be a squamous cell carcinoma. The carcinoma was treated with tegafur/uracil and seemed to respond to this therapy.

Indirect micromanipulation of single molecules in water-in-oil emulsion

Based on real-time observation and micromanipulation, analytical methods for single DNA molecules have been under development for some time. Precise manipulation, however, is still difficult because single molecules are too small for conventional techniques. We have developed a chemical reaction system that uses water droplets in oil as containers of materials. The water droplets can be manipulated by optical force. The manipulation of the water droplets permits the fusion of two selected droplets. This process corresponds to mixing of different samples. We designate this system as "w/o (water-in-oil emulsion) microreactor system", and each droplet can be thought of as a "microreactor". In this system, single molecules can be manipulated readily, as a molecule can be contained in a microm-sized microreactor. The microreactor utilizes extremely small quantities of samples, therefore, reactions are rapid, as diffusion times in the microreactor are very short. The manipulation technique of the microreactors based on optical force has been applied to induce fusion between microreactors loaded with DNA and YOYO, a fluorescent dye that binds to DNA. This fusion induced a rapid binding of YOYO.

[A 62-year-old patient with congenital coronary arteriovenous fistula demonstrating dilatation and contortion that corresponded to the aorta in thickness: a case report]

A 62-year-old female, cardiac echography and catheterization revealed against aneurysming right coronary arteriovenous fistula. To avoid rupture of the aneurysm, the right coronary orifice was closed. Subsequently, the arteriovenous fistula orifice adjacent to the coronary venous sinus was closed. In addition, to avoid transfer of a thrombus in the aneurysm to the RCA, suture ligature of the right coronary aneurysm was performed, and surgery was completed. The postoperative course was uneventful. Postoperative heart catheterization showed good collateral blood circulation from the LAD to the RCA.

Genetic evidence for obesity loci involved in the regulation of body fat distribution in obese type 2 diabetes rat, OLETF

The Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rat is an animal model for obese type 2 diabetes in human. Obesity is essential for the onset of type 2 diabetes in this rat. Our present investigation was designed to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) contributing to obesity by performing a whole-genome search using 214 F(2) intercross progeny between OLETF and F344 rats. We have identified six QTLs responsible for adiposity indices of fat pads on rat chromosomes 2 (Obs1 for mesenteric fat), 4 (Obs2 for retroperitoneal fat), 8 (Obs3 for mesenteric fat), 9 (Obs4 for retroperitoneal fat), and 14 (Obs5 and Obs6 for retroperitoneal fat), demonstrating that the adiposity indices of individual fat pads were under the control of different genes. As expected, the OLETF allele corresponds to increased adiposity indices for all QTLs, except for Obs3, in which the F344 allele leads to an increase in the index.

[A surgical case of abdominal aortic aneurysm accompanied by hamartomatous changes in the vascular wall]

The current patient was a 22-year-old woman with dyspnea on exertion that had exacerbated over the past two to three years. Chest X-ray indicated pneumothorax in the right lung, and chest computed tomography showed diffuse microcysts in both lungs. The patient was diagnosed with lymphangiomyomatosis based on pleural biopsy by intrathoracic endoscopy. Systemic testing revealed complications of tuberous sclerosis and abdominal aortic aneyrysm, and a prosthetic graft replacement was perfomed following pneumothorax treatment. Aortic wall tissue images showed hamartomatous changes in smooth muscle tissue, similar to the pulmonary lesion, and this was thought to have caused vascular fragility and aneurysmal change.

Prevention of death of axotomized hypoglossal neurones and promotion of regeneration by chitin grafting

1. Chitin is known to promote skin wound healing. In this study, chitin, prepared from Zuwai crab shell, was used as a bridge between the proximal and distal stumps of cut hypoglossal nerves in shrews. We compared the effects of chitin on the regeneration of transected right hypoglossal nerve axons, with those of porcine dermis, bovine dermal aterocollagen, and autologous nerve bundles. 2. To assess the survival of neurones, the size of neuronal cell body, and number of motoneurones were determined in the absence of any bridged material and in the presence of porcine dermis, bovine dermal aterocollagen, chitin, or autologous nerve bundles as a bridge. 3. Our results revealed a significantly better outcome in chitin and autologous nerve bridged groups; the size of neuronal cell body and number of hypoglossal neurones were higher than in the other groups. Chitin also enhanced the regeneration of neurones; the number of horseradish peroxide positive neurones indicative of repaired axonal processes was significantly higher in chitin and autologous nerve-bridged groups than in other groups. 4. Our results demonstrated that the use of chitin sheet or autograft successfully prevented the death of severed neurones and promoted the regeneration of the lesioned nerve. Although the mechanisms underlying the effects of chitin are still unknown, chitin seems to be a potentially useful biocompatible material for nerve repair and regeneration.