Beta-arrestin-dependent formation of beta2 adrenergic receptor-Src protein kinase complexes

The Ras-dependent activation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathways by many receptors coupled to heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide binding proteins (G proteins) requires the activation of Src family tyrosine kinases. Stimulation of beta2 adrenergic receptors resulted in the assembly of a protein complex containing activated c-Src and the receptor. Src recruitment was mediated by beta-arrestin, which functions as an adapter protein, binding both c-Src and the agonist-occupied receptor. beta-Arrestin 1 mutants, impaired either in c-Src binding or in the ability to target receptors to clathrin-coated pits, acted as dominant negative inhibitors of beta2 adrenergic receptor-mediated activation of the MAP kinases Erk1 and Erk2. These data suggest that beta-arrestin binding, which terminates receptor-G protein coupling, also initiates a second wave of signal transduction in which the "desensitized" receptor functions as a critical structural component of a mitogenic signaling complex.

Experimental investigation of geologically produced antineutrinos with KamLAND

The detection of electron antineutrinos produced by natural radioactivity in the Earth could yield important geophysical information. The Kamioka liquid scintillator antineutrino detector (KamLAND) has the sensitivity to detect electron antineutrinos produced by the decay of 238U and 232Th within the Earth. Earth composition models suggest that the radiogenic power from these isotope decays is 16 TW, approximately half of the total measured heat dissipation rate from the Earth. Here we present results from a search for geoneutrinos with KamLAND. Assuming a Th/U mass concentration ratio of 3.9, the 90 per cent confidence interval for the total number of geoneutrinos detected is 4.5 to 54.2. This result is consistent with the central value of 19 predicted by geophysical models. Although our present data have limited statistical power, they nevertheless provide by direct means an upper limit (60 TW) for the radiogenic power of U and Th in the Earth, a quantity that is currently poorly constrained.

First results from KamLAND: evidence for reactor antineutrino disappearance

KamLAND has measured the flux of nu;(e)'s from distant nuclear reactors. We find fewer nu;(e) events than expected from standard assumptions about nu;(e) propagation at the 99.95% C.L. In a 162 ton.yr exposure the ratio of the observed inverse beta-decay events to the expected number without nu;(e) disappearance is 0.611+/-0.085(stat)+/-0.041(syst) for nu;(e) energies >3.4 MeV. In the context of two-flavor neutrino oscillations with CPT invariance, all solutions to the solar neutrino problem except for the "large mixing angle" region are excluded.

Risk factors for cerebral hemorrhage and cerebral infarction in a Japanese rural community

A ten-year follow-up study of stroke among residents 40 years and older in a rural community located on Shikoku Island, Japan, was completed in 1977. The response rate for the initial examinations was 85% of 920 males and 90% of 1,012 females. Seven hundred and seventy-two males and 901 females who were initially free of stroke were followed from July 1967 through June 1977. The incidence of all strokes was 10.47 per thousand person-years for males and 6.41 per thousand person-years for females. The statistically significant risk factors for stroke were age, male sex, elevated blood pressure, ECG abnormalities, and funduscopic abnormalities. Elevated blood pressure was the strongest risk factor and mean arterial pressure was the best predictive measure. Twice as high a proportion of strokes were subclassified as cerebral hemorrhage (26%) in this study as have been reported in comparable studies in the United States (12-15%). An inverse relationship between serum cholesterol levels and cerebral hemorrhage incidence, but not cerebral infarct, was observed. High alcohol intake was a risk factor for cerebral hemorrhage but not for cerebral infarct. No relationship between stroke and weight was observed despite the relationship of stroke to blood pressure and of weight to blood pressure.

Etiological evaluation of dural arteriovenous malformations of the lateral and sigmoid sinuses based on histopathological examinations

Controversy persists concerning the pathogenesis of dural arteriovenous malformations (AVM's) and whether they are congenital or acquired. Furthermore, it remains undetermined whether the lesion is located in the sinus itself or within the sinus wall. In order to elucidate the pathogenesis of dural AVM's of the lateral and sigmoid sinuses, histopathological profiles of this disease were studied in serial sections of completely resected lesions from three patients. The essential lesion was histologically confirmed to be a dural arteriovenous fistula within the wall of the venous sinuses. The etiology process of this disease and its progression were evaluated.

Long-term follow-up study of unruptured vertebral artery dissection: clinical outcomes and serial angiographic findings

OBJECT

Although the spontaneous occurrence of an unruptured vertebral artery (VA) dissection has increasingly been recognized as a relatively common cause of stroke, and the clinical aspects of this lesion have gradually been determined, its natural course remains obscure. The main goal of this study was to clarify the management protocol for this condition by examining serial angiographic changes in patients with unruptured VA dissections.

METHODS

Seventeen patients with unruptured VA dissections, including 13 men and four women, were clinically and angiographically examined between 1993 and 1998. All patients were observed using serial angiography studies. The initial angiography examinations most frequently revealed stenotic lesions (appearance of a pearl-and-string sign or string sign) in eight (47.1%) of 17 cases. In 15 cases (88.2%), changes in the lesions were evident on follow-up angiography studies. Stenotic lesions resulted in occlusion in four cases, normalization in three, and subsequent formation of an aneurysm in one case, which was treated successfully by proximal occlusion of the affected vessel performed using a detachable balloon. Occluded lesions, which were initially observed in three patients, recanalized in two patients and remained unchanged in one patient. Fusiform dilation alone was demonstrated in three patients during the initial angiography session; these lesions became normalized or were unchanged on follow-up studies. Saccular aneurysms were observed in two patients. In one of these cases, proximal ligation of the parent artery was successfully performed because of subsequent aneurysm enlargement. A double lumen, which appeared in one patient with an extradural VA dissection, became occluded. Magnetic resonance T2-weighted imaging studies revealed infarction corresponding to the posterior circulation in seven cases. During long-term observation in this series, good or excellent recovery was obtained in 14 (87.5%) of 16 patients, and moderate or severe disability in two (12.5%); one patient was lost to follow up after the second angiography study.

CONCLUSIONS

A follow-up angiography study must be performed during the early stage (within approximately 3 weeks after onset of symptoms) to confirm the formation or enlargement of an aneurysm, because such conditions may be amenable to surgical treatment. Unruptured VA dissection could otherwise be treated and followed conservatively. Although the majority of dissected lesions seem likely to stabilize within a few months, as evidenced on angiography, in some cases a longer observation period is required.

Incidence of stroke in Shibata, Japan: 1976-1978

A stroke registry was established in Shibata City, Niigata Prefecture, Japan (population 75,000) in 1976. WHO recommendations for criteria were followed. This paper reports stroke incidence for the initial 3 years of the registry: 1976 through 1978. All living patients were examined clinically by a staff physician. Only patients with a diagnosis of first stroke were included in the study. Sensitivity of the referral system was estimated at 85 + %, comparable to that in American studies. Average annual incidence per 1,000 in resident greater than or equal to 20 years was 2.61 for all strokes (3.42 for males; 1.88 for females), 0.20 for subarachnoid hemorrhage, 0.61 for cerebral hemorrhage, 1.51 for cerebral infarction - rates similar to those reported 10-20 years previously for the United States. The male-female ratio, 2:1, reflected a high rate among males, low among females. Rats among Shibata males were higher than 1972 U.S. rates reported by the Epidemiologic Study Group; rates among Shibata females were lower than corresponding U.S. rates. Incidence of all strokes combined increased with age, the age relationship being strongest for cerebral infarction. No subarachnoid hemorrhage was observed in Shibata residents greater than or equal to 70 years of age.

A clinical, genetic, and neuropathologic study in a family with 16q-linked ADCA type III

Presented is the new kindred with autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia linked to chromosome 16q22.1 (16q-ADCA type III) associated with progressive hearing loss. By haplotype analysis, the critical interval was slightly narrowed to three megabase regions between GATA01 and D16S3095. Neuropathologic study of 16q-ADCA type III demonstrated characteristic shrinkage of Purkinje cell bodies surrounded by synaptophysin-immunoreactive amorphous material containing calbindin- and ubiquitin-positive granules.

Measurement of neutrino oscillation with KamLAND: evidence of spectral distortion

We present results of a study of neutrino oscillation based on a 766 ton/year exposure of KamLAND to reactor antineutrinos. We observe 258 nu (e) candidate events with energies above 3.4 MeV compared to 365.2+/-23.7 events expected in the absence of neutrino oscillation. Accounting for 17.8+/-7.3 expected background events, the statistical significance for reactor nu (e) disappearance is 99.998%. The observed energy spectrum disagrees with the expected spectral shape in the absence of neutrino oscillation at 99.6% significance and prefers the distortion expected from nu (e) oscillation effects. A two-neutrino oscillation analysis of the KamLAND data gives Deltam(2)=7.9(+0.6)(-0.5)x10(-5) eV(2). A global analysis of data from KamLAND and solar-neutrino experiments yields Deltam(2)=7.9(+0.6)(-0.5)x10(-5) eV(2) and tan((2)theta=0.40(+0.10)(-0.07), the most precise determination to date.

Cytoplasmic and nuclear polyglutamine aggregates in SCA6 Purkinje cells

Aggregations of the alpha1A-calcium channel protein have been previously demonstrated in spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 (SCA6). Here the authors show that small aggregates, labeled by a monoclonal antibody 1C2 that preferentially detects expanded polyglutamine larger than that in SCA6 mutation, are present mainly in the cytoplasm but also in the nucleus of Purkinje cells. Although the length of expansion is small in SCA6, the current finding might indicate that SCA6 conforms to the pathogenic mechanism(s) in other polyglutamine diseases.

Secular trends in mortality for cerebrovascular diseases in Japan, 1960 to 1979

In Japan the age-adjusted death rate from cerebrovascular diseases has decreased for both males and females since 1965. This downward trend accelerated in 1971. This is not due to artifacts such as changes in diagnostic methods of stroke and in rules for coding cause of death on death certificates. The progress and spread of detection, treatment and control of hypertension appears to have been the greatest contributing factor. Furthermore, improvement in the dietary habits, that is, a decrease in salt intake and an appropriate increase in the amount of animal fat and protein taken are also considered to have contributed to the decline in stroke mortality. The regional difference in the standardized mortality ratio for stroke markedly observed in 1960 was still seen even in the 1970's, but the difference became smaller. Mechanization of farming works may be partly accountable for the decrease in the regional difference.

Effect of vitamin E on learning and memory deficit in aged rats

In order to verify whether vitamin E improves the cognitive impairment induced through aging, aged rats fed a vitamin E-supplemented diet had their learning and memory functions assessed in comparison with the aged rats fed a normal diet using a Morris water maze test. Although normal aged rats showed very poor learning ability concerning the place of a platform in the water maze apparatus, the aged rats fed the vitamin E-supplemented diet learned the place with a marked speed in only 5 trials. After old animals showed the maximum learning ability, they were kept in a normal atmosphere for 48 h without a trial followed by an assessment of their memory function using the same apparatus. The vitamin E-supplementation to aged rats resulted in marked retention of their maximum memory function, although normal aged rats showed a significant memory loss of about 60%. Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), which increases in the production of nerve growth factor, and protects neurons, had a similar effect on cognitive function to that of vitamin E in the aged rats. These results suggest that vitamin E may improve cognitive deficit caused through aging by not only its neuro-protecting effect but an antioxidant efficacy.

[Phosphotyrosine]protein phosphatase in rat brain. A major [phosphotyrosine]protein phosphatase is a 23 kDa protein distinct from acid phosphatase

A [phosphotyrosine]protein phosphatase (PTPPase) was purified almost to homogeneity from rat brain, with [32P]p130gag-fps, an oncogene product of Fujinami sarcoma virus, as substrate. The characteristics of the purified preparation of PTPPase were as follows: the enzyme was a monomer with a molecular mass of 23 kDa; its optimum pH was 5.0-5.5; its activity was not dependent on bivalent cations; its activity was strongly inhibited by sodium vanadate, but was not inhibited by ZnCl2, L(+)-tartrate or NaF; it catalysed the dephosphorylation of [32P]p130gag-fps, [[32P]Tyr]casein, p-nitrophenyl phosphate and L-phosphotyrosine, but did not hydrolyse [[32P]Ser]tubulin, L-phosphoserine, DL-phosphothreonine, 5'-AMP, 2'-AMP or beta-glycerophosphate significantly. During the purification, most of the PTPPase activity was recovered in distinct fractions from those of conventional low-molecular-mass acid phosphatase (APase), which was reported to be a major PTPPase [Chernoff & Li (1985) Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 240, 135-145], from DE-52 DEAE-cellulose column chromatography, and those two enzymes could be completely separated by Sephadex G-75 column chromatography. APase also showed PTPPase activity with [32P]p130gag-fps, but the specific activity was lower than that of PTPPase with molecular mass of 23 kDa, and it was not sensitive to sodium vanadate. These findings suggested that PTPPase (23 kDa) was the major and specific PTPPase in the cell.

Precision measurement of neutrino oscillation parameters with KamLAND

The KamLAND experiment has determined a precise value for the neutrino oscillation parameter Deltam21(2) and stringent constraints on theta12. The exposure to nuclear reactor antineutrinos is increased almost fourfold over previous results to 2.44 x 10(32) proton yr due to longer livetime and an enlarged fiducial volume. An undistorted reactor nu[over]e energy spectrum is now rejected at >5sigma. Analysis of the reactor spectrum above the inverse beta decay energy threshold, and including geoneutrinos, gives a best fit at Deltam21(2)=7.58(-0.13)(+0.14)(stat) -0.15+0.15(syst) x 10(-5) eV2 and tan2theta12=0.56(-0.07)+0.10(stat) -0.06+0.10(syst). Local Deltachi2 minima at higher and lower Deltam21(2) are disfavored at >4sigma. Combining with solar neutrino data, we obtain Deltam21(2)=7.59(-0.21)+0.21 x 10(-5) eV2 and tan2theta12=0.47(-0.05)+0.06.

Urotensin II-immunoreactive neurons in the caudal neurosecretory system of freshwater and seawater fish

Antiserum generated against synthetic urotensin II of the goby, Gillichthys mirabilis, was used to localize urotensin II in the caudal neurosecretory system in six species of freshwater teleosts: Cyprinus carpio, Carassius auratus, Oreochromis mossambicus, Oreochromis niloticus, Salmo gairdneri and Plecoglossus altivelis, and six species of seawater teleosts: Acanthogobius flavimanus, Pagrus major, Parapristipoma trilineatum, Trachurus japonicus, Seriola dumerili and Seriola quinqueradiata. In the carp, urotensin II-immunoreactive perikarya were classified into three groups according to their size and shape. Small cells were located in the spinal cord dorsal to the urophysis, medium-sized cells immediately anterior to the urophysis, and large cells anterior to the medium-sized cells. In each group, a small number of nonreactive cells was found. Urotensin II-immunoreactive nerve fibers extended toward the urophysis and terminated around the blood vessels. Other species of teleosts showed a similar immunoreaction to that observed in the carp. The immunoreaction of the urophysis was stronger in seawater fish than freshwater fish. Urotensin II-immunoreactive elements could not be detected in the brains of the carp, goldfish and goby.

Epidemiological Data Management during an Outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease: Key Issues and Observations from Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone experienced intense transmission of Ebola virus disease (EVD) from May 2014 to November 2015 during which a total of 8,704 confirmed cases and over 3,589 confirmed deaths were reported. Our field observation showed many issues in the EVD data management system, which may have contributed to the magnitude and long duration of the outbreak. In this perspective article, we explain the key issues with EVD data management in the field, and the resulting obstacles in analyzing key epidemiological indicators during the outbreak response work. Our observation showed that, during the latter part of the EVD outbreak, surveillance and data management improved at all levels in the country as compared to the earlier stage. We identified incomplete filling and late arrival of the case investigation forms at data management centers, difficulties in detecting double entries and merging identified double entries in the database, and lack of clear process of how death of confirmed cases in holding, treatment, and community care centers are reported to the data centers as some of challenges to effective data management. Furthermore, there was no consolidated database that captured and linked all data sources in a structured way. We propose development of a new application tool easily adaptable to new occurrences, regular data harmonization meetings between national and district data management teams, and establishment of a data quality audit system to assure good quality data as ways to improve EVD data management during future outbreaks.

Immunohistochemical investigation of urotensins in the caudal spinal cord of four species of elasmobranchs and the lamprey, Lampetra japonica

In the four species of elasmobranchs examined (Triakis scyllia, Heterodontus japonicus, Scyliorhinus torazame, Dasyatis akajei), all identifiable caudal neurosecretory cells and their corresponding neurohemal areas showed urotensin II (UII)-immunoreactivity with varied intensity. To localize urotensin I (UI) in the caudal neurosecretory system of the dogfish, Triakis scyllia, h-CRF (1-20) antiserum that cross-reacts with UI was used in place of UI antiserum. CRF/UI-immunoreactivity was demonstrated in the neurosecretory cells and neurohemal areas. A considerable number of neurons showed both UII- and CRF/UI-immunoreactivities, suggesting that UII and UI are produced in the same neurosecretory cells. However, some neurons exhibited UII-immunoreactivity, but no CRF/UI-immunoreactivity. Cells immunoreactive only to CRF antiserum were not detected. At least two populations of neurons exist in the dogfish caudal neurosecretory system: (i) cells immunoreactive for both CRF/UI and UII, and (ii) cells immunoreactive for UII. The dorsal cells of the lamprey, Lampetra japonica, did not react with either UII or CRF antiserum.

Cerebral white matter lesions may be partially reversible in patients with carotid artery stenosis

Contrary to the common belief that age-related WMLs (also known as leukoaraiosis) are a progressive condition, a case of partial reversal of WMLs shortly after carotid artery stenting is described. A 75-year-old man presented with frequent TIAs, which were attributed to right ICA stenosis. He subsequently underwent successful carotid artery stenting. Follow-up MR imaging a week after the procedure showed improvement of WMLs in the right cerebral hemisphere. Pixel-by-pixel image analysis showed that the reversed WMLs tended to have higher lambda1 and lower signal intensity on b = 0 images compared with nonreversed lesions, but by only approximately 10%.

High-performance liquid chromatographic determination of six p-hydroxybenzoic acid esters in cosmetics using Sep-Pak florisil cartridges for sample pre-treatment

A rapid and simple method is described for the simultaneous determination of methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, n-propyl, isobutyl and n-butyl p-hydroxybenzoic acid esters (parabens) in cosmetics by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The method involves a single extraction of parabens with diethyl ether and clean-up on a Sep-Pak Florisil cartridge. Fat-soluble excipients in the diethyl ether extracts are removed through the cartridges with hexane-chloroform (75:25). Parabens are then eluted from the cartridges with hexane-ethyl acetate (70:30) and determined by HPLC on a reversed-phase column with water-methanol (50:50) as the mobile phase using sec.-butylpraben as an internal standard. The method was applied to samples with complicated matrices such as cream, milk lotion, lotion and cleansing foam, and the recoveries were 99.0-102.3% with coefficients of variation of 0.3-1.2%.

Spinal Intramedullary Tuberculoma Requiring Surgical Treatment-Case Report-

A 71-year-old male presented with multiple central nervous system tuberculomas including spinal intramedullary tuberculoma manifesting as occipitalgia and left hemiparesis. He had received medical treatment for lung and testis tuberculosis. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an intramedullary lesion at the C-2 level as well as multiple small extramedullary and intracranial lesions. His neurological symptoms gradually worsened despite intensive antituberculous therapy. The C-2 intramedullary lesion responsible for left hemiparesis was surgically extirpated. Postoperatively, his neurological symptoms improved gradually, and no recurrence was evident at the resected site. Surgical intervention is mandatory in patients with intramedullary tuberculoma if neurological symptoms deteriorate or lesions enlarge despite continuous antituberculous therapy.

Measuring the Effect of Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections on Cognitive Function in Children: Systematic Review and Critical Appraisal of Evidence

Recently the role of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections in children's cognitive developmental impairment has been under scrutiny. We conducted a systematic review of the evidence for associations between STH infections and cognitive function of children using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol. We aimed to identify the domains of cognitive function in three age strata (<24months, 24-59months and ≥60months) and critically appraise the general design protocol of the studies, with a focus on the cognitive function measurement tools used. A total of 42 papers fulfilled the inclusion criteria, including 10 studies from a recent Cochrane review. Our findings demonstrate variation in tested domains, lack of consistency in the use of measurement tools and analysis of results. Cognitive function measures in children aged under 59months have been mainly limited to domains of gross motor, fine motor and language skills, whereas in children aged 60months and above most studies tested domains such as memory and processing speed. Even within the same age group the results on the association between STH infections and measures of cognitive development were often conflicting. The current study highlights the need for methodological consensus in the use of measurement tools and data analysis protocols if the effect of STH infections on cognitive function domains in children is to be correctly established. This will be an imperative next step to generate conclusive evidence of the role of STH infections in cognitive development in children.

Gender, culture and harm: an exploratory study of female heroin users of Vietnamese ethnicity

Previous quantitative cross sectional studies of ethnic Vietnamese drug users in Melbourne have been overwhelmingly drawn from samples of men. In this qualitative investigation, 24 women aged between 18 and 33 years were interviewed. This exploratory study sought: to identify issues surrounding heroin initiation and drug use career; to examine relationships with family and primary sex partners; and to reveal participants' attitudes to drug treatment. Data reveal that for the women in this study the initiation and continued use of heroin was heavily influenced by men, especially their primary sex partners. The women interviewed reported strategies to minimise their risk taking including enrolling in pharmacotherapy treatment programmes, but they remained particularly vulnerable - especially to blood borne viruses - through both injecting and sexual risk behaviour. The data suggest that interventions which focus on the gendered nature of injecting practices within personal relationships may go some way to both reducing harm and increasing control for the women involved.