Excitatory cortical inputs to pallidal neurons via the subthalamic nucleus in the monkey

How the motor-related cortical areas modulate the activity of the output nuclei of the basal ganglia is an important issue for understanding the mechanisms of motor control by the basal ganglia. In the present study, by using awake monkeys, the polysynaptic effects of electrical stimulation in the forelimb regions of the primary motor and primary somatosensory cortices on the activity of globus pallidus (GP) neurons, especially mediated by the subthalamic nucleus (STN), have been characterized. Cortical stimulation induced an early, short-latency excitation followed by an inhibition and a late excitation in neurons of both the external and internal segments of the GP. It also induced an early, short-latency excitation followed by a late excitation and an inhibition in STN neurons. The early excitation in STN neurons preceded that in GP neurons. Blockade of STN neuronal activity by muscimol (GABA(A) receptor agonist) injection resulted in abolishment of both the early and late excitations evoked in GP neurons by cortical stimulation. At the same time, the spontaneous discharge rate of GP neurons decreased, pauses between the groups of spikes of GP neurons became prominent, and the firing pattern became regular. Injection of (+/-)-3-(2-carboxypiperazin-4-yl)-propyl-1-phosphonic acid (CPP) [N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist], but not 1,2,3, 4-tetrahydro-6-nitro-2,3-dioxo-benzo[f]quinoxaline-7-sulfonamide disodium [NBQX (non-NMDA receptor antagonist)], into the STN attenuated the early and late excitations in GP neurons, suggesting that cortico-subthalamic transmission is mediated mainly by NMDA receptors. Interference with the pallido-subthalamic transmission by bicuculline (GABA(A) receptor antagonist) injection into the STN made the inhibition distinct without affecting the early excitation. The present results indicate that the cortico-subthalamo-pallidal pathway conveys powerful excitatory effects from the motor-related cortical areas to the GP with shorter conduction time than the effects conveyed through the striatum.

Preoperative staging of superficial esophageal carcinoma: comparison of an ultrasound probe and standard endoscopic ultrasonography

BACKGROUND

In diagnosing superficial esophageal carcinoma, it is necessary to differentiate mucosal carcinoma from submucosal carcinoma because mucosal carcinoma has a good prognosis and local treatment is likely to be successful. We evaluated an ultrasound probe and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) in the staging of superficial esophageal carcinoma.

METHODS

From October 1992 to September 1994, 22 patients with 25 lesions (7 mucosal carcinomas, 18 submucosal carcinomas) were examined preoperatively with both the probe and EUS. The ultrasound findings were compared with histologic findings in all cases.

RESULTS

The accuracy rates of the depth of invasion by the ultrasound probe were 86% (6 to 7) for mucosal carcinoma and 94% (17 to 18) for submucosal carcinoma, total 92% (23 to 25); by EUS 71% (5 to 7) for mucosal carcinoma and 78% (14 to 18) for submucosal carcinoma, total 76% (19 to 25). In the evaluation of lymph node metastasis, the overall accuracy was 56% by the ultrasound probe (sensitivity 25% and specificity 80%) and 67% by EUS (sensitivity 50% and specificity 80%).

CONCLUSIONS

The ultrasound probe was more convenient to use and more accurate than EUS in the evaluation of the depth of invasion of superficial esophageal carcinoma.

Organization of inputs from cingulate motor areas to basal ganglia in macaque monkey

The cingulate motor areas reside within regions lining the cingulate sulcus and are divided into rostral and caudal parts. Recent studies suggest that the rostral and caudal cingulate motor areas participate in distinct aspects of motor function: the former plays a role in higher-order cognitive control of movements, whereas the latter is more directly involved in their execution. Here, we investigated the organization of cingulate motor areas inputs to the basal ganglia in the macaque monkey. Identified forelimb representations of the rostral and caudal cingulate motor areas were injected with different anterograde tracers and the distribution patterns of labelled terminals were analysed in the striatum and the subthalamic nucleus. Corticostriatal inputs from the rostral and caudal cingulate motor areas were located within the rostral striatum, with the highest density in the striatal cell bridges and the ventrolateral portions of the putamen, respectively. There was no substantial overlap between these input zones. Similarly, a certain segregation of input zones from the rostral and caudal cingulate motor areas occurred along the mediolateral axis of the subthalamic nucleus. It has also been revealed that corticostriatal and corticosubthalamic input zones from the rostral cingulate motor area considerably overlapped those from the presupplementary motor area, while the input zones from the caudal cingulate motor area displayed a large overlap with those from the primary motor cortex. The present results indicate that a parallel design underlies motor information processing in the cortico-basal ganglia loop derived from the rostral and caudal cingulate motor areas.

Effect of a specific neutrophil elastase inhibitor, ONO-5046, on endotoxin-induced acute lung injury

Because excessive neutrophil elastase (NE) activity is involved in the pathogenesis of acute lung injury, we speculated that administering anti-NE might prevent lung injury. In a guinea pig model of acute lung injury induced by Escherichia coli endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide [LPS]), we investigated the effect of ONO-5046, a low-molecular-weight and specific inhibitor of NE. ONO-5046 produced concentration-dependent inhibition of guinea pig NE, whereas there were no inhibitory effects on neutrophil chemotaxis or the expression of adhesion molecules in endothelial cells. Detectable NE activity in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid was present in the LPS-alone group. No NE activity in BAL fluid was detected in the LPS+ONO-5046 groups. Neutrophil counts in BAL fluid, the lung tissue wet to dry weight ratio, and the lung tissue or BAL fluid to plasma ratio of 125I-albumin were increased in the LPS-alone group as compared with the saline group (p < 0.05). In the LPS+ONO-5046 group, neutrophil counts in BAL fluid, the lung tissue wet to dry weight ratio and BAL fluid to plasma ratio of 125I-albumin were decreased as compared with the LPS-alone group (p < 0.05). These data suggest that ONO-5046 can attenuate LPS-induced acute lung injury.

New bronchoscopic microsample probe to measure the biochemical constituents in epithelial lining fluid of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome

OBJECTIVE

A noninvasive bronchoscopic microsampling (BMS) probe was developed to sample biochemical constituents of the epithelial lining fluid in small airways.

DESIGN

Observational, controlled study.

SETTING

Intensive care unit of academic medical center. PATIENTS AND PROCEDURE: BMS was applied in a control group of seven patients who had hemoptysis or small solitary peripheral nodules but no hypoxemia or other signs of acute inflammation and in four patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), to test whether BMS can ascertain the presence of acute pulmonary inflammation without complications.

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

Complications, including a significant decrease in arterial oxygen saturation, were observed neither during nor after BMS. In the ARDS group, albumin, lactate dehydrogenase, interleukin-6, basic fibroblast growth factor, and neutrophil elastase concentrations in epithelial lining fluid were significantly higher (p <.0001, p =.012, p <.0001, p <.0001, and p <.0001, respectively) than in the control group. Serial BMS was safely performed in one patient with ARDS, allowing us to observe a correlation between changes in the concentration of inflammation-related biochemical markers and clinical course of the disease.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that BMS is safe and useful to monitor pulmonary biochemical events in ARDS.

Diagnosis of pheochromocytoma using [123I]-compared with [131I]-metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy

BACKGROUND

Patient with pheochromocytoma (PCT) cannot be cured without operation, therefore, preoperative determination of the localization of PCT should be performed accurately. [131I]-Metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scintigraphy is a gold standard for the diagnosis of PCT. However, [123I]-MIBG is also found to accumulate in PCT. In order to clarify the usefulness of [123I]-MIBG scintigraphy for the local detection of PCT, we compared the distribution of [123I]- and [131I]-MIBG in patients with or without PCT.

METHODS

[131I]- and [123I]-MIBG scintigraphy was performed in 29 and 16 patients, respectively. In the former group, 14 patients had PCT, 12 had hypertension without any adrenal disorder and three had other diseases. In the latter group, eight patients had PCT, two had hypertension without any adrenal disorder and six had other diseases. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of [123I]-compared with [131I]-MIBG scintigraphy were compared.

RESULTS

The sensitivity of [131I]- and [123I]-MIBG scintigraphy was 85.7 and 90%, respectively. The specificity of each test was 100%. The accuracy of [131I]- and [123I]-MIBG scintigraphy was 93.1 and 95%, respectively. The quality of images obtained using [123I]-MIBG was better than with [131I]-MIBG, because [123I]-MIBG generated a higher dose of gamma-rays with a higher specificity than [131I]-MIBG. In addition, normal adrenal grands were visualized in 50% of patients tested with [123I]-MIBG scintigraphy.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that [123I]-MIBG scintigraphy is a valuable tool for the local detection of PCT, as is [131I]-MIBG scintigraphy. Furthermore, it is possible that [123I]-MIBG can be used as an alternative to [131I]-MIBG for the detection of PCT. Our study was not a prospective study and the background of the patients was not matched. Further prospective studies are needed in order to determine the efficacy of [123I]-MIBG scintigraphy for the diagnosis of PCT.

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor does not enhance endotoxin-induced acute lung injury in guinea pigs

We studied recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) in terms of its hematopoietic and neutrophil-activating effects on acute lung injury induced by endotoxin. Guinea pigs were divided into four groups: (1) saline control animals, (2) endotoxin alone, (3) cyclophosphamide (CPA)+endotoxin, and (4) G-CSF+endotoxin. A G-CSF dose of 20 micrograms/kg was given subcutaneously twice a day for 5 days. Animals were observed for 4 h after intravenously administered endotoxin (0.02 and 2.0 mg/kg) with serial measurements of complete blood counts and hemodynamics. Lung extravascular water, [125I]albumin leakage in lung tissue, and histopathologic features were examined at death. The endotoxin-alone group showed peripheral leukopenia, transient hypotension, excess lung water, increased albumin leakage, PMN accumulation in lung tissue, and gross histopathologic edema. G-CSF-treated animals showed attenuated responses in peripheral leukopenia, excess lung water, and albumin leakage in comparison with the endotoxin-alone group. No augmented responses were seen in the G-CSF group. The CPA+endotoxin group also had attenuated lung injury, which was similar to that in the G-CSF group. In conclusion, pretreatment with G-CSF tended to attenuate rather than enhance neutrophil-dependent acute lung responses to endotoxin.

Hemodynamic changes associated with reduction in total cholesterol by treatment with the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor pravastatin

Hemodynamic changes associated with the lowering of total cholesterol (TC) by the water-soluble HMG-COA reductase inhibitor pravastatin were investigated in 59 patients with hypercholesterolemia (TC level at least 220 mg/dl) who received pravastatin therapy for 6 months. The patients were divided into two groups according to the reduction in TC: a > or = 15% reduction group and a < 15% reduction group. The changes in hemodynamics were compared before and after pravastatin treatment. No changes in blood pressure, heart rate or aortic damping factor were found in either group. However, significant decreases in pulse wave velocity and total peripheral resistance, and increase in cardiac output were seen in the > or = 15% reduction group. All these hemodynamic parameters remained unchanged in the < 15% reduction group. The 12 patients with a clear pravastatin-induced reduction in TC maintained over a 5-year period showed no changes in blood pressure, heart rate or aortic damping factor, but the reductions in pulse wave velocity and total peripheral resistance, and increase in cardiac output were maintained. These changes in hemodynamics were not dependent on aortic elasticity, and appeared to result from improved peripheral hemodynamics. Lowering of TC levels by pravastatin results in improvement in the peripheral endothelium-dependent vasodilation disorder associated with hypercholesterolemia.

Comparison of effects of Wasabia japonica and allyl isothiocyanate on the growth of four strains of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in lean and fatty tuna meat suspensions

Lean tuna meat suspensions (LEAN), with a fat content of 0.006%, and fatty tuna meat suspension (FATTY), with a fat content of 3.0% were inoculated with four strains of Vibrio parahaemolyticus and wasabi (Wasabia japonica Matsumura) or allyl isothiocyanate (AIT) was added before incubation at 37 degrees C. During the incubation, viable Vibrio counts were determined on TCBS agar plates. Both LEAN and FATTY suspensions were inoculated with V. parahaemolyticus AOTO-81, (1.28+/-0.20) x 10(2) CFU/ml, followed by addition of 20 mg wasabi/ml, and incubation for 8 h. The viable Vibrio counts were (7.76+/-5.93) x 10(5) CFU/ml in LEAN and (3.50+/-2.65) x 10(1) CFU/ml in FATTY. When the same strain, at (1.18+/-0.22) x 10(2) CFU/ml, was incubated for 8 h with 50.9 microg AIT/ml, viable Vibrio counts were (4.79+/-1.78) x 10(4) CFU/ml in LEAN and (1.80+/-1.30) x 10(1) CFU/ml in FATTY. Growth of the other three strains with wasabi or AIT was shown to be less in FATTY than in LEAN. These results indicate that growth of V. parahaemolyticus is inhibited more in FATTY than in LEAN by wasabi and allyl isothiocyanate.

A simple in vito cytotoxicity test using the MTT (3-(4,5)-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) colorimetric assay: analysis of eugenol toxicity on dental pulp cells (RPC-C2A)

A simple colorimetric assay using MTT has been developed to monitor mammalian cell survival and proliferation in vitro. In this study we used a clonal fibroblastic cell line (RPC-C2A) from, rat incisal dental pulp to examine the effectiveness of the colorimetric assay to test for the toxicity of eugenol, which is frequently used to treat inflammed dental pulp. A technical problem encountered was the insolubility of MTT formazan, produced by the activity of mitochondria dehydrogenases. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) seemed to be the best solvent. Doses of eugenol causing a 50% inhibition in the colorimetric assay were calculated as 0.6 mM and 1 mM for cells in the growing phase and for cells at confluence, respectively. These values exist in the concentration range reported in the previous studies. Although the correlation between spectrophotometric absorbance and cell number was not completely linear, this method could be used effectively as a simple preliminary assay to test for the toxicity of dental drugs and materials.

Evaluation of long-term cultured endothelial cells as a model system for studying vascular ageing

Long-term cultures of human umbilical endothelial cells were examined for changes in cell growth, cell density, cell volume, occurrence of multinucleated cells, prostacyclin production and negative charge of the cell surface during in vitro cellular ageing. The changes observed were consistent with the previously described changes in vascular endothelial cells during in vivo ageing. Therefore, we conclude that cumulative cell division is deeply involved in in vivo ageing of endothelial cells and that this in vitro system is suitable for investigating in vivo ageing of vascular endothelial cells.

Garcinia extract inhibits lipid droplet accumulation without affecting adipose conversion in 3T3-L1 cells

Garcinia extract was isolated from the fruit of the Garcinia cambogia and was used as a potential antiobesity agent. In week 3 of culture with insulin, the fat cells exhibited more numerous and larger intracytoplasmic lipid droplets (i.e. 30-40 microm(2)). When Garcinia extract and insulin were added simultaneously, the accumulation of lipid droplets was inhibited and the peak droplet area shifted to become smaller (10-20 microm(2)). The activities of glycerophosphate dehydrogenase, a marker of adipose differentiation, were not significantly inhibited by the Garcinia extract. These findings suggest that the Garcinia extract inhibits lipid droplet accumulation in fat cells without affecting adipose conversion.

Location of the binding site "b" for lateral polymerization of fibrin

We examined the location of the binding site "b" for lateral polymerization of fibrin using two fractions of normal human fibrinogen, a high-molecular weight fraction (so-called normal fibrinogen) and a low-molecular weight fraction which lacks the C-terminal half of one of its two A alpha chains, and Gly-His-Arg-Pro, a synthetic peptide that corresponds to the N-terminal sequence of human fibrin beta chain and binds specifically to the site "b". The amounts of the synthetic peptide bound to each of the low- and high-molecular weight fractions were 1 mol/mol and 2 mol/mol, respectively. The peptide delayed the clotting of fibrinogen by blocking the site "b", but did not inhibit thrombin at all. In the presence of the peptide, the high-molecular weight fraction did not form a normal coarse clot but a fine clot which was identical to that produced by the low-molecular weight fraction. The identity of the two clots was judged from four different points: morphology, turbidity, elasticity and clotting velocity of fibrin. The results suggest that the site "b" is located within the portion of the fibrinogen molecule present in the high-molecular weight fraction, but not in the low-molecular weight fraction and that the site "b" plays an essential role in the lateral polymerization of fibrin.

Trehalose suppresses lipopolysaccharide-induced osteoclastogenesis bone marrow in mice

We have previously shown that trehalose suppresses bone loss in ovariectomized (OVX) mice by way of inhibiting osteoclast differentiation in bone marrow. Also, trehalose inhibits the secretion of interleukin-6 in bone marrow cell cultures, resulting in a decrease in osteoclast formation. In this study, we examined the effect of trehalose on osteoclastogenesis using another model of bone resorption, namely lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated osteoclast induction. Mice were given trehalose (1g/kg) by gastric intubation for 5 consecutive days, and 24 hours later, 14 mg/kg of LPS was injected intraperitoneally. Trehalose significantly suppressed LPS-induced tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha production after 90 min and decreased the number of osteoclasts in the bone marrow 48 hours after LPS injection. These results indicate that trehalose suppresses excessive osteoclastogenesis not only in OVX mice but also in a LPS-induced bone resorption mouse model and further suggest that the latter finding may be mediated at least in part through a decrease in TNF-alpha production.

Two c-type cytochromes, NirM and NirC, encoded in the nir gene cluster of Pseudomonas aeruginosa act as electron donors for nitrite reductase

Three c-type cytochromes, NirM, NirC, and NirN, are encoded in the nirSMCFDLGHJEN gene cluster for cytochrome cd(1)-type nitrite reductase (NIR) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. nirS is the structural gene for NIR. NirM (cytochrome c(551)) is reported to be a physiological electron donor for nitrite reductase. The respective functions of NirC and NirN have remained unclear. In this study, we produced recombinant NirC and NirN in P. aeruginosa, and purified them from the periplasmic fraction. N-terminal amino acid sequences of the purified proteins showed that the N-terminal 31 and 18 residues of NirC and NirN precursors were cleaved, respectively, indicating that cleaved peptides act as signals for membrane translocation. In addition, the ability of NirC for electron donation to nitrite reductase was investigated. NirC, as well as NirM, was able to mediate the electron donation from the membrane electron pathway to NIR, suggesting that the structural gene for NIR is followed by the genes for two electron donors for NIR.

Nonlinear increase of X-ray intensities from thin foils irradiated with a 200 TW femtosecond laser

We report, for the first time, that the energy of femtosecond optical laser pulses, E, with relativistic intensities I > 10(21)  W/cm(2) is efficiently converted to X-ray radiation, which is emitted by "hot" electron component in collision-less processes and heats the solid density plasma periphery. As shown by direct high-resolution spectroscopic measurements X-ray radiation from plasma periphery exhibits unusual non-linear growth ~E(4-5) of its power. The non-linear power growth occurs far earlier than the known regime when the radiation reaction dominates particle motion (RDR). Nevertheless, the radiation is shown to dominate the kinetics of the plasma periphery, changing in this regime (now labeled RDKR) the physical picture of the laser plasma interaction. Although in the experiments reported here we demonstrated by observation of KK hollow ions that X-ray intensities in the keV range exceeds ~10(17)  W/cm(2), there is no theoretical limit of the radiation power. Therefore, such powerful X-ray sources can produce and probe exotic material states with high densities and multiple inner-shell electron excitations even for higher Z elements. Femtosecond laser-produced plasmas may thus provide unique ultra-bright X-ray sources, for future studies of matter in extreme conditions, material science studies, and radiography of biological systems.

A RING finger motif regulates transforming activity of the rfp/ret fusion gene

The rfp/ret transforming gene was generated by DNA rearrangement which occurred during transfection of NIH 3T3 cells. The amino-terminal half of Rfp with a RING finger motif was fused to the truncated Ret receptor tyrosine kinase, leading to a transforming sequence, Rfp/Ret. In the present study, to elucidate the importance of a RING finger motif for its transforming activity, we mutated cysteine or histidine residues present in the motif that are believed to be crucial for the tertiary structure of the protein. Substitution of Cys-16, Cys-31, or His-33 markedly decreased the transforming activity of Rfp/Ret. These mutations also resulted in a striking decrease of tyrosine phosphorylation of the mutant proteins in transfectants. In contrast, mutations of Cys-118 or His-124 in the second cysteine/histidine-rich motif (called B box) of Rfp/Ret did not affect its activity. These results thus indicated that the RING finger structure is critical for the full transforming activity of Rfp/Ret.

Prevalence of delirium among outpatients with dementia

BACKGROUND

Delirium and dementia are highly interrelated. However, few comprehensive epidemiological studies have examined this altered state of consciousness superimposed on dementia. We investigated the frequency of delirium in patients with dementia, its prevalence in patients with each dementia type, and its association with cerebrovascular disease (CVD) in patients with neurodegenerative dementias.

METHODS

We studied 261 consecutive outpatients in the memory clinic of a psychiatric hospital between April 2010 and September 2011. All patients underwent routine laboratory tests and computed tomography (CT), and their Mini-Mental State Examination, Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), Physical Self-Maintenance Scale (PSMS), and Delirium Rating Scale - Revised 98 scores were recorded. The diagnosis of delirium was based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition, text revision. CVD was detected by CT.

RESULTS

Among the 206 patients with dementia, delirium was present in 40 (19.4%). The proportion of patients who experienced episodes of delirium was 14.7% in the Alzheimer's disease, 34.4% in the vascular dementia, 31.8% in the dementia with Lewy bodies, and none in frontotemporal lobar degeneration. Delirium was frequently observed in patients with dementia and CVD. The NPI total and agitation subscale scores were significantly higher in dementia patients with delirium than in those without delirium. PSMS scores were significantly lower for patients with delirium than for patients without delirium.

CONCLUSIONS

The frequency of delirium varies with each dementia type. In addition, delirium decreases activities of daily living, exaggerates behavioral and psychological symptoms dementia, and is associated with CVD in patients with neurodegenerative dementias.

The effects of recombinant human thrombomodulin on endotoxin-induced multiple-system organ failure in rats

Activation of the coagulation system is postulated to play an important role in the pathogenesis of endotoxin-induced tissue injury. Thrombomodulin (TM) is an endothelial cell membrane glycoprotein receptor for thrombin. Once bound to TM, thrombin loses its procoagulant activity, which results in decreased clotting. In addition, the binding of thrombin to TM activates the endogenous anticoagulant pathway through protein C. We studied the effect of recombinant human TM (rh-TM) on endotoxin-induced multiple-system organ failure (MSOF) in Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 400 to 450 g: 2 mg/kg of rh-TM was injected (T1/2 = 4.5 h) 30 min prior to intravenous injection of 20 mg/kg of Escherichia coli endotoxin. The study presented here consisted of three separate experiments. Experiment 1: 24-h survival study. Experiment 2: multiple-system organ microthrombi study in which 125I-human fibrinogen was injected 30 min prior to an endotoxin or saline injection and tissue microthrombi formation was assessed by measuring the percentage of organ radioactivity (lung, heart, liver, and kidney) against total injected radioactivity (microthrombi index, MI) 2.25 h after an endotoxin or saline injection. Experiment 3: endotoxin-induced MSOF study in which 125I-rat albumin was injected 5 h after an endotoxin or saline injection, and endotoxin-induced organ injury was evaluated by measuring tissue wet-to-dry ratios (W/D) and tissue-to-plasma 125I-rat albumin concentration ratios (T/P) 8 h after the endotoxin or saline injection. Blood contamination in samples from Experiments 2 and 3 was corrected by using 131I-rat albumin measurements. Pretreatment with rh-TM improved the survival from 12 h through 23 h as compared with that of the endotoxin control group (p < 0.05). However, at 24 h, after essentially all injected rh-TM had been eliminated, there was no difference in survival. Significant reductions in MI, W/D, and T/P in the organs sampled were observed in the rh-TM pretreated groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, rh-TM improved short-term but not overall survival and decreased MSOF in endotoxemic rats.