Tracing Photoinduced Hydrogen Migration in Alcohol Dications from Time-Resolved Molecular-Frame Photoelectron Angular Distributions

The recent implementation of attosecond and few-femtosecond X-ray pump/X-ray probe schemes in large-scale free-electron laser facilities has opened the way to visualize fast nuclear dynamics in molecules with unprecedented temporal and spatial resolution. Here, we present the results of theoretical calculations showing how polarization-averaged molecular-frame photoelectron angular distributions (PA-MFPADs) can be used to visualize the dynamics of hydrogen migration in methanol, ethanol, propanol, and isopropyl alcohol dications generated by X-ray irradiation of the corresponding neutral species. We show that changes in the PA-MFPADs with the pump-probe delay as a result of intramolecular photoelectron diffraction carry information on the dynamics of hydrogen migration in real space. Although visualization of this dynamics is more straightforward in the smaller systems, methanol and ethanol, one can still recognize the signature of that motion in propanol and isopropyl alcohol and assign a tentative path to it. A possible pathway for a corresponding experiment requires an angularly resolved detection of photoelectrons in coincidence with molecular fragment ions used to define a molecular frame of reference. Such studies have become, in principle, possible since the first XFELs with sufficiently high repetition rates have emerged. To further support our findings, we provide experimental evidence of H migration in ethanol-OD from ion-ion coincidence measurements performed with synchrotron radiation.

[A Case of Polyarteritis Nodosa Diagnosed from Pathological Findings of Refractory Epididymitis]

A 54-year-old man was admitted to internal medicine due to unidentified fever persisting for 3 months, and was examined. Then, he was referred to our department for suspected pyelonephritis. Although he was initially being treated for pyelonephritis, right epididymitis occurred during the course of treatment. Antibiotics were ineffective, and symptoms such as weakness and subctaneous nodules also appeared. We performed epididymectomy to differentiate this intractable epididymitis from other systemic diseases. Pathological findings were fibrinoid necrotic vasculitis of middle and small arteries. Of the diagnostic criteria for polyarteritis nodosa, 4 major symptoms and histological findings were satisfied. After we started oral administration of predonin, the fever went down and the creative protein level decreased immediatately.

Simulation training for medical emergencies in the dental setting using an inexpensive software application

INTRODUCTION

Every dental provider needs to be educated about medical emergencies to provide safe dental care. Simulation training is available with simulators such as advanced life support manikins and robot patients. However, the purchase and development costs of these simulators are high. We have developed a simulation training course on medical emergencies using an inexpensive software application. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the educational effectiveness of this course.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-one dental providers participated in this study from December 2014 to March 2015. Medical simulation software was used to simulate a patient's vital signs. We evaluated participants' ability to diagnose and treat vasovagal syncope or anaphylaxis with an evaluation sheet and conducted a questionnaire before and after the scenario-based simulation training.

RESULTS

The median evaluation sheet score for vasovagal syncope increased significantly from 7/9 before to 9/9 after simulation training. The median score for anaphylaxis also increased significantly from 8/12 to 12/12 (P < .01). For the item "I can treat vasovagal syncope/anaphylaxis adequately," the percentage responding "Strongly agree" or "Agree" increased from 14% to 56% for vasovagal syncope and from 6% to 42% for anaphylaxis with simulation training.

CONCLUSIONS

This simulation course improved participants' ability to diagnose and treat medical emergencies and improved their confidence. This course can be offered inexpensively using a software application.

Dedifferentiated Fat (DFAT) cells: A cell source for oral and maxillofacial tissue engineering

Tissue engineering is a promising method for the regeneration of oral and maxillofacial tissues. Proper selection of a cell source is important for the desired application. This review describes the discovery and usefulness of dedifferentiated fat (DFAT) cells as a cell source for tissue engineering. Dedifferentiated Fat cells are a highly homogeneous cell population (high purity), highly proliferative, and possess a multilineage potential for differentiation into various cell types under proper in vitro inducing conditions and in vivo. Moreover, DFAT cells have a higher differentiation capability of becoming osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and adipocytes than do bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells and/or adipose tissue-derived stem cells. The usefulness of DFAT cells in vivo for periodontal tissue, bone, peripheral nerve, muscle, cartilage, and fat tissue regeneration was reported. Dedifferentiated Fat cells obtained from the human buccal fat pad (BFP) are a minimally invasive procedure with limited esthetic complications for patients. The BFP is a convenient and accessible anatomical site to harvest DFAT cells for dentists and oral surgeons, and thus is a promising cell source for oral and maxillofacial tissue engineering.

Impact of prior abdominal surgery on the outcomes after robotic - assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: single center experience

Purpose:

To evaluate the influence of prior abdominal surgery on the outcomes after robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP).

Materials and Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed patients with prostate cancer who underwent RALP between June 2012 and February 2015 at our institution. Patients with prior abdominal surgery were compared with those without prior surgery while considering the mean total operating, console, and port-insertion times; mean estimated blood loss; positive surgical margin rate; mean duration of catheterization; and rate of complications.

Results:

A total of 203 patients who underwent RALP during the study period were included in this study. In all, 65 patients (32%) had a prior history of abdominal surgery, whereas 138 patients (68%) had no prior history. The total operating, console, and port-insertion times were 328 and 308 (P=0.06), 252 and 242 (P=0.28), and 22 and 17 minutes (P=0.01), respectively, for patients with prior and no prior surgery. The estimated blood losses, positive surgical margin rates, mean durations of catheterization, and complication rates were 197 and 170 mL (P=0.29), 26.2% and 20.2% (P=0.32), 7.1 and 6.8 days (P=0.74), and 12.3% and 8.7% (P=0.42), respectively. Furthermore, whether prior abdominal surgery was performed above or below the umbilicus or whether single or multiple surgeries were performed did not further affect the perioperative outcomes.

Conclusions:

Our results suggest that RALP can be performed safely in patients with prior abdominal surgery, without increasing the risk of complications.

Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy in a Prostate Cancer Patient Undergoing Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis

Background: Robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) has become the gold standard treatment for organ-confined prostate cancer. However, no proper surgical approach or appropriate postsurgical management of RALP has been established for a patient undergoing peritoneal dialysis. Here, we present a case of a peritoneal dialysis patient who underwent RALP and reinstated peritoneal dialysis with no trouble associated with peritoneal dialysis.

Case Presentation: The patient was a 61-year-old man with organ-confined prostate cancer. He had been on peritoneal dialysis for 2 years. The peritoneal dialysis catheter was routed subcutaneously from the left lateral region into the abdominal cavity at the paramedian region. RALP was performed by the transperitoneal anterior approach. The surgical maneuver was not influenced by the peritoneal dialysis catheter at all. At the end of surgery, the incised peritoneum was sutured and closed tightly. After surgery, peritoneal dialysis was temporarily interrupted for 2 weeks. Then it was safely reinitiated with no complications.

Conclusion: Transperitoneal RALP with complete peritoneal repair can be a standard treatment option for a prostate cancer patient undergoing peritoneal dialysis.

Case of pazopanib-induced thyrotoxicosis in a patient with metastatic renal cell carcinoma

Pazopanib is an oral multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor and has been approved for metastatic renal cell carcinoma and advanced soft tissue sarcoma. To the best of our knowledge, pazopanib-induced thyrotoxicosis has never been reported. The patient was a 68-year-old woman with renal cell carcinoma and multiple metastases. Three weeks after pazopanib medication, she felt fatigue and palpitation. She was admitted because of liver chemistry abnormalities [AST 723 IU/L (normal range 7-37 IU/L); ALT 953 IU/L (normal range 3-33 IU/L)]. She showed abnormal thyroid function tests with suppressed TSH of 0.0585 μIU/mL, and elevated fT4 of 3.38 ng/dL. Ten days after admission, tachycardia appeared and fT3 and fT4 were elevated (fT3 27.85 pg/mL, fT4 2.58 ng/dL), and TSH was suppressed (0.0414 μIU/mL). Her thyroid ultrasound showed hypervascular thyroid gland without nodules. We diagnosed pazopanib-induced thyrotoxicosis. Because the fT3/fT4 ratio was high (10.8) and the thyroid was enlarged, we thought that her thyrotoxicosis might get worse. She was treated with medication of beta-blockers, hydrocortisone, and potassium iodide and thyrotoxicosis resolved. This report highlights that Pazopanib could induce thyrotoxicosis, and therefore, periodic surveillance of thyroid function is required during pazopanib therapy.

The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as a predictor of intravesical recurrence in patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma treated with radical nephroureterectomy

BACKGROUND

The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a marker of systemic inflammation associated with recurrence and poor prognosis in numerous cancer types. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of the NLR as a biomarker for intravesical recurrence (IVR) in patients undergoing radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) for upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) for the first time.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the records of 100 patients with UTUC who had undergone RNU between 1999 and 2015 at our institution. The association between the preoperative NLR and IVR were assessed using multivariate models.

RESULTS

Among the 100 patients enrolled in the study, 33 developed IVR during a median follow-up of 34 months. The receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that the optimum cut-off value for the preoperative NLR was >3.8. A high preoperative NLR (n = 21) was associated with a significantly increased risk of lymph node involvement (p = 0.036) and IVR (p = 0.034) compared with a low preoperative NLR (n = 79). IVR-free survival in patients with a high preoperative NLR was significantly worse than that of patients with a low preoperative NLR (p = 0.018). On multivariate analysis, the preoperative NLR [hazard ratio (HR) 2.49; p = 0.015] and tumor multifocality (HR 2.96; p = 0.024) were independent risk factors predictive of IVR.

CONCLUSION

In our study population of patients with UTUC who had undergone RNU the preoperative NLR was associated with a significantly increased risk of IVR, suggesting that the NRL could be a useful biomarker for predicting IVR.

[Removal of a Foreign Body in the Urinary Bladder in a Patient Four Times in the Past Thirty Years]

We report a case of recurring foreign bodies in the urinary bladder. A 67-year-old male inserted a foreign body into the urinary bladder during masturbation. Eight months later, he experienced a fever and went to a hospital where ultrasonography revealed a foreign body in his urinary bladder. Then, he was referred to our hospital for surgical treatment. The patient's surgical record indicated that he had undergone the same operation 3 times in the past thirty years. The inserted foreign body was successfully removed by suprapubic cystotomy, and he was discharged 13 days after the operation. He was also evaluated by psychiatrists, but they diagnosed that he had no mental disorder. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the removal of a foreign body in the urinary bladder four times in the same patient.

[Traumatic Testicular Rupture Complicated with Hydrocele: A Case Report]

A 17-year-old man presented with right hydrocele because of an athletic injury. His scrotum was hit with a ball 2 months ago while playing baseball. He was diagnosed with post-traumatic hydrocele and underwent needle puncture at another hospital 1 month after the trauma. However, the hydrocele did not improve. Therefore, he was referred to our hospital for surgical treatment. For diagnosis of the traumatic hydrocele testis, a hydrocelectomy was scheduled. When we opened the tunica vaginalis, we realized that the tunica albuginea had been ruptured and the testicular parenchyma had gushed out. We tried to replace all the escaped testicular parenchyma into the tunica albuginea, but it was impossible. Therefore were moved some of the redundant testicular parenchyma, and replaced the remnants into the tunica albuginea. After the operation, right hydrocele and testicular atrophy did not occur. Traumatic testicular rupture complicated with hydrocele is rare.

Antimicrobial properties and mechanism of volatile isoamyl acetate, a main flavour component of Japanese sake (Ginjo-shu)

AIMS

To evaluate the antimicrobial properties of the main Ginjo-flavour components of sake, volatile isoamyl acetate and isoamyl alcohol.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Volatile isoamyl acetate and isoamyl alcohol both inhibited growth of the five yeast and 10 bacterial test strains. The minimum inhibitory dose and minimum bactericidal (fungicidal) dose of isoamyl acetate were higher than those of isoamyl alcohol. Escherichia coli and Acetobacter aceti were markedly sensitive to isoamyl acetate and isoamyl alcohol. In E. coli exposed to isoamyl acetate for 5 h, changes in expression were noted in proteins involved in sugar metabolism (MalE, MglB, TalB and PtsI), tricarboxylic acid cycle (AceA, Pfl and AcnB) and protein synthesis (EF-Tu, EF-G, and GlyS). Expression of acid and alcohol stress-response proteins was altered in E. coli exposed to isoamyl acetate. Esterase activity was detected in E. coli, suggesting that isoamyl acetate was hydrolyzed to acetic acid and isoamyl alcohol. Acetic acid and isoamyl alcohol damaged E. coli cell membranes and inactivated membrane proteins, impairing respiration.

CONCLUSIONS

Volatile isoamyl acetate and isoamyl alcohol were effective in inactivating various micro-organisms, and antimicrobial mechanism of volatile isoamyl acetate against E. coli was clarified based on proteome analysis.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to examine the antimicrobial mechanism of volatile organic compound using proteome analysis combining two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis with peptide mass fingerprinting.

[Leiomyosarcoma of the spermatic cord : a case report]

Leiomyosarcomas of the spermatic cord are rare tumors which cause significant morbidity and mortality. We report a case of leiomyosarcoma in a 67-year-old man who presented with a left scrotal mass. Left orchiectomy with high ligation of the spermatic cord was performed with clinical diagnosis of scrotal tumor. The pathological examination revealed leiomyosarcoma arising from the spermatic cord. He was free of disease two years postoperatively.

[A case of solitary neurofibroma of spermatic cord]

We report a case of solitary neurofibroma of the spermatic cord. A 48-year-old man was referred to our hospital with a complaint of a left inguinal mass. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a solid mass in the left inguinal region. The tumor was removed. Histopathological diagnosis was neurofibloma. He had no other findings of Von Recklinghausen disease. Only a few cases of solitary neurofibromas of spermatic cord have been reported.

[A case of bladder cancer producing granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and interleukin-6 causing respiratory failure treated with neoadjuvant systemic chemotherapy along with sivelestat]

A 67-year-old man visited an urological clinic with a chief complaint of urination pain. Cystourethroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination revealed a bladder tumor (cT3bN0M0). Marked leukocytosis and respiratory distress with pleural effusion appeared. Pulse steroid therapy improved the general condition partially. The patient was sent to our hospital for further examination. Serum granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were high and the pathological findings of bladder tumor obtained by transurethral resection (TUR) revealed an urothelial carcinoma that produced G-CSF and IL-6. Neoadjuvant systemic chemotherapy was performed along with use of steroid and sivelestat, which ameliorated the respiratory distress. After three courses of systemic chemotherapy, serum G-CSF and IL-6 normalized and cystoprostatectomy was performed. The patient has been in good health at 20 months after the surgery with no evidence of recurrence.

Preoperative serum sodium is associated with cancer-specific survival in patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma treated by nephroureterectomy

OBJECTIVES

To assess the impact of preoperative serum sodium concentration on the prognosis of patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma treated by nephroureterectomy.

METHODS

The clinical records of 139 patients treated for upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma by nephroureterectomy were retrospectively reviewed. Recurrence-free and cancer-specific survival curves were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method, with the difference between curves evaluated using the log-rank test. A multivariate analysis was carried out by Cox's proportional hazard model to identify prognostic factors.

RESULTS

The median (range) follow-up time was 27 (1-139) months. The median (range) preoperative serum sodium was 141 (134-147) mEq/L. Five-year cancer-specific survival estimates for patients above and below the median preoperative serum sodium were 81.7% (95% confidence interval: 68.7-89.7) and 50.6% (95% confidence interval: 30.3-67.8), respectively. In the multivariate analysis, preoperative sodium concentration, pathological T stage, and lymphovascular invasion were independent and significant prognostic factors for cancer-specific survival. A prognostic model of risk classification for cancer-specific survival involving these parameters was developed, and 5-year cancer-specific survival estimates were 29.9% (95% confidence interval: 14.5-47.0) for the poor risk group (hazard ratio 19.95 [95% confidence interval: 8.5-46.6]; P < 0.001), 81.6% (95% confidence interval: 55.2-93.3) for the intermediate risk group (hazard ratio 5.70 [95% confidence interval: 1.27-25.5]; P = 0.022) and 97.9% (95% confidence interval 85.9-99.7) for the favorable risk group.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest for the first time that a low preoperative sodium level predicts a poor survival in upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma patients treated by nephroureterectomy.

[A case of retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma with abdominal wall recurrence 7 years after the first operation]

A 79-year-old man presented with a mass lesion under the left kidney that was revealed by abdominal ultrasonography. The retroperitoneal tumor was removed by transabdominal exploration. Histopathological diagnosis was a leiomyosarcoma. Seven years after the first operation, he presented with left flank pain. Computed tomography showed a mass lesion in the abdominal wall. Tumor resection was performed. The pathological diagnosis was recurrence of leiomyosarcoma. The patient remains free from disease recurrence 1 year after the second surgery.

[A case of renal angiomyolipoma with tumor thrombus]

A 42-year-old woman presented with left renal tumor. Computed tomography showed a left renal tumor (6 cm in diameter) and a tumor thrombus at the left renal vein, which had equal density to fat tissue. She was diagnosed with malignant tumor, and underwent radical left nephrectomy and resection of thrombus. Pathological diagnosis was angiomyolipoma with no findings of malignancy. No signs of recurrence or metastasis have been observed for 8 months after the operation.

[A case of androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) treated by Laparoendoscopic single site surgery (LESS)]

A 20-year-old woman referred to our hospital for further examination of primary amenorrhea with high levels of testosterone (998 ng/ml). Inspite of having normal female external genitalia, she had 5 cm deep blind-ending vagina, absence of uterus and ovaries with the karyotype of 46,XY. Abdominal magnetic resonance imaging localized bilateral intra abdominal structures, which indicated bilateral testes. Thus, she was diagnosed with androgen insensitivity syndrome(AIS) based on both clinical and karyotypic evidence. She underwent laparoscopic bilateral gonadalectomy through a single incision at the navel and histological examination showed intratubular germ cell neoplasia (ITGCN). Her postoperative course was uneventful with less pain and a small surgical wound was only at the navel. Laparoendoscopic single site surgery (LESS) can be considered a surgical procedure for gonadalectomy in AIS patients.

[A case of primary malignant lymphoma of the prostate]

A 79-year-old man presented with a chief complaint of difficulty in urination. Digital rectal examination and transrectal ultrasonography showed an enlarged prostate. Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) was performed. Histological findings revealed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma by immunohistochemical studies. Pelvic Lymph nodes were swollen on fluoro deoxygiucose-positron emission tomography examination. Therefore, the disease was classified into clinical stage II according to Ann Arbor's criteria. The patient achieved complete response after 6 cycles of combination chemotherapy with rituximab, pirarubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisolone (R-THP-COP). Now, 1 year 8 months after the chemotherapy, he remains free of the disease.

A case of Goodpasture syndrome positive for anti-GBM antibody and MPO-ANCA complicated by a variety of serious infections

A 62-year-old female was admitted to our hospital for investigation of acute progressive renal insufficiency and a systemic inflammatory reaction, despite treatment with several antibiotics. Laboratory data revealed severe renal insufficiency and positive titers for the myeloperoxidase anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic and anti-glomerular basement membrane antibodies. The deterioration of her general status did not allow us to perform the renal biopsy. Although corticosteroid therapy, hemodialysis, and plasma exchange were concomitantly initiated, pulmonary hemorrhage occurred several days after admission. Mechanical ventilation support was provided and continuous hemodiafiltration was carried out, following which the respiratory failure improved immediately. However, she developed clinical depression and suicidal behavior under the intensive therapy. Therefore, plasma exchange was discontinued and corticosteroid was tapered as quickly as possible. Four months after admission, platelet transfusion and short-term mechanical ventilation support improved the pulmonary hemorrhage; however, her mental status deteriorated despite psychiatric consultation and treatment with a tranquilizer. Thereafter, severe and serious systemic infection due to various pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus, Cytomegalovirus, Pneumocystis jiroveci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Bacteroides recurred, and she died from systemic invasive aspergillosis (IA). We suspected severe immunosuppression caused by various factors, such as predonisolone administration, chronic renal failure on maintenance hemodialysis, depression, and malnutrition due to chronic inflammation and granulocytopenia as a side effect of ganciclovir. When treating rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis, immunosuppressive status should be carefully monitored regarding not only the dosage of therapeutic regimen but also the mental health status and nutrition of the patient.

Feasibility of an electrochemically assisted Fenton method using Fe(2 +)/HOCl system as an advanced oxidation process

The feasibility of an electrochemically assisted Fenton treatment using a Fenton-type reaction of ferrous iron (Fe(2 + )) and hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is discussed in this research. The reactor used was composed of an undivided single cell with a ruthenium dioxide-coated titanium anode and a stainless steel cathode, in which Fe(2 + ) and HOCl were catalytically regenerated from ferric iron at the cathode and chloride ion at the anode, respectively. Although the reactor functioned well, the degradation rate of 1,4-dioxane as a hydroxyl radical probe decreased at the current density more than 6.92 mA cm(-2). The decrease in degradation rate was inferred to be caused by the vain consumption of hydroxyl radicals by excess HOCl and the deposition of ferric hydroxide on the cathode at relatively high current density. The current efficiency of 1,4-dioxane removal remained more than 90% at the current density less than 6.92 mA cm(-2) and the iron concentration not less than 1.0 mmol L(-1). Consequently, this technique is thought to be applicable to the treatment of wastewater containing high concentration of chloride ion such as landfill leachate, scrubber wastewater from incineration plants, etc.

Effect of active control of electric potential of filter medium on depth filtration

The effect of active control of electric potential of filter medium on depth filtration was explored experimentally. Activated carbon particles were selected as the conductive filter medium. The filter medium potential was controlled with an external DC power supply. Kaolin particles were used as the model suspended solid. The activated carbon and kaolin had negative zeta potential around neutral pH. When the filter medium potential against a counter electrode was greater than or equal to + 0.2 V, rejection rate of particles was 1.8 times higher than that when the potential was less than + 0.2 V. Thus adsorption of particles by interaction of electric double layers was enhanced by maintaining a positive charge on the filter media. Desorption of kaolin trapped on the filter media was also confirmed by changing the filter medium potential from positive to negative. The percentage of kaolin particles desorbed was 11% of the kaolin trapped on the filter media. The desorption rate was not high, but this technique will enhance refreshment of the filter media when combined with back washing.

Microstrip structures of ZnO nanoparticle aggregates of millimetric length formed by selected-area ion implantation and thermal oxidation

Regularly arrayed microstrip regions of width approximately 1.4 microm and length extending up to approximately 5 mm, consisting of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) of diameter approximately 50 nm, were fabricated on silica substrates by a two-step process: i.e., selected-area ion implantation and thermal oxidation. The implantation of 60 keV Zn ions in periodic microstrip regions via a resist mask generated periodic grooves with large wings on the surface of silica glass, which can be ascribed to the radiation-induced plastic deformation of silica and sputtering loss. This is the lowest record of the electronic energy loss (S(e)) value to induce the radiation-induced plastic deformation of silica, while no or very low threshold energy has been predicted from a recent study. After thermal oxidation at 700 degrees C for 1 h, the groove structures with the wings disappeared, and periodic microstrips of ZnO nanoparticle aggregates up to 5 mm long appeared on the surface of the substrate. A clear free-exciton peak due to ZnO NPs is observed from these microstrip structures both in optical absorption and photoluminescence spectra.

Nanogroove formation by ion irradiation on indentation-modified amorphous SiO(2)

Ion beams are widely used for micro/nanostructure fabrication with unique features of the energetic processes. In this work, we present a self-assembled nanostructure fabrication by ion irradiation with a patterned strain/stress field. The patterned strain/stress field is introduced by micro-Vickers indentation to amorphous SiO(2) (load = 100 mN). After irradiation of 60 keV Cu(-) ions, nanogrooves (width from 150 to 250 nm) were created at the indentation edge. Under the ion irradiation of a constant ion flux, the nanogroove size linearly increased with ion fluence from 2 × 10(16) to 1.2 × 10(17) ions cm(-2). Comparison of indented samples after irradiation and thermal annealing suggests that the nanogrooving originates from ion beam interactions with residual stress/strain by indentation and that a non-thermal effect results from the ion irradiation processes. Cross-sectional TEM analysis showed that the grooves extend over 200 nm below the surface, implying that the groove growth is not caused by surface diffusion. It is concluded from the results that the grooving is due to irradiation-induced mass transport accompanied by vacancy aggregation at the interface between the indented and non-indented areas.

Dual surface plasmon resonances in Zn nanoparticles in SiO(2): an experimental study based on optical absorption and thermal stability

Metallic zinc nanoparticles (NPs) of 5-15 nm in diameter, formed in silica glass (SiO(2)) by Zn ion implantation of 60 keV, showed a strong ultraviolet absorption peak at around 4.8 eV, which has been assigned as the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of Zn NPs, and another small peak at 1.2 eV, which has never been reported before. To identify the origin of the 1.2 eV peak, the correlations of thermal stability between the two peaks and Zn NPs were evaluated under annealing both in a vacuum (pure thermal stability) and in oxygen gas (thermal oxidation stability). The well-correlated stability between the 1.2 eV peak, the 4.8 eV peak and Zn NPs indicates that the 1.2 eV peak is not ascribed to radiation-induced defects but to the Zn NPs. The 1.2 eV peak can be ascribed to an SPR of Zn NPs in SiO(2), because the peak satisfies the criterion of the SPR of metallic NPs. Since the 4.8 eV peak is also expected to satisfy the criterion, Zn NPs in SiO(2) have two SPRs at 1.2 and 4.8 eV.

Histamine ameliorates anti-glomerular basement membrane antibody-induced glomerulonephritis in rats

Anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM)-induced glomerulonephritis involves T-helper type 1 (Th1) responses leading to rapid crescent formation. As many inflammatory and immune responses in general are affected by histamine, we examined the effects of histaminergic ligands on immune renal injury in the rat. Female Wistar-Kyoto rats were injected intraperitoneally with an antibody against the GBMs. Histaminergic ligands were then injected twice daily for 5 days after which renal function was assessed by proteinuria. Treatment with histamine led to significant dose-dependent reductions in proteinuria compared to the control antibody-injected group and markedly decreased the number of crescentic glomeruli and macrophage infiltration of the glomeruli. Furthermore, histamine significantly decreased the plasma concentration of interleukin-12, a Th1-type cytokine compared to the antibody-injected control animals. Dimaprit, an H(2)/H(4) agonist, mimicked the effects of histamine on proteinuria and crescent formation. Clozapine, an H(4) agonist, tended to mimic the effects of histamine, whereas an H(1), mepyramine, or an H(2) antagonist, ranitidine, did not reverse the protective effect of histamine. We suggest that histamine may alleviate renal injury in anti-GBM glomerulonephritis by suppressing the immune response.

Renal involvement in cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL)

Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is a hereditary systemic arteriopathy presenting with migraines, mood disorders, focal neurologic deficits, recurrent ischemic attacks and dementia in young adults. The genesis of this disease relates to missense mutation of the Notch3 gene. We report here a newly identified CADASIL patient and discuss unique vascular lesions observed in the kidney. A 64-year-old female was admitted to our hospital for the investigation of proteinuria, hematuria and progressive neurological abnormalities. Her mother and brother died of cerebral infarction at a relatively young age despite a lack of apparent risk factors for arteriosclerosis. Over the past 4 months before admission, she had suffered from frequent transient ischemic attacks despite appropriate antiplatelet therapy. Blood examination revealed mild renal insufficiency and urinalysis revealed moderate protein excretion and dysmorphic hematuria. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed multiple infarcts and leukoencephalopathy. Histopathological analysis of the kidney revealed focal segmental mesangial proliferation, the loss and degeneration of arterial medial smooth muscle cells and arterial intimal thickening. Immunofluorescence analysis of glomeruli revealed IgA deposition in the mesangial area. Electron microscope analysis revealed electron-dense deposition also in the mesangial area. In addition, granular osmophilic material (GOM) was observed in the extraglomerular mesangial area and around the vascular smooth muscle cells. Genetic analysis of Notch3 revealed an R141C missense mutation and she was diagnosed with CADASIL complicated with IgA nephropathy. In immunohistological analysis, Notch3 stains were positive in vascular smooth muscle cells of the interlobular arteries and both afferent and efferent arterioles, and weak in the glomerular mesangial area. Antihypertensive treatment using angiotensin II receptor blocker and a low protein diet were initiated, and her urinary protein excretion decreased to 0.2 g/day. However, due to the progression of her neurological abnormalities, she became socially withdrawn. In CADASIL, GOM, abnormal accumulation of Notch3 ectodomain, is thought to induce the degeneration and loss of vascular smooth muscle cells and subsequent intimal thickening. Analysis of our cases provided that these morphological abnormalities were also observed in the CADASIL patient kidney.

Cytoplasmic antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody positive pauci-immune glomerulonephritis associated with infectious endocarditis

Renal deterioration often occurs in cases of infectious endocarditis (IE), but, IE- associated nephritis with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) is rare. Patients with severe infection (e.g., IE) sometimes show positivity for cytoplasmic antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (C-ANCA). Therefore, diagnosis and treatment are very difficult in cases of RPGN with IE and positivity for C-ANCA. Such cases are rare, only 12 have been reported in the English literature. Herein, we describe the case of a 50-year-old man who presented with RPGN with IE and tested positively for C-ANCA. He was referred to our hospital because of leg edema, purpura and renal dysfunction. Laboratory tests revealed serum creatinine elevation and positivity for C-ANCA and proteinase 3-specific (PR3)-ANCA. RPGN and acute renal failure were diagnosed. Hemodialysis and steroid therapy were started. Streptococcus oralis was isolated by blood culture. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed grade III mitral valve insufficiency with two vegetations. Therefore, IE was diagnosed. The steroid therapy was stopped, and antibiotic therapy was begun. Because there was no improvement, surgical therapy was performed. The operation was successful, but the patient died of brain hemorrhage. Our experience in this case indicates C/PR3-ANCA positive RPGN must be ruled out in patients with infectious disease, particularly IE, together with renal symptoms, and renal biopsy should be performed.

Effects of hydrodynamic conditions on OH radical production at Ti/Pt anodes during electrochemical treatment

The effects of hydrodynamic conditions on the production of hydroxyl radicals (*OH) during electrochemical treatment using a titanium coated by platinum anode and a stainless steel cathode are discussed in this paper. The sample used was ultra-pure water containing 200 mM of 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide (DMPO). The amount of *OH for treatment was measured using electron spin resonance spectrometry coupled with DMPO spin trapping. Under constant hydrodynamic conditions, the production rate of the *OH spin adduct (DMPO-OH) increased with the terminal potential. This result was caused by the change in the electric current density at the anode, which was proportional to the rate of production of DMPO-OH. Increasing the linear velocity of water in an electrolytic cell promoted the production of DMPO-OH by two effects, namely, by the enhancement of ion transportation and the promotion of DMPO transfer from the bulk to the anode. The former effect emerged when the DMPO concentration near the anode was not insignificant in comparison with the DMPO concentration in the bulk, that is, when the overall rate-determining step was the electron transfer at the anode. The latter effect emerged when the DMPO concentration near the anode was much lower than the DMPO concentration in the bulk, that is, when the overall rate-determining step was the diffusion of DMPO from the bulk to the anode. In addition, the latter effect was found to be proportional to the square root of the linear velocity of water in the electrolytic cell.

Membranous glomerulonephritis associated with hepatitis C virus infection: case report and literature review

We describe the case of a 51-year-old man with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and a 3-month history of facial edema. Laboratory tests upon admission for renal biopsy showed normal renal function and normocomplementemia. Serum HCV antibody (Ab) and cryoglobulin were positive. Renal biopsy specimens showed features of membranous glomerulonephritis. The likely cause was immune complex-mediated glomerulonephritis associated with HCV infection. Reports of similar cases in the literature show the normocomplementemia and negative or slightly positive cryoglobulins observed in our case as well as seropositivity for circulating immune complexes containing HCV RNA. In our case, electron microscopic examination of the subepithelial glomerular lesions revealed massive virus-like particles within unusual multilayers of electron-dense deposits (EDDs), suggesting the existence of HCV in the glomeruli. In the addition to the unique histopathological feature the presence of La/SS-B antibody in his serum indicated an abnormal immune response associated with HCV. We advise him to undergo the therapy with new type of IFN such as pegIFN-alpha2a and/or anti-viral agent like ribavirin to achieve clinical and histopathological improvement.

Chlorogenate hydrolase-catalyzed synthesis of hydroxycinnamic acid ester derivatives by transesterification, substitution of bromine, and condensation reactions

A chlorogenate hydrolase (EC 3.1.1.42) synthesized 2-phenylethyl caffeate (2-CAPE) from 5-chlorogenic acid (5-CQA) and 2-phenylethyl alcohol (2-PA) (by transesterification), from 5-CQA and 2-phenylethyl bromide (2-PBr) (by substitution of bromine), and from caffeic acid (CA) and 2-PA or 2-PBr (by condensation) as well as hydrolysis of 5-CQA. Some reaction conditions including pH, temperature, substrate and solvent concentrates, and reaction time were optimized for the production of 2-CAPE. A maximal molar yield of 50% was achieved by transesterification, 4.7% by substitution of bromine, and 13% by condensation. Among the parameters studied for optimization, the pH of the buffer solution and concentration of 2-PA or 2-PBr affected the production of 2-CAPE. The optimum pH for the hydrolysis reaction was within the neutral range (pH 6.5), whereas the residual three reactions were only catalyzed within the acidic range (pH 3.0-4.0). The optimum concentrations of 2-PA and 2-PBr for three reactions were 5-70 vol% and no 2-CAPE was produced in the 2-PA or 2-PBr solutions containing powdered enzyme. The enzyme may bind to the caffeoyl moiety of 5-CQA or CA to form an enzyme-substrate complex. It then catalyzes four different reactions corresponding to the reaction conditions.

Microarray analysis of brassinosteroids- and gibberellin-regulated gene expression in rice seedlings

In order to understand the molecular mechanisms by which two types of phytohormones, brassinosteroids (BRs) and gibberellins (GAs), regulate plant growth and development, a cDNA microarray was made containing 4000 clones randomly selected from a rice cDNA library constructed from RNA isolated from seedlings treated with GA(3) and brassinolide (BL). The array was then probed to identify differences in expression using labelled cDNAs prepared from treated and control seedlings. Nine and 29 unique cDNA clones were up-regulated, while 32 and 42 unique cDNA clones were down-regulated by BL and GA(3), respectively. The predicted products of these BL- and GA-regulated genes fall into such functional categories as signal transduction, transcription, metabolism, cellular organization, and defense or anti-stress responses. Northern analysis of the selected BL- and GA(3)-regulated genes not only confirmed their BL or GA(3) dose dependent expression, but also revealed significant differences in the degree of expression in different organs and in response to other phytohormones. These results demonstrate that BR and GA influence growth and development by coordinately regulating the expression of specific groups of genes.

Renal blood flow measurement with contrast-enhanced harmonic ultrasonography: evaluation of dopamine-induced changes in renal cortical perfusion in humans

BACKGROUND

An accessible non-invasive method for evaluating renal regional blood flow in real time is highly desirable in the clinical setting. Recent progress in ultrasonography with microbubble contrast has allowed quantification of regional blood flow in animal models.

AIMS

Goal ofthis study was to establish a convenient contrast--enhanced harmonic ultrasonography (CEHU) method for evaluating renal cortical blood flow in humans.

METHODS

We carried out intermittent second harmonic imaging in 9 healthy volunteers. Pulse interval was progressively decreased from 4 s - 0.2 s during continuous venous infusion of the microbubble contrast agent.

RESULTS

Pulse interval versus CEHU-derived acoustic intensity plots provided microbubble velocity (MV) and fractional vascular volume (FVV) during renal cortical perfusion in humans. Low-dose dopamine infusion (2 microg/min/kg) resulted in a significant increase in MV which correlated well with the increase in total renal blood flow (RBF) determined by a conventional study of p-aminohippurate clearance (C(PAH)) (r = 0.956, p < 0.0001). Although FVV was not significantly increased, alterations in CEHU-derived renal cortical blood flow calculated by the products of MV and FVV were also correlated with alterations in total RBF (r = 0.969, p < 0.0001). Thus, low-dose dopamine infusion increases renal cortical blood flow observed in CEHU, mainly by increasing MV.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study shows that renal cortical blood flow in humans can be measured non-invasively by CEHU and that CEHU can be used for quantitatively evaluating changes induced by a therapeutic agent such as dopamine in flow velocity and in FVV.

Rapidly functional immobilization of immortalized human hepatocytes using cell adhesive GRGDS peptide-carrying cellulose microspheres

With the development of biotechnology, hepatic support by a hybrid artificial liver (HAL) using hepatocytes has been given much attention. Because the availability of human livers is limited, we have established a tightly regulated immortal human hepatocyte cell line, NKNT-3, for developing HAL. Because high-density cell culture allows the compactness of the HAL device and its easy use under emergency circumstances, we have developed cell adhesive GRGDS peptide-containing cellulose microspheres (GRGDS/CMS). The GRGDS/CMS efficiently immobilized NKNT-3 cells within 24 h in a stirred suspension culture. Electron microscopic examinations demonstrated glycogen granules and well-developed endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria in NKNT-3 cells attached to the GRGDS/CMS. The cells showed ammonia clearance activity, whereas HepG2-transformed human liver cells did not remove the loaded ammonia. An efficient adenoviral delivery of the lacZ reporter gene was performed in GRGDS/CMS-immobilized NKNT-3 cells. In this study we present rapid immobilization of NKNT-3 immortal human hepatocytes using cellulose microspheres carrying GRGDS peptides. These microspheres satisfied immediate preparation of NKNT-3 cells in sufficient quantity and of adequate quality.

Association of parvovirus B19 infection with acute glomerulonephritis in healthy adults: case report and review of the literature

An otherwise healthy 20-year-old woman presented with an erythematous rash on her face as well as arthralgia and anemia. She also had systemic edema, proteinuria and hypertension. Laboratory data on admission showed hypocomplementemia, human parvovirus B 19 (HPV) DNA and both immunoglobulin (Ig) M and IgG antibodies to HPV in her serum. Renal biopsy specimens showed features of endocapillary glomerulonephritis under light microscopy. Electron microscopy showed massive subendothelial electron-dense deposits. No cause was probable other than immune complex-mediated glomerulonephritis associated with HPV infection. In a review of this and similar cases reported in the literature, several characteristic features come to light: female dominance, onset in the second or third decade of life, hypocomplementemia, histologic renal endocapillary and/or mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis with subendothelial deposits and spontaneous recovery.

Removal of polyA tails from full-length cDNA libraries for high-efficiency sequencing

We have developed a method to overcome sequencing problems caused by the presence of homopolymer stretches, such as polyA/T, in cDNA libraries. PolyA tails are shortened by cleaving before cDNA cloning with type IIS restriction enzymes, such as GsuI, placed next to the oligo-dT used to prime the polyA tails of mRNAs. We constructed four rice Cap-Trapper-selected, full-length normalized cDNA libraries, of which the average residual polyA tail was 4 bases or shorter in most of the clones analyzed Because of the removal of homopolymeric stretches, libraries prepared with this method can be used for direct sequencing and transcriptional sequencing without the slippage observed for libraries prepared with currently available methods, thus improving sequencing accuracy, operations, and throughput.

Expansion of human hepatocyte populations by a retroviral gene transfer of simian virus 40 large T antigen

A hybrid artificial liver (HAL) could be used to treat acute liver failure or to serve as a temporary support until orthotopic liver transplantation is available. Primary human hepatocytes are ideal as a source of hepatic function in a HAL device. However, the worldwide shortage of human livers available for hepatocyte isolation severely limits this form of therapy. A possible alternative is to use a tightly regulated cell line that can be economically grown in culture to have differentiated liver function. In this work, human hepatocytes were immortalized with a retroviral vector SSR#69 expressing the genes of simian virus 40 large T antigen and herpes simplex virus-thymidine kinase. One of the resulting clones, NKNT-3 , showed the gene expression of differentiated liver function and were sensitive to the antiviral agent ganciclovir. When transplanted into the spleen of rats subjected to 90% hepatectomy, NKNT-3 cells prolonged the survival of 90% hepatectomized rats. The cells provide the advantages of unlimited availability, sterility, uniformity, and freedom from pathogens. This work represents a potential novel strategy for resolving the organ shortage that currently limits the use of primary human hepatocytes to develop a HAL.

Site specificity of the Arabidopsis METI DNA methyltransferase demonstrated through hypermethylation of the superman locus

Plants with low levels of DNA methylation show a range of developmental abnormalities including homeotic transformation of floral organs. Two independent DNA METHYLTRANSFERASEI (METI) antisense transformants with low levels of DNA methylation had flowers with increased numbers of stamens which resembled flowers seen on the loss-of-function superman (sup) mutant plants and on transgenic plants that ectopically express APETALA3 (AP3). These METI antisense plants have both increased and decreased methylation in and around the sup gene, compared with untransformed controls. DNA from the antisense plants was demethylated at least 4 kb upstream of the sup gene, while there was dense methylation around the start of transcription and within the coding region of this gene; these regions were unmethylated in control DNA. Methylation within the sup gene was correlated with an absence of SUP transcripts. The pattern and density of methylation was heterogeneous among different DNA molecules from the same plant, with some molecules being completely unmethylated. Methylcytosine occurred in asymmetric sites and in symmetric CpA/TpG but rarely in CpG dinucleotides in the antisense plants. In contrast, segregants lacking the METI antisense construct and epimutants with a hypermethylated allele of sup (clark kent 3), both of which have active METI genes, showed a higher frequency of methylation of CpG dinucleotides and of asymmetric cytosines. We conclude that METI is the predominant CpG methyltransferase and directly or indirectly affects asymmetric methylation.

A new approach to develop a biohybrid artificial liver using a tightly regulated human hepatocyte cell line

Currently patients with liver failure have been treated with a various liver support systems including a whole liver perfusion, a non-biological artificial liver, and a biohybrid artificial liver. In a hepatocyte-based bioreactor, porcine hepatocytes or transformed human liver tumor cells have been utilized because of the ease of preparation. According to the clinical data reported as of now, satisfactory results have not been obtained from the use of currently available liver support devices. One of the problems is limited availability of primary human liver cells for developing live support systems because of the shortage of human liver. To resolve this issue, human hepatocytes were immortalized with a retroviral vector SSR#69 which contained the genes of simian virus 40 large T antigen (SV40Tag) and herpes simplex virus-thymidine kinase (HSV-TK). One of the immortal cell lines, NKNT-3, showed the gene expression of differentiated liver functions, grew steadily in chemically defined serum-free CS-C medium, and doubled in number in about 48 hours. Essentially unlimited availability of NKNT-3 cells supports their clinical use for liver support devices. To realize the high density culture of NKNT-3 cells in a bioartificial liver device, we have developed cellulose microspheres (CMS) which contain cell adhesive GRGDS (Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser) peptides. Within 24 hours after starting a stirring suspension culture, GRGDS-CMS efficiently immobilized NKNT-3 cells. An electron microscopic examination demonstrated that NKNT-3 cells attached on GRGDS-CMS had well-developed mitochondria, rough reticulums, and villous extensions. In this article, we review the history of extracorporeal liver support systems and describe an attractive strategy for developing a novel extracorporeal liver assist device using NKNT-3 cells and GRGDS-coated cellulose microspheres.

[A case of idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis of adult onset]

A 51-year-old man presenting with hemoptysis was admitted to our hospital. Chest radiography revealed air space consolidation in the right lung field. Laboratory data showed anemia, hypoxemia, and no evidence of inflammatory signs, bleeding tendency, renal dysfunction, or collagen vascular diseases. Tests of anti-GBM antibody, P-ANCA, and C-ANCA were negative. Microscopic examination of the lung tissue specimens obtained by video assisted thoracic surgery revealed hemorrhage and numerous hemosiderin-laden macrophages in the alveoli. No deposition of immunoglobulin and vasculitis were seen. These findings were consistent with a diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis. Steroid therapy had a limited effect, and the patient died. Idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis of adult onset is rare in Japan.

Cryofiltration and oral corticosteroids provide successful treatment for an elderly patient with cryoglobulinemic glomerulonephritis associated with hepatitis C virus infection

A 75-year-old man was admitted due to nephrotic syndrome, purpura on the legs, which was associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV), and type II mixed cryoglobulinemia. Renal biopsy revealed features of cryoglobulinemic glomerulonephritis. Since the patient was elderly and the HCV genotype was Ib, interferon-alpha for reducing HCV was not indicated. Four sessions of cryofiltration and the administration of corticosteroids improved the proteinuria and renal function strikingly without adverse effects. This case demonstrates that an elderly patient who has nephrotic syndrome caused by cryoglobulinemic glomerulonephritis associated with HCV can be treated safely by cryofiltration with low doses of oral corticosteroids.

Multiple pathways regulating fission yeast mitosis upon environmental stresses

Environmental signals, such as nutrient availability and physiological stresses, modulate the cell cycle and cell size of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. However, little is known about how these signals are transmitted to the central cell cycle regulator, Cdc2, the cyclin-dependent kinase that induces mitosis. We show here genetic evidence that medium alkalization stimulates mitosis and consequently reduces cell size, either through the Nim1-Wee1 cascade, which regulates the inhibitory phosphorylation of Cdc2 at Tyr(15), or through the Cdc2-activating phosphatase, Cdc25. Alkaline stress stimulates phosphorylation of Nim1, accumulation of Cdc25 and dephosphorylation of Cdc2 at Tyr(15). We also show that osmostress stimulates mitosis through two independent pathways: one stimulates accumulation of Cdc25, and another dephosphorylation of Cdc2 at Tyr(15). However, our analysis demonstrates that these environmental stresses can stimulate mitosis independently of dephosphorylation of Cdc2 at Tyr(15). The S. pombe MAP kinase, Spc1, was required for the steady-state level of Cdc25 in the normal cell cycle and for its accumulation in response to alkaline stress and nutritional starvation.

Cyclic AMP regulates cell size of Schizosaccharomyces pombe through Cdc25 mitotic inducer

Nutritional state modulates the cell size of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, such that cells grown in rich medium are larger in size than those in poor medium. This signal is transduced partly through the cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase cascade. However, little is known about how cyclic AMP interacts with the central cell cycle machinery, Cdc2, the cyclin-dependent kinase that induces mitosis. We show here that cyclic AMP regulates mitosis and cell size, in part, through regulation of protein stability of the Cdc2-activating phosphatase, Cdc25. However, our analysis demonstrates that cyclic AMP can negatively regulate mitosis independently of dephosphorylation of Cdc2 at Tyr(15).

[Effects of corticosteroid on porcine retinal pigment epithelial cells in culture--2. Effects on phagocytosis and lysosomal activity]

PURPOSE

The effects of a corticosteoid on the phagocytosis and lysosomal activity of cultured porcine retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells were investigated.

METHODS

After exposing cultured RPE cells to various concentrations (10, 50, 100, 500, 1,000 nM) of betamethasone sodium phosphate (betamethasone), the cells were incubated with latex microspheres for 6 hours.

RESULTS

The number of latex microspheres phagocytized by the cultured RPE cells was inhibited by 50 nM betamethasone within 24 hours. Ten-nM betamethasone did not inhibit the proliferation of cultured RPE cells, but ingestion of latex microspheres by the cells was inhibited after 3 days. Lysosomal activity (acid phosphatase, beta-glucuronidase) of RPE cells was inhibited by a high concentration (500 nM) of betametasone.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that corticosteroid inhibits the phagocytosis and lysosomal activity of cultured RPE cells.

High-resolution ultrastructural comparison of renal glomerular and tubular basement membranes

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Glomerular basement membranes (GBM) and tubular basement membranes (TBM) consist of a fine meshwork composed mainly of type IV collagen. Each segment of tubules has specialized physiologic functions, and thus we investigated the ultrastructure of various basement membranes in rat kidneys.

METHODS

Since purifying basement membranes from different tubule segments is technically challenging, we employed tissue negative staining rather than conventional negative staining to compare the ultrastructures of proximal and distal TBM and GBM in normal rats. We also assessed the distribution of extracellular matrix components including type IV collagen, laminin, heparan sulfate proteoglycan, and fibronectin in the basement membranes by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

TBM and GBM of normal rats showed a fine meshwork structure consisting of fibrils forming small round to oval pores. Short- and long-pore diameters in proximal tubules were 3.3 +/- 0.5 and 3.9 +/- 0.6 nm, respectively, and in distal tubules 3.5 +/- 0.7 and 4.3 +/- 0.8 nm, respectively. For GBM the respective diameters were 2.5 +/- 0.5 and 3.0 +/- 0.5 nm. Immunohistochemical analysis showed no significant difference in distribution of extracellular matrix components between proximal and distal TBM. However, immunofluorescence scores of alpha1 chain of type IV collagen, fibronectin, and laminin were higher in the TBM than in the GBM. On the other hand, heparan sulfate proteoglycan was higher in the GBM.

CONCLUSION

Ultrastructural differences in renal basement membranes may be related to differences in physiologic function in each segment.