Kinematic characteristics of canine hindlimb movement during sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit motions

Sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit motions are basic motions for daily animal life, and these motions are used as therapeutic exercises for dogs with functional impairments. The sit-to-stand motion is divided into several phases for kinesiological assessment in human rehabilitation and physical therapy. However, these motions in dogs have not been characterized in detail. We examined canine hindlimb kinematic characteristics during sit-to-stand/stand-to-sit motions and compared the characteristics with those during walking. In addition, we tried to classify phases of the movements based on kinematic characteristics of the transition of the range of motion of the hindlimb. We used a three-dimensional motion analysis system to evaluate the motions of eight clinically healthy beagles. During the sit-to-stand motion, the total range of motion (ROM) in the hip joint flexion/extension was half of that of during walking, but the total ROM of the hindlimb external/internal rotation relative to the pelvis and flexion/extension of the stifle and the tarsal joints were significantly larger than those of walking, suggesting that sit-to-stand exercise causes movements of hindlimb joints without marked changes in hip joint flexion/extension movement. Both sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit motions could not be divided into multiple phases only by the transition of the range of motion of the hindlimb.

Direct detection of circular polarized light in helical 1D perovskite-based photodiode

Detection of circularly polarized light (CPL) has a high potential for development of various optical technologies. Conventional photodetectors require optical polarizers on the device to detect polarized light, and this causes substantial losses of sensitivity and resolution in light detection. Here, we report direct CPL detection by a photodiode using a helical one-dimensional (1D) structure of lead halide perovskites composed of naphthylethylamine-based chiral organic cations. The 1D structure with face-sharing (PbI₆)^4- octahedral chains whose helicity is largely affected by chiral cations shows intense circular dichroism (CD) signals over 3000 mdeg at 395 nm with the highly anisotropy factor (g _CD) of 0.04. This high CD enables photocurrent detection with effective discrimination between left-handed and right-handed CPLs. The CPL detector based on this 1D perovskite achieved the highest polarization discrimination ratio of 25.4, which largely surpasses the direct detecting CPL devices (<4) using chiral plasmonic metamaterials and organic materials.

Imaging Differences between Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders and Multiple Sclerosis: A Multi-Institutional Study in Japan

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Both clinical and imaging criteria must be met to diagnose neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders and multiple sclerosis. However, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders are often misdiagnosed as MS because of an overlap in MR imaging features. The purpose of this study was to confirm imaging differences between neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders and MS with visually detailed quantitative analyses of large-sample data.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively examined 89 consecutive patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (median age, 51 years; range, 16-85 years; females, 77; aquaporin 4 immunoglobulin G-positive, 93%) and 89 with MS (median age, 36 years; range, 18-67 years; females, 68; relapsing-remitting MS, 89%; primary-progressive MS, 7%; secondary-progressive MS, 2%) from 9 institutions across Japan (April 2008 to December 2012). Two neuroradiologists visually evaluated the number, location, and size of all lesions using the Mann-Whitney U test or the Fisher exact test.

RESULTS

We enrolled 79 patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders and 87 with MS for brain analysis, 57 with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders and 55 with MS for spinal cord analysis, and 42 with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders and 14 with MS for optic nerve analysis. We identified 911 brain lesions in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders, 1659 brain lesions in MS, 86 spinal cord lesions in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders, and 102 spinal cord lesions in MS. The frequencies of periventricular white matter and deep white matter lesions were 17% and 68% in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders versus 41% and 42% in MS, respectively (location of brain lesions, P < .001). We found a significant difference in the distribution of spinal cord lesions between these 2 diseases (P = .024): More thoracic lesions than cervical lesions were present in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (cervical versus thoracic, 29% versus 71%), whereas they were equally distributed in MS (46% versus 54%). Furthermore, thoracic lesions were significantly longer than cervical lesions in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (P = .001), but not in MS (P = .80).

CONCLUSIONS

Visually detailed quantitative analyses confirmed imaging differences, especially in brain and spinal cord lesions, between neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders and MS. These observations may have clinical implications.

Sex-based differences in CD103+ dendritic cells promote female-predominant Th2 cytokine production during allergic asthma

BACKGROUND

Gender disparities in adult patients with asthma regarding its prevalence and severity are mainly due to enhanced type 2 T-helper (Th2) cytokine production in female patients compared to that in male patients. However, the pathways mediating this effect remain unclear.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to determine the roles of two major subsets of dendritic cells (DCs) in females, specifically those displaying CD11b or CD103, during enhanced Th2 priming after allergen exposure, using an ovalbumin-induced asthma mouse model.

METHODS

Sex-based differences in the number of DCs at inflamed sites, costimulatory molecule expression on DCs, and the ability of DCs to differentiate naïve CD4⁺ T cells into Th2 population were evaluated after allergen exposure in asthmatic mice. In addition, we assessed the role of 17β-oestradiol in CD103⁺ DC function during Th2 priming in vitro.

RESULTS

The number of CD11b^high DCs and CD103⁺ DCs in the lung and bronchial lymph node (BLN) was increased to a greater extent in female mice than in male mice at 16 to 20 hours after ovalbumin (OVA) inhalation. In BLNs, CD86 and I-A/I-E expression levels and antigen uptake ability in CD103⁺ DCs, but not in CD11b^high DCs, were greater in female mice than in male mice. Furthermore, CD4⁺ T cells cultured with CD103⁺ DCs from female mice produced higher levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13, compared with CD4⁺ T cells cultured with CD103⁺ DCs from male mice. The 17β-oestradiol-oriented enhancement of CD86 expression on CD103⁺ DCs after allergen exposure induced the enhanced IL-5 production from CD4⁺ T cells.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

These findings suggest that with regard to asthma, enhanced Th2 cytokine production in females might be attributed to 17β-oestradiol-mediated Th2-oriented CD103⁺ DCs in the BLN.

Formamidine and cesium-based quasi-two-dimensional perovskites as photovoltaic absorbers

Formamidine and Cs-based quasi two-dimensional perovskites were newly synthesized for photovoltaic solar cells.

Allosteric Inhibitors against HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase: Design and Synthesis of MKC-442 Analogues Having an Ω-Functionalized Acyclic Structure

Based on X-ray crystallographic analysis of MKC-442/human immunodeficiency virus type 1 reverse transcriptase (HIV-1 RT) complex, analogues in which the N1-substituent is replaced with ω-functionalized alkyl groups were designed to improve the affinity for the enzyme. Synthesis of these compounds was carried out starting from MKC-442 by a sequence of reactions (N3-protection, removal of N1-ethoxymethyl group, alkylation, and N3-deprotection). The compounds were evaluated for anti-HIV activity. Structure–activity relationships are discussed in terms of the possible interaction with the enzyme.

Assessment of visual space recognition of patients with unilateral spatial neglect and visual field defects using a head mounted display system

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was the development of a method for presenting diverse visual information and assessing visual space recognition using a new head mounted display (HMD) system. [Subjects] Eight patients: four with unilateral spatial neglect (USN) and four with visual field defects (VFD). [Methods] A test sheet was placed on a desk, and its image was projected on the display of the HMD. Then, space recognition assessment was conducted using a cancellation test and motion analysis of the eyeballs and head under four conditions with images reduced in size and shifted. [Results] Leftward visual search was dominant in VFD patients, while rightward visual search was dominant in USN patients. The angular velocity of leftward eye movement during visual search of the right sheet decreased in both patient types. Motion analysis revealed a tendency of VFD patients to rotate the head in the affected direction under the left reduction condition, whereas USN patients rotated it in the opposite direction of the neglect. [Conclusion] A new HMD system was developed for presenting diverse visual information and assessing visual space recognition which identified the differences in the disturbance of visual space recognition of VFD and USN patients were indicated.

Assessment of biodiversity in Chilean cattle using the distribution of major histocompatibility complex class II BoLA-DRB3 allele

Bovine leukocyte antigens (BoLAs) are used extensively as markers for bovine disease and immunological traits. In this study, we estimated BoLA-DRB3 allele frequencies using 888 cattle from 10 groups, including seven cattle breeds and three crossbreeds: 99 Red Angus, 100 Black Angus, 81 Chilean Wagyu, 49 Hereford, 95 Hereford × Angus, 71 Hereford × Jersey, 20 Hereford × Overo Colorado, 113 Holstein, 136 Overo Colorado, and 124 Overo Negro cattle. Forty-six BoLA-DRB3 alleles were identified, and each group had between 12 and 29 different BoLA-DRB3 alleles. Overo Negro had the highest number of alleles (29); this breed is considered in Chile to be an 'Old type' European Holstein Friesian descendant. By contrast, we detected 21 alleles in Holstein cattle, which are considered to be a 'Present type' Holstein Friesian cattle. Chilean cattle groups and four Japanese breeds were compared by neighbor-joining trees and a principal component analysis (PCA). The phylogenetic tree showed that Red Angus and Black Angus cattle were in the same clade, crossbreeds were closely related to their parent breeds, and Holstein cattle from Chile were closely related to Holstein cattle in Japan. Overall, the tree provided a thorough description of breed history. It also showed that the Overo Negro breed was closely related to the Holstein breed, consistent with historical data indicating that Overo Negro is an 'Old type' Holstein Friesian cattle. This allelic information will be important for investigating the relationship between major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and disease.

Time course of axial and radial diffusion kurtosis of white matter infarctions: period of pseudonormalization

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Diffusion kurtosis is a statistical measure for quantifying the deviation of the water diffusion profile from a Gaussian distribution. The current study evaluated the time course of diffusion kurtosis in patients with cerebral infarctions, including perforator, white matter, cortical, and watershed infarctions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Subjects were 31 patients, representing 52 observations of lesions. The duration between the onset and imaging ranged from 3 hours to 122 days. Lesions were categorized into 4 groups listed above. Diffusion kurtosis images were acquired with b-values of 0, 1000, and 2000 s/mm(2) applied in 30 directions; variables including DWI signal, ADC, fractional anisotropy, radial diffusivity, axial diffusivity, radial kurtosis, and axial kurtosis, were obtained. The time courses of the relative values (lesion versus contralateral) for these variables were evaluated, and the pseudonormalization period was calculated.

RESULTS

Diffusion kurtosis was highest immediately after the onset of infarction. Trend curves showed that kurtosis decreased with time after onset. Pseudonormalization for radial/axial kurtosis occurred at 13.2/59.9 days for perforator infarctions, 33.1/40.6 days for white matter infarctions, 34.8/35.9 days for cortical infarctions, and 34.1/28.2 days after watershed infarctions. For perforator infarctions, pseudonormalization occurred in the following order: radial kurtosis, ADC, axial kurtosis, and DWI.

CONCLUSIONS

Diffusion kurtosis variables in lesions increased early after infarction and decreased with time. Information provided by diffusion kurtosis imaging, including axial and radial kurtosis, seems helpful in conducting a detailed evaluation of the age of infarction, in combination with T2WI, DWI, and ADC.

Change in the Mechanical Energy of the Body Center of Mass in Hemiplegic Gait after Continuous Use of a Plantar Flexion Resistive Ankle-foot Orthosis

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in mechanical energy due to continuous use of a plantar flexion resistive ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) of subjects with chronic hemiplegia. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 5 hemiplegic patients using AFOs without a plantar flexion resistive function in their daily lives. We analyzed the gait of the subjects using a 3D motion capture system under three conditions: patients’ use of their own AFOs; after being fitted with a plantar flexion resistive AFO; and after continuous use of the device. The gait efficiency was determined by calculating the mutual exchange of kinetic and potential energy of the center of mass. [Results] An increased exchange rate of the kinetic and potential energy was found for all subjects. A larger increase of energy exchange was shown on the non-paralyzed side, and after continuous use of the plantar flexion resistive AFO. [Conclusion] We found that continuous use of a plantar flexion resistive AFO increased the rate of mutual exchange between kinetic energy and potential energy. The change in the rate was closely related to the role of the non-paretic side, showing that the subjects needed a certain amount of time to adapt to the plantar flexion resistive AFO.

Assessment of visual space recognition in patients with visual field defects using head mounted display (HMD) system: case study with severe visual field defect

For the quantitative assessment of visual field defects of cerebrovascular patients, we developed a new measurement system that could present various kinds of visual information to the patient. In this system, we use a head mounted display as the display device. The quantitative assessment becomes possible by adding the capability to measure the eye movement and the head movement simultaneously by means of a video apparatus of motion analysis. In our study, we examined the effectiveness of this system by applying it to a patient with serious visual field defects. The visual image of the reduced test paper was presented to the patient, the effect on his/her spatial recognition and eye movement was investigated. The results indicated the increase in the ration of visual search in the reduced side. With the reduced image, the decrease of the angular velocity of eye movement was recognized in the visual search in the defected side. In the motion analysis, the head movement was not observed while the eye movements appeared corresponding to each different conditions. This fact led us to confirm that the patient coped with this kind of test by the eye movement. In this analysis, the effectiveness and the usefulness of the developed system were confirmed that enables us to evaluate the abnormal and compensation movement of the eyes.

Effects of combined training with breathing resistance and sustained physical exertion to improve endurance capacity and respiratory muscle function in healthy young adults

[Purpose] In this study, combined training with breathing resistance and sustained physical exertion was carried out to evaluate its physiological effects and its effect on improve endurance capacity. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were nine healthy adults (mean age 20.4, SD ± 1.7 years). The combined training group (n = 5) carried out 6 weeks of combined training using a cycle ergometer, with exercise load tests and respiratory function tests performed before and after the training. The results of the training were compared to a control group (n = 4) that only performed the cycling exercise without the combined training with breathing resistance. [Results] In the combined training group, ventilatory threshold, maximal load of the cycle ergometer in exercise load tests, and maximal voluntary ventilation increased after training. These increases after training were all significant, but none of these variables changed significantly in the control group. [Conclusion] The results imply that in comparison to conventional training methods, combined training with breathing resistance and sustained physical exertion is beneficial for increasing endurance capacity and respiratory muscle function. This result provides important information regarding the effects of the new training method for improving endurance capacity.

A study of upper extremity training for patients with stroke using a virtual environment system

[Purpose] A virtual environment (VE) system was designed to facilitate the retraining of motor control by feedback of movement trajectory to patients with neurological impairments, such as stroke victims or those with an acquired brain injury. In this study, we quantitatively assessed motion trajectory of the upper extremity during VE in order to further understand the effect of paralyzed upper extremity movement in VE for each patient as well as the functional clinical evaluations. [Subjects and Methods] Six patients with stroke were participated in this study. The VE system consisted of a computer, an electromagnetic motion tracking device, which monitored and displayed patient movement on the computer, and the VE software, which provided the tools for creating training scenes. This system was used to facilitate motor relearning of the upper extremity for six patients with stroke. [Results] The results showed there were improvements in variability and accuracy of the arm movement in motion trajectory. In addition, the scores of clinical evaluations improved, and VE did not hinder motor relearning of the upper extremity, which is necessary for activities of daily living. [Conclusion] This VE system might be effective at facilitating motor relearning of the upper extremity for stroke patients.

Identification and diversity of bovine major histocompatibility complex class II haplotypes in Japanese Black and Holstein cattle in Japan

Bovine leukocyte antigen (BoLA), the major histocompatibility complex of cattle, is one of the most polymorphic gene clusters. We genotyped a population of 109 Japanese Black and 39 Holstein cattle to analyze their BoLA class II haplotypes, BoLA-DRB3 locus, 5 BoLA-DQA loci, and 5 BoLA-DQB loci. We identified 26 previously reported DRB3 alleles, 22 previously reported and 3 new DQA alleles, and 24 previously reported and 6 new DQB alleles. A dendrogram was constructed based on the predicted amino acid sequences of the α1 or β1 domains encoded by BoLA-DQA or -DQB alleles, which revealed that DQA alleles were clustered into 5 loci, whereas DQB alleles could not be clearly assigned to specific DQB loci. The BoLA-DRB3-DQA-DQB haplotypes were sorted by sequential analytical processes, and 42 distinct haplotypes, including 11 previously published haplotypes and 31 novel haplotypes, were defined. Strong linkage disequilibrium was present in the BoLA genes. We also compared DRB3-DQA1 haplotype frequencies between 507 Japanese Black and 143 Holstein cattle. Thirty-nine DRB3-DQA1 haplotypes were identified, including 29 haplotypes from Japanese Black and 22 haplotypes from Holstein cattle. The majority of the haplotypes could be identified in both breeds, although several haplotypes were identified in only a single breed. This is the first report presenting a detailed study of the BoLA class II haplotype in Japanese Black and Holstein cattle in Japan.

A new method for typing bovine major histocompatibility complex class II DRB3 alleles by combining two established PCR sequence-based techniques

Recently, two polymerase chain reaction sequence-based typing (PCR-SBT) methods were reported for the genotyping of the bovine leukocyte antigen (BoLA)-DRB3. One technique is a single PCR-SBT (sPCR-SBT) method that generates heterozygous sequences that are subsequently analyzed by the haplofinder program, while the other technique is a nested PCR-SBT (nPCR-SBT) method that allows the analysis of heterozygous sequences using the assign 400ATF software. In this study, these techniques were compared and then integrated to produce an improved genotyping method. The primer set used for sPCR-SBT was more accurate than those used for nPCR-SBT. Combining sPCR-SBT with the assign 400ATF software previously reported for nPCR-SBT enables rapid and accurate genotyping of a large number of DNA samples.

Transient hyperintensity in the subthalamic nucleus and globus pallidus of newborns on T1-weighted images

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

In the brains of newborns, changes in signal intensity in most structures can be explained by the development of myelination. However, there are some structures for which signal intensity changes cannot be accounted for by myelination alone. We examined the STN and globus pallidus signal intensities and tried to determine whether a relationship exists between the signal intensity and the postnatal age or the gestational age at the examination.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We examined T1WI and T2WI obtained from 79 neonates who showed normal development at their 2-year follow-up examinations. We performed both qualitative and quantitative (signal intensity ratio to the thalamus) evaluation of the STN and globus pallidus signals, and we examined the correlation between signal intensity changes and the age of neonates.

RESULTS

With increasing postnatal age at examination, the high signal intensity on the T1WI for both STN and globus pallidus diminished. Although the disappearance of this hyperintensity was well correlated with the postnatal age at examination for both the qualitative and quantitative studies, there was no correlation with gestational age at examination. For the T2WI, there was no correlation with either the postnatal age or the gestational age at examination.

CONCLUSIONS

Signal intensity on T1WI in the STN and globus pallidus is not related to the gestational age at examination; instead, signal intensities on T1WI seem to be more dependent upon the postnatal age at examination.

[The effect of unsupervised home exercise program for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]

PURPOSE

This study assessed the effects of an unsupervised exercise training program at home on exercise function and health related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

METHODS

Forty-two patients with COPD (age 72.9+/-7.7 years; all males) were assigned to the exercise group (n=32) or the no-exercise group (n=10). The exercise group received a video recording of respiratory exercises to help them perform this program at home for six months. The no-exercise group did not receive any exercise program. The outcome measures were forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV(1)), vital capacity (VC), MRC dyspnea scale, 6 min walking distance (6MWD), shuttle walking distance (SWD), Borg scale and chronic respiratory disease questionnaire (CRQ) which includes four domains: dyspnea, fatigue, emotional function, and mastery.

RESULTS

Patients completing this study consisted of: 19 patients in the exercise group, and 7 patients in the no-exercise group. Seventeen of the patients in the exercise group performed respiratory exercises every day for six months. We did not find any significant change in pulmonary function and dyspnea in either group. Significant improvements were achieved in 6MWD, SWD, CRQ (Dyspnea, Mastery) in the exercise group only.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggested that unsupervised exercise training program at home consisting of respiratory exercise improved of exercise tolerance and HRQOL in patients with COPD.

Fractional anisotropy--threshold dependence in tract-based diffusion tensor analysis: evaluation of the uncinate fasciculus in Alzheimer disease

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Tract-based analysis can be used to investigate required tracts extracted from other fiber tracts. However, the fractional anisotropy (FA) threshold influences tractography analysis. The current study evaluated the influence of the FA threshold in measuring diffusion tensor parameters for tract-based analysis of the uncinate fasciculus in subjects with Alzheimer disease (AD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Subjects included 30 patients with AD and 10 healthy controls. We acquired tractographies of the uncinate fasciculus by using different FA thresholds. We measured mean FA and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) along the uncinate fasciculus for different FA thresholds and evaluated the correlation between diffusion tensor parameters (FA, ADC) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores.

RESULTS

The uncinate fasciculus showed lower mean FA and higher mean ADC values in cases with more severe AD. A higher FA threshold led to a lower mean ADC value and a higher mean FA value along the uncinate fasciculus, whereas the relative order of measured values according to the severity of AD was not influenced by the FA threshold. An FA threshold of 0.2 showed higher correlation between mean ADC values and MMSE scores. FA thresholds of 0.15 and 0.20 showed higher correlation between mean FA values and MMSE scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Appropriate selection of the FA threshold leads to higher correlation between diffusion tensor parameters and the severity of AD. For tract-based analysis of degenerative diseases such as AD, appropriate selection of the FA threshold for tractography is important.

Direct measurement of nitric oxide during experimental cardiopulmonary bypass

We developed a system to measure nitric oxide (NO) concentration during cardiopulmonary bypass in anaesthetized pigs (n = 6). A T-shaped connector, attached to an NO sensor, was mounted in the extracorporeal circuit at two measuring sites: proximal to the membrane oxygenator (venous side) and distal to the arterial line filter (arterial side). After performing a preliminary validation study, we measured plasma NO concentration before and during total cardiopulmonary bypass circulation (non-pulsatile flow 1.5 l/min) and without pulmonary ventilation. After establishing bypass, PaO2 was 318 - 393 mmHg; when PaO2 was decreased to 80 - 100 mmHg, plasma NO concentration in the arterial circuit fell by 39.2 +/- 15.6 nM. There was no observable change in plasma NO concentration at the venous circuit. This new system could be useful in monitoring NO concentration during cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass, and for understanding the possible pathophysiological roles of hyper-nitric oxaemia in cardiopulmonary bypass-related cardiovascular complications.

Diurnal T2 value changes in the lumbar intervertebral discs

AIM

To investigate if there is any in vivo diurnal T2 value changes in the nucleus pulposus in normal and degenerated lumbar intervertebral discs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighteen volunteers (16 men, two women) with no symptoms related to lumbar disease were imaged in the morning before beginning daily work and in the evening after finishing work. Sagittal fast spin-echo T2-weighted images were obtained, following spin-echo transverse imaging for T2 analysis.

RESULTS

The normal disc group (n=71) showed statistically significant diurnal T2 value changes (p<0.001), whilst the degenerating disc group (n=19) showed no significant diurnal changes. The normal disc group up to age 34 years showed statistically significant diurnal T2 value changes. However no significant changes were demonstrated after the age 35 years.

CONCLUSION

Statistically significant diurnal T2 value changes in the normal lumbar intervertebral discs were demonstrated. Disappearance of the diurnal T2 value changes in the normal discs after the age 35 years was revealed for the first time and thought to be an aspect of aging, not caused by degeneration.

Early-onset, rapidly progressive familial tauopathy with R406W mutation

An early-onset and rapidly progressive familial tauopathy with R406W mutation is described. The patient was a 47-year-old man who first presented with psychiatric symptoms followed by overt dementia at age 52 and died 1 year later. Postmortem study revealed tangle-associated neuronal degeneration, accentuated in the medial temporal lobe. R406W mutation was determined by sequence analysis and immunocytochemically with anti-mutant tau antibody.

Postoperative nerve conduction changes after open and endoscopic carpal tunnel release

OBJECTIVE

To assess the improvement of motor distal latency (MDL), sensory nerve conduction velocity (SCV) of the median nerve and the amplitudes of compound muscle action potential (CMAP) and sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) in patients with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome subjected to surgical treatment according to the open carpal tunnel release method and the endoscopic carpal tunnel release.

METHODS

Sixty-six hands of sixty-six patients were divided into two groups: the ECTR group and the OCTR group. The patients were evaluated preoperatively, and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

Although no statistically significant difference of the recovery of MDL and the amplitude of CMAP and SNAP was detected between the two groups at any time point during follow-up, one patient in the ECTR group in whom the operation had been converted to OCTR, showed delay of MDL and decrease in the amplitude of CMAP.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a risk of nerve damage in patients undergoing ECTR. Although statistical analysis suggests that nerve conduction improves by about the same degree 12 months after ECTR or OCTR, slightly faster improvement after OCTR cannot be excluded.

Characterization of human taurine transporter expressed in insect cells using a recombinant baculovirus

A recombinant baculovirus system was used to express the human taurine transporter in Sf9 cells and characterize its mediated uptake activity. This uptake process exhibited: (i) Na(+) dependence, (ii) larger inhibition of taurine transport by competing beta-amino acids than by alpha- and gamma-amino acids, (iii) apparent Michaelis constant, K(t), for taurine transport of 1.6 +/- 0.2 microM, and (iv) a maximal velocity, V(max), of 262 +/- 18 pmol/mg protein per 15 min. Coexpression of a molecular chaperone, human calnexin, enhanced taurine transporter activity by 43%. During development of taurine transporter expression, exposure to tunicamycin (10 microg/ml) decreased taurine transport activity by 76%. The taurine transporter linked to glutathione S-transferase (GST) was expressed to determine whether this conjugate also elicits taurine transport activity. Even though transport activity was markedly decreased, its Na(+) dependence was still evident. Coexpression of calnexin enhanced expression of this conjugated transporter activity by 54%. Immunoblot analysis revealed that calnexin did not change the amount of GST-taurine transporter conjugate or its molecular mass (i.e., 58.4-68.0 kDa). However, tunicamycin decreased its molecular mass. Taken together, taurine transport activity in a baculovirus expression system has characteristics similar to its wild-type counterpart. Stimulation of transport activity by coexpression with calnexin suggests the importance of transporter folding for optimal transport activity. Glycosylation of the transporter also increases its transport activity. Finally, GST-taurine transporter conjugate usage may aid transporter purification even though its transport activity decreases.

Selective deposition of mutant tau in the FTDP-17 brain affected by the P301L mutation

Frontotemporal dementia and parkinsonism linked to chromosome 17 (FTDP-17) is a familial neurological disorder exhibiting autosomal dominant inheritance. Linkage analyses have led to the identification of many exonic and intronic mutations in the tau gene in affected families. Because FTDP- 17 causes extensive neuronal loss and intracellular tau deposits in affected regions, investigation of this disease should provide an important insight into the significance of tau deposits leading to neurodegeneration. Using site-specific antibodies that distinguish between wild-type and mutant tau, we have analyzed the proportions of wild-type and mutant tau in the soluble and insoluble fractions of the P301L brain. Western blotting showed that mutant tau was selectively deposited in the Sarkosyl-insoluble fraction. Consistent with this, immunocytochemistry showed that intraneuronal tau deposits consisted exclusively of mutant tau. In one case in which abundant senile plaques occurred, in addition to mutant tau, small amounts of wild-type tau were also deposited. On the other hand, the protein levels of mutant tau in the soluble fraction were selectively decreased despite no detectable decrease in the levels of mutant tau mRNA.

Electrochemical behavior of catechol and 3,4-dihydroxytoluene in acetonitrile at a platinum-disk electrode modified with a tyrosinase containing polyacrylamide film

A modified platinum-disk electrode coated with a non-plasticized polyacrylamide (PAA) membrane was used to study electrochemically an enzymatic reaction between tyrosinase in the PAA membrane and catechol and 3,4-dihydroxytoluene in acetonitrile (AN). Tyrosinase, a hydrophilic biofunctional material, was immobilized in the thin PAA membrane, which adhered to the platinum-disk electrode and was stable in AN. The enzymatic activity of tyrosinase in the PAA membrane to the above substrates in AN was confirmed by cyclic voltammetry and amperometry. The apparent maximum velocities (Vmaxapp) and the apparent Michaelis constants (Kmapp) were determined from the amperometric results; the apparent turnover numbers were also determined. The reduction potentials of the substrates were reported vs. the cathodic peak potential of ferrocene in AN to improve the reliability of the potential data and to make possible a comparison of the potentials in different solvents. The electrochemical system discussed in this report can be used for tracing enzymatic reactions with substrates dissolving in aprotic dipolar solvents and for investigating solvent effects on enzymatic activities.

DNA sequence recognition by NF kappa B p50 homodimer: strict and obscure recognition sites in the binding sequence

5-Formyl- and 5-(formylmethyl)-2'-deoxyuridines are introduced into a kappa B site instead of thymidine(s) in order to understand target sequence specificity of NF kappa B. It was found that one thymidine in the kappa B site is particularly important for the sequence specific recognition by NF kappa B.

In vivo effects of apoptosis in asthma examined by a murine model

BACKGROUND

One of the characteristic features of bronchial asthma is the accumulation of various inflammatory cells, predominantly eosinophils, at the subepithelial region beneath the basement membrane of the airway. Apoptosis is a form of physiological cell death, through which the cellular contents including biologically active substances are kept in the cell membrane and are removed without their harmful effects. So, attempts were made to clarify whether the induction of apoptosis is beneficial in asthma by using a murine model with ovalbumin (OA) as responsible allergen.

METHODS

A/J mice, which are genetically predisposed to be hyperresponsive to acetylcholine, were immunized with OA and alum, accompanied by OA inhalation for 2 weeks, during which some of the mice were also treated with either anti-Fas monoclonal antibody or sham control hamster IgG intranasally. Airway responsiveness to acetylcholine was then analyzed by measuring airway resistance with a body plethysmograph box. Apoptosis was assessed by propidium iodide and TUNEL staining.

RESULTS

Inhalation of OA increased both airway responsiveness to acetylcholine and the number of cells, mostly eosinophils, infiltrated into the airway. Administration of anti-Fas antibody induced apoptosis in the infiltrated eosinophils and abolished augmentation of airway hyperresponsiveness caused by OA inhalation.

CONCLUSION

Induction of apoptosis in proinflammatory cells including eosinophils at the airway may have a beneficial effect on suppressing airway hyperresponsiveness.

The proton uptake channel of bacteriorhodopsin as studied by a photoelectrochemical method

A series of the mutant proteins (D96N, D96N/D85N, D115N, L93T, T46V, V49A) where the residues are located at the cytoplasmic domain of bacteriorhodopsin (bR) were studied photoelectrochemically and their photocurrent response characteristics at the electrode/electrolyte interface were compared with those of the wild-type bR. While the wild-type bR of normal proton pumping activity yields symmetrical cathodic (positive) and anodic (negative) responses, corresponding to proton release and proton uptake, respectively, these mutants, with the exception of D115N, showed diminished amplitudes in the negative response. This indicates retardation of proton translocation from the cytoplasmic surface to the retinal Schiff base. The mutation that gave the strongest influence on the negative response was D96N while moderate influence was obtained with L93T, T46V, and V49A. These results suggest that residues other than D96 also participate in the cytoplasmic proton uptake channel, either by interacting with D96 directly or by forming a hydrogen-bonded network with water molecules. The D96N/D85N double mutant yielded little response at neutral pH, but the response was partially recovered by addition of azide, while it was fully recovered in the single mutant D96N. The D115N mutant showed the response profile that closely resembles the wild-type, indicating that D115 is not crucially involved in the event of proton transfer relay at the cytoplasmic region. It was also found that every mutant in this study releases protons prior to uptake at the other membrane surface, as does the wild-type.

Platelet-derived growth factor is involved in the augmentation of airway responsiveness through remodeling of airways in diesel exhaust particulate-treated mice

BACKGROUND

Thickening of the region adjacent to the basement membrane is a key component of the remodeling of the asthmatic airway and is caused by collagen deposition in the region.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to clarify the role of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), a competence factor of fibroblast, in the enhanced airway responsiveness and remodeling in a murine model.

METHODS

Diesel exhaust particulates (DEPs) were administered intranasally every other day for 2 weeks with or without anti-PDGF-beta neutralizing antibody or goat IgG. Pulmonary function was then analyzed by using whole-body plethysmography before and after acetylcholine inhalation.

RESULTS

Anti-PDGF-beta neutralizing antibody significantly inhibited both the elevation of airway resistance elicited by 1.25 and 2.5 mg/mL acetylcholine and the increase in the airway wall thickening induced by DEPs. In addition, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cell analysis revealed that anti-PDGF-beta neutralizing antibody did not affect cellular infiltration at the airways.

CONCLUSION

PDGF plays an important role in the process of remodeling brought about by DEP exposure in mice.

Effect of binary and ternary filler mixtures on the mechanical properties of composite resins

The mechanical strength of experimental light cure composites containing binary filler mixtures with various combinations of irregular and spherical macrofillers in various mixes, and the microfilled ternary system fillers were measured. The compressive strength of the binary mixtures between different shaped fillers was not related to mixing ratios, although it significantly increased as the filler size decreased. The mixing ratio was immaterial within the irregular filler mixture. The compressive strength of the binary mixtures within the spherical fillers increased as the mixing ratio increased while the filler size was relatively large, then the mixing ratio became insignificant as the filler size decreased under 1.4 microns. The compressive strength of the microfilled ternary fillers increased with the decrease in the macrofiller size and with the increase in the mixing ratio. A large diametrical tensile strength was found in several microfilled ternary mixtures containing different shaped macrofillers.

Synthesis of 3'alpha-carbo-substituted 2',3'-dideoxyribonucleosides from naturally occurring nucleosides

Naturally occurring ribonucleosides, uridine and adenosine, were converted to their 3'alpha-CH2CO2Me and 3'alpha-CH2PO(OPh)2 2',3'-dideoxy analogues. The present reaction sequence starts with oxidative cleavage of the 2',3'-cis-diol system, and involves radical-mediated reconstruction of furanose ring as the key step.

Synthesis of oligonucleotides containing the oxidatively modified kappaB site: unique binding affinity to the NFkappaB p50 homodimer

Synthesis of oligonucleotide 26-mers including single 5-formyl-2'-deoxyuridine (1) or 5-formyl-2'-O-methyluridine (2) in place of thymidine at the kappaB site has been accomplished. One of the 26-mers with 1 was critically discriminated by the NFkappaB p50 homodimer in binding.