Bacillus subtilis var. natto increases the resistance of Caenorhabditis elegans to gram-positive bacteria

AIMS

This study aimed to investigate the effect of Bacillus subtilis var. natto on the susceptibility of the model host, Caenorhabditis elegans, to bacterial infection.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Caenorhabditis elegans worms were fed with a standard food consisting of Escherichia coli OP50 strain (control) or B. subtilis (natto) during their larval stage. The worms were then infected with pathogenic bacteria. We analyzed their survival time and RNA sequencing-based transcriptome. Upon infection with Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis, the survival time of B. subtilis (natto)-fed worms was longer than that of the control. Transcriptome analyses showed upregulation of genes associated with innate immunity and defense response to gram-positive bacteria in B. subtilis (natto)-fed worms.

CONCLUSIONS

Bacillus subtilis (natto) conferred an increased resistance of C. elegans to gram-positive bacteria. Our findings provided insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying B. subtilis (natto)-regulated host immunity and emphasized its probiotic properties for preventing and alleviating infections caused by gram-positive bacteria.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to show that B. subtilis (natto) confers specific resistance against gram-positive bacteria.

Occlusal Force and Condylar Motion in Patients with Anterior Open Bite

Patients with open bite often show a weak occlusal force and temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). If these are the main cause of open bite, it may be hypothesized that both pre-pubertal and adult open-bite patients would show a weak occlusal force and abnormal condylar motion. The purpose of this study was to test this hypothesis. Test group subjects consisted of 13 consecutive pre-pubertal and 13 adult patients with anterior open bite. They were compared with age-matched normal subjects. The adult open-bite group showed a weaker occlusal force and a shorter range of condylar motion compared with the control subjects. In the pre-pubertal subjects, however, there were no significant differences in the occlusal force and range of condylar motion between the open-bite and control groups. Therefore, these results suggest that a weak occlusal force or TMDs may not be the main cause of open bite.

Development of Micro Cellular Open Cell Rigid Polyurethane Foams

With the increasing concern over the threat of ozone depletion and global warming, the rigid polyurethane foam insulation industry is facing a majorchallenge of selecting alternatives for chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Under the present situation, however, the effective means of solving this problem haven't been taken yet. Moreover, with more concern with the saving of energy worldwide, there is hope of insulators with higher performance.

This paper reports on a micro cellular open cell polyurethane foam, which is very effective as a core material for evacuated insulators. In addition, thermal insulation panels with high performance are developed by utilizing the open cell foam as a core material.

The evacuated insulators, so-called "vacuum insulation panels," have an insulation effectiveness four times better than those of the conventional rigid polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foams (thermal conductivity is 0.005 W/mK)and are also very lightweight compared to those made of inorganic substances such as silica powder. The vacuum insulation panels were manufactured by packing the core material and absorbents in a film-like laminated plastic container, which is suitable for holding a vacuum, followed by sealing in the industrial vacuum level (0.01—0.1 mm Hg).

We have developed the micro cellular (100—200,μm) and 100% open cell foam by selecting polyol compositions, modified polyisocyanates, surfactants and cell opening additives.

The micro cellular open cell foam has excellent physical properties such as heat resistance, compressive strength and low shrinkage as well as non-scorch at the stage of slabstock foaming. These properties will be very important for manufacturing the vacuum insulation panels. The open cell foams were blown by using the most conventional and alternative blowing agents in rigid foam systems.

In the near future, we hope that this open cell foam technology will contribute to the development of environmentally friendly and high performance products in the insulation industry.

Potential for acceleration of bone formation after implant surgery by using a dietary supplement: an animal study

Dental implant treatment is an effective modality to restore lost aesthetic and masticatory functions. However, healing after implant surgery takes at least 3-6 months. This prolonged healing period poses several difficulties for individuals with a large edentulous area and decreases their quality of life. Consequently, shortening the healing period and accelerating final prosthesis placement after surgery is very clinically important. Peri-implant bone formation may be enhanced by systemic approaches, such as the use of osteoporosis supplements, to promote bone metabolism. To confirm whether intake of a supplement developed for osteoporosis, synthetic bone mineral (SBM), was effective in accelerating peri-implant bone formation as part of the healing process after implantation. Twenty-four 5-week-old female Wistar rats were randomly assigned to receive a standardised diet without (control group, n = 12) or with SBM (n = 12). The rats had implant surgery at 8 weeks of age under general anaesthesia. The main outcome measures were bone mineral density (BMD) and pull-out strength in the implant and femur, which were compared between the groups at 2 and 4 weeks after implantation using the Mann-Whitney U test. BMD was significantly greater in the SBM group at 2 and 4 weeks after implantation compared to the control group. Pull-out strength was significantly greater in the SBM groups at 2 and 4 weeks after implantation compared to the control group. This study demonstrated that SBM could be effective in accelerating peri-implant bone formation during the healing period after implantation.

Lifetime of Singlet Oxygen and Quenching by NaN3 in Mixed Solvents

Singlet oxygen was generated by the photosensitization of erythrosine. The lifetime of singlet oxygen and the quenching rate constant for singlet oxygen by NaN3 were measured by a thermal lensing method in MeOH-H2O mixed solvents. The reciprocal of the lifetime increased linearly with the increase of the H2O mole fraction. Semi-log plot of the quenching constant against the reciprocal of the solvent polarity exhibited a linear relation. The quenching of the singlet oxygen by NaN3 may proceed through a partial charge-transfer intermediate. The activation energy for the quenching reaction of N3 - + 1O2 →[N3·1O2 -] increased with the increase of the solvent polarity. The lifetime was also measured in MeOH-ethyleneglycol mixed solvents, and its relation with viscosity was obtained

Regulation of L-alanine-initiated germination ofBacillus subtilis spores by alanine racemase

Germination ofBacillus subtilis spores was initiated by L-Ala and competitively inhibited by D-Ala, suggesting the presence of an alanine receptor. The spores showed alanine racemase activity in the spore coat. To investigate the role of alanine racemase (L → D) on germination, net racemase activity was determined using diphenylamine as a germination inhibitor and germination was measured using D-penicillamine as a racemase inhibitor. Apparent affinity of L-Ala to the germinant receptor was more than 1000 times higher than that to the racemase. Germination increased in the presence of D-penicillamine, when the concentration of L-Ala was low and that of spores was high. Racemase activity was optimal at 65°C at pH 9.0 and germination at 43°C at pH 7.2. Under unfavorable growth conditions such as high population of spores in limited nutrients, high temperature and high pH, spore alanine racemase converted the germinant actively to the inhibitor and this conversion may regulate germination for survival of the population.

The prevalence of rhinitis and its association with smoking and obesity in a nationwide survey of Japanese adults

BACKGROUND

Rhinitis is a common disease, and its prevalence is increasing worldwide. Several studies have provided evidence of a strong association between asthma and rhinitis. Although smoking and obesity have been extensively analyzed as risk factors of asthma, associations with rhinitis are less clear.

OBJECTIVE

The aims of our study were (i) to evaluate the prevalence of rhinitis using the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) questionnaire in Japanese adults and (ii) to evaluate the associations of smoking and body mass index (BMI) with rhinitis.

METHODS

Following our study conducted in 2006-2007 to determine the prevalence of asthma using the ECRHS questionnaire, our present analysis evaluates the prevalence of rhinitis and its association with smoking and BMI in Japanese adults 20-79 years of age (N = 22819). We classified the subjects (20-44 or 45-79 years) into four groups as having (i) neither rhinitis nor asthma; (ii) rhinitis without asthma; (iii) asthma without rhinitis; or (iv) rhinitis with asthma. We then evaluated associations with smoking and BMI in each group.

RESULTS

The overall age-adjusted prevalence of rhinitis was 35.1% in men and 39.3% in women. A higher prevalence was observed in the younger population than in the older population. Active smoking and obesity were positively associated with asthma without rhinitis. In contrast, particularly in the 20- to 44-year age-group, active smoking and obesity were negatively associated with rhinitis without asthma.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study suggest that smoking and obesity may have different effects on the development of rhinitis and asthma.

Allergen-specific immunotherapy alters the expression of B and T lymphocyte attenuator, a co-inhibitory molecule, in allergic rhinitis

BACKGROUND

B7/CD28 family co-signalling molecules play a key role in regulating T cell activation and tolerance. Allergen-specific immunotherapy (SIT) alters allergen-specific T cell responses. However, the effect of SIT on the expression of various co-signalling molecules has not been clarified.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to determine whether SIT might affect the expression of three co-inhibitory molecules, programmed death (PD)-1, B7-H1 and B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA), in Japanese cedar pollinosis (JCP).

METHODS

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from JCP patients who had or had not received SIT. PBMC were cultured in the presence or absence of Cry j 1, after which the cell surface expression of PD-1, B7-H1 and BTLA, as well as IL-5 production, were determined. In addition, the effect of BTLA cross-linking on IL-5 production was examined.

RESULTS

After Cry j 1 stimulation, no significant differences in PD-1 and B7-H1 expression were observed between SIT-treated and SIT-untreated patients. BTLA expression was down-regulated in untreated patients after Cry j 1 stimulation and up-regulated in SIT-treated patients. Up-regulation of BTLA in SIT-treated patients was particularly apparent in a CD4(+) T cell subset. IL-5 production was clearly reduced among SIT-treated patients, and the observed changes in BTLA expression correlated negatively with IL-5 production. Moreover, immobilization of BTLA suppressed IL-5 production in JCP patients.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that both IL-5 production and down-regulation of BTLA in response to allergen are inhibited in SIT-treated patients with JCP. BTLA-mediated co-inhibition of IL-5 production may contribute to the regulation of allergen-specific T cell responses in patients receiving immunotherapy.

Quantitative analysis of propionibacterial DNA in bronchoalveolar lavage cells from patients with sarcoidosis

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE WORK

The causes of sarcoidosis are still unknown. Propionibacterial subspieces are thought to be one of the most likely sources of antigens. Here we attempted to measure the amount of propionibacterial DNA in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cell samples from patients with sarcoidosis and other pulmonary diseases.

METHODS

We examined BAL cells from 42 patients with sarcoidosis and 30 controls. Using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for 16S rRNA of Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) and Propionibacterium granulosum (P. granulosum), we measured the amount of propionibacterial DNA in 500 ng of total DNA extracted from BAL cells from patients with sarcoidosis or other lung diseases. The correlation between clinical findings and the results of quantitative PCR were analyzed.

RESULTS

The mean level of P. acnes DNA from patients with sarcoidosis was 59.9 genomes per 500 ng of total DNA, which was significantly higher than that in controls (20.7 genomes, p<0.000l). The mean level of P. granulosum DNA from patients with sarcoidosis was 1.2 genomes, which was similar to that in controls (1.0 +/-1.6 genomes, p=0.52). The number of genomes of P. acnes in BAL cells was correlated with the serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) level and the percentage of macrophages in BAL fluid from patients with sarcoidosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The amount of P. acnes DNA in BAL cells from patients with sarcoidosis was significantly higher than that in BAL cells from patients with other pulmonary diseases. P. acnes may be involved in the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis.

Atelocollagen-mediated local and systemic applications of myostatin-targeting siRNA increase skeletal muscle mass

RNA interference (RNAi) offers a novel therapeutic strategy based on the highly specific and efficient silencing of a target gene. Since it relies on small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), a major issue is the delivery of therapeutically active siRNAs into the target tissue/target cells in vivo. For safety reasons, strategies based on vector delivery may be of only limited clinical use. The more desirable approach is to directly apply active siRNAs in vivo. Here, we report the effectiveness of in vivo siRNA delivery into skeletal muscles of normal or diseased mice through nanoparticle formation of chemically unmodified siRNAs with atelocollagen (ATCOL). ATCOL-mediated local application of siRNA targeting myostatin, a negative regulator of skeletal muscle growth, in mouse skeletal muscles or intravenously, caused a marked increase in the muscle mass within a few weeks after application. These results imply that ATCOL-mediated application of siRNAs is a powerful tool for future therapeutic use for diseases including muscular atrophy.

Macromolecular crystallization in microgravity generated by a superconducting magnet

About 30% of the protein crystals grown in space yield better X-ray diffraction data than the best crystals grown on the earth. The microgravity environments provided by the application of an upward magnetic force constitute excellent candidates for simulating the microgravity conditions in space. Here, we describe a method to control effective gravity and formation of protein crystals in various levels of effective gravity. Since 2002, the stable and long-time durable microgravity generated by a convenient type of superconducting magnet has been available for protein crystal growth. For the first time, protein crystals, orthorhombic lysozyme, were grown at microgravity on the earth, and it was proved that this microgravity improved the crystal quality effectively and reproducibly. The present method always accompanies a strong magnetic field, and the magnetic field itself seems to improve crystal quality. Microgravity is not always effective for improving crystal quality. When we applied this microgravity to the formation of cubic porcine insulin and tetragonal lysozyme crystals, we observed no dependence of effective gravity on crystal quality. Thus, this kind of test will be useful for selecting promising proteins prior to the space experiments. Finally, the microgravity generated by the magnet is compared with that in space, considering the cost, the quality of microgravity, experimental convenience, etc., and the future use of this microgravity for macromolecular crystal growth is discussed.

389 ASSOCIATION BETWEEN WALKING ACTIVITY AND SUPEROVULATORY RESPONSE IN JAPANESE BLACK CATTLE

Walking activity of cattle changes at estrus, and in this study, we measured the walking activity of Japanese black cattle in a loose-housing barn. Recently, a system (Gyu-Ho; Comtec, Miyazaki, Japan) for determining estrous activity has been developed. This system uses a pedometer equipped with a transmitter, which makes it possible to measure walking activity over a period of time. The objectives of the present study were to compare the walking activity at an induced estrus in superovulating cattle (SOV group, n = 10) to natural estrus in nonstimulated cattle (Natural group, n = 10), and to determine whether there is a correlation between estrus behavior and superovulatory response. A pedometer equipped with a transmitter was placed on the front of the metatarsal bone of each cow. In addition, a sensor (Hatujo-Pitari; Comtec), which determined the duration and frequency of standing estrus by mount pressure, was placed on the tail head of each cow. The walking activity and times of standing estrus were recorded through a receiver every h on a personal computer. In the SOV group, superstimulation was initiated on Days 9 to 13 (Day 0 = day of estrus) with a total dose of 28 mg FSH (Antrin R-10; Kawasaki-Mitaka, Kawasaki, Japan) via twice-daily IM injections in decreasing doses for 4 days. At 72 h after the first FSH injection, 750 µg cloprostenol (PGF; Cropromate-C; Dainippon Sumitomo Pharmaceuticals, Osaka, Japan) was administered. The donors were artificially inseminated at 60 h after PGF. Embryos were collected nonsurgically 6 days after estrus. Walking activity and duration of standing estrus were compared in the SOV and Natural groups. Data were analyzed by t-test (walking activity) and regression analysis. There were no differences between the Natural and SOV groups for the endpoints measured. Mean CL number was 15.7 ± 6.9, mean number of recovered ova/embryos was 10.3 ± 9.9, and mean number of normal (IETS grades 1 and 2) embryos was 6.9 ± 7.1. A significant (P &lt; 0.02) correlation was found between the number of CL and the duration of estrus (r = 0.7). Data suggest that walking activity at estrus did not differ between superstimulated Japanese black cattle and those experiencing a natural estrus. However, superovulatory response appears to be related to the duration of estrous behavior. Table 1. Walking activity at estrus of SOV and Natural groups

Movement and Diffusion of Paramagnetic Ions in a Magnetic Field

The magnetic movement and thermal diffusion have been studied for Cu(2+) ions in solution. The Cu(2+) ion solution was spotted on the silica gel support and exposed to the magnetic field of 410 kOe(2) cm(-1) intensity x gradient. The Cu(2+) ions were attracted toward the filed center. The moving distance and diffusing distance were observed at various time intervals. It is shown that the Cu(2+) ions move in a large group composed of Cu(2+) ions and H(2)O molecules. The size of the group is approximately estimated to be of 4.6 mum diameter by the analysis of the drift velocity of the group and the Cu(2+) ion concentration in the group.

Photodissociation of p-Xylene in Polar and Nonpolar Solutions

The photodissociation of p-xylene at 266 nm in n-heptane and acetonitrile has been studied with use of nanosecond fluorescence and absorption spectroscopy. The p-methylbenzyl radical was identified in n-heptane and acetonitrile by its fluorescence, which was induced by excitation at 308 nm. The p-xylene radical cation was observed in acetonitrile by its absorption. In n-heptane, the decay rate of the S(1) state of p-xylene ((3.2 +/- 0.2) x 10(7) s(-1)) is equal to the growth rate of the p-methylbenzyl radical ((2.7 +/- 0.4) x 10(7) s(-1)), showing that the molecule dissociates via the S(1) state into the radical by C-H bond homolysis (quantum efficiency approximately 5.0 x 10(-3)). In acetonitrile, the formation of the p-xylene radical cation requires two 266 nm photons, and the decay rate of the radical cation ((1.6 +/- 0.2) x 10(6) s(-1)) equals the growth rate of the p-methylbenzyl radical ((2.0 +/- 0.2) x 10(6) s(-1)). This shows that the radical cation dissociates into the radical by deprotonation (quantum efficiency approximately 8.9 x 10(-2)).

In vitro expansion of human basophils by interleukin-3 from granulocyte colony-stimulating factor-mobilized peripheral blood stem cells

BACKGROUND

A number of studies support the belief that human basophils play an important role in allergic inflammation. The exact mechanism of basophil activation at the site of allergic inflammation, however, has not been well understood, mainly due to their low number in blood and difficulty in obtaining a sufficient number of highly purified basophils for investigation.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to expand human basophils in vitro with high yield and purity by culturing peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs).

METHODS

We collected PBSC-rich mononuclear cells containing CD34+ cells (0.15-4.9%) by leukapheresis from patients with malignant lymphoma and lung cancer during haematopoietic recovery after chemotherapy plus granulocyte colony-stimulating factor-induced mobilization. PBSC-rich mononuclear cells were cultured in the presence of IL-3.

RESULTS

When PBSC-rich mononuclear cells containing more than 1% of CD34+ cells were cultured, 20.0-83.3% of the cells, mostly with a yield of >10%, were metachromatic cells after 3 weeks of culture. These cells resembled mature peripheral blood basophils morphologically when examined by light and electron microscopy. Flow cytometric analysis showed that they expressed both FcepsilonRI and FcgammaRII. FcepsilonRI cross-linking resulted in intracellular calcium mobilization, histamine release and synthesis of cysteinyl leukotrienes. The intracellular histamine content and the release of these chemical mediators triggered by anti-IgE antibodies were comparable to those of peripheral blood basophils.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that PBSC-derived basophils expanded in vitro are morphologically and functionally mature and will be a useful tool for the analysis of basophil functions.

Nonspecific interstitial pneumonia as pulmonary involvement of primary Sjögren's syndrome

The pathologic patterns of lung involvement in nine patients with Sjögren's syndrome (SjS) are evaluated. The patients consisted of three males and six females, with a median age of 59 years. The SjS was diagnosed according to the criteria of the First International Seminar on SjS. In all patients, high-resolution computed radiographic scanning (HRCT) of the lungs was performed, and apparent honeycomb or microhoneycomb formation was observed in six patients. Pathologically, six patients were diagnosed with usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP), and three were diagnosed with nonspecific interstitial pneumonia/fibrosis (NSIP) (group II). There were no apparent honeycomb formations on HRCT in patients diagnosed with NSIP. In conclusion, NSIP is also a possible histologic classification of interstitial pneumonia associated with SjS.

A study of clinical features of cough variant asthma

Patients with cough variant asthma (CVA) and classic asthma are frequently among subjects who present at clinics complaining of a chronic persistent cough. To reveal the features of CVA, we examined the differences in the clinical appearance between CVA and classic asthma. Ten CVA subjects and 11 classic asthmatics were enrolled in the study; they were recruited among patients who presented at the National Minamiokayama Hospital complaining of a chronic cough. The number of eosinophils in peripheral blood was 256 +/- 45.8/microl in CVA and 400 +/- 123/microl in classic asthma. Eosinophils represented 67% of the cells of sputum in CVA and 82% in classic asthma. Bronchial responsiveness to methacholine was Dmin 1.37 +/- 0.56 U in CVA and 0.71 +/- 0.46 U in classic asthma. There was no significant difference in these three parameters. There was only a significant difference in V25 between CVA and classic asthma, 80.0 +/- 6.9 and 52.2 +/- 10.0%, respectively. Eosinophil inflammation was almost the same in both CVA and classic asthma.

Lymphocyte subsets in lung tissues of interstitial pneumonia associated with untreated polymyositis/dermatomyositis

This study was designed to evaluate the distribution of lymphocyte subsets in lung specimens obtained by surgical lung biopsy from 12 patients with interstitial pneumonia associated with untreated polymyositis/dermatomyositis (PM/DM). Differences of histological findings and distributions of lymphocyte subsets between PM and DM were also evaluated. Distributions of B lymphocytes, CD4-positive T lymphocytes, and CD8-positive T lymphocytes were evaluated immunohistochemically. Interstitial pneumonia was pathologically classified as basically nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) in all patients. Immunohistochemically, the distribution of B lymphocytes was mostly restricted to inside and/or around lymphoid follicles. The CD4-positive T lymphocytes were distributed diffusely in fibrotic areas and unrelated to lymphoid follicles. Most CD8-positive T lymphocytes were diffusely distributed, especially in relatively normal alveoli. There were no significant differences in the distribution of lymphocyte subsets between PM and DM. Although the distribution of B lymphocytes and CD4- and CD8-positive T lymphocytes in the lung were different, there were no significant differences in distributions of lymphocyte subsets between PM and DM.

Novel protein kinase C delta isoform insensitive to caspase-3

Protein kinase C delta (PKC delta) plays a key regulatory role in a variety of cellular functions, including apoptosis, as well as cell growth and differentiation. We previously reported that apoptosis was induced by pretreatment with 1-(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine (H-7), an inhibitor of PKC, in mouse thymocytes. In the present study, we showed that a novel PKC delta isoform (PKC deltaII) was transiently expressed when thymocytes were pretreated with H-7. The analysis of the cDNA encoding PKC deltaII indicated that a 78 bp fragment was inserted into the caspase-3 sensitive site of the original PKC delta (PKC deltaI), presumably by alternative splicing. The PKC deltaII expressed in COS-1 cells was one product with a molecular mass of 81 kDa and with kinase activity similar to that of PKC deltaI. The expressed PKC deltaI protein (78 kDa) was in part cleaved into a 38 kDa fragment in vivo and in vitro, but the PKC deltaII protein was not. Cleavage of the PKC deltaI protein was inhibited by a specific inhibitor of caspase-3, indicating that PKC deltaII is insensitive to caspase-3. The PKC deltaII was highly expressed in the testis and ovary, and at a lower level in the thymocytes, brain and kidney, whereas PKC deltaI was detected in most tissues, suggesting that the function of PKC deltaII is different from that of PKC deltaI.

Successful treatment with concurrent chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery for a patient with thymic adenocarcinoma

Most neoplasms arising from the thymic epithelium are considered to be 'thymomas', which are composed of cytologically benign, neoplastic epithelial cells and nonneoplastic lymphocytes. In contrast, thymic epithelial neoplasms displaying cytologically malignant features have recently been classified as thymic carcinomas of various types of histology. However, primary thymic adenocarcinoma is extremely rare and only four cases of it have been reported in the literature. We report a rare case of primary thymic adenocarcinoma of 4-year complete remission with concurrent chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery. A 61-year-old Japanese man was referred to us complaining of facial edema and general fatigue. Computed tomography scans revealed a huge mass in the anterior mediastinum obstructing the superior vena cava. He was diagnosed with thymic adenocarcinoma on needle biopsy. He was treated with induction chemoradiotherapy consisting of cisplatin, 5-FU and concurrent thoracic radiation, which yielded a partial response. He then underwent surgical resection of the remaining mass. However, pathologic examination of the resected mass revealed no malignant cells. The patient is doing well without symptoms or signs of relapse 53 months after diagnosis.

Condylar motion in patients with reduced anterior disc displacement

The influence of reduced anterior disc displacement on condylar motion has not been fully examined in young adults. Reduced anterior disc displacement was hypothesized to inhibit condylar motion. Using a six-degrees-of-freedom jaw-tracking system, we recorded bilateral condylar motion during maximum open-close jaw movement and gum-chewing on both sides in ten young adults with unilateral reduced anterior disc displacement and in ten control subjects without temporomandibular disorders. The bilateral condylar motion during both maximum open-close jaw movement and chewing on the disc-displacement side was inhibited in the test group. The condylar motion on the disc-displacement side during chewing on the non-disc-displacement side was also inhibited in the test group. These results suggest that the limitation of condylar motion on the disc-displacement side may influence condylar motion on the non-disc-displacement side during maximum open-close jaw movement, and mastication on the disc-displacement side in young adults.

Inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy associated with interstitial lung disease

A 58-year-old woman presented with inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy accompanied by sensory and motor disturbance and interstitial lung disease. Corticosteroid therapy led to a marked amelioration of both the neuropathy and the lung disease. We suggest that a demyelinating neuropathy is associated with an interstitial lung disease.

Motion of the human mandibular condyle during mastication

It has been reported that loading to the mandible during closing movement makes the condylar path move more in the superior direction than that during the free closing movement. In this study, the hypothesis was tested that the displacement of the condyle on the chewing side is greater in the direction of the mandibular fossa than that on the non-chewing side. Using a six-degrees-of-freedom jaw movement recording system, we recorded condylar motion in 12 healthy adults without TMD, during the chewing of a large hard gummy jelly. The maximum displacements at the condyle on the chewing side from the maximum intercuspation (CO) position were significantly larger in the superior and medial directions at the initial stage and in the posterior direction at all stages (0.5 mm, 0.5 mm, and 0.6 mm, respectively) than those on the non-chewing side (0.0 mm, 0.1 mm, and 0.1 mm, respectively). This suggests that, in healthy adults, the condyles at CO are located in a position such that excessive load is not applied to the temporomandibular joint when there are the aforementioned displacements.

Stress caused by minimally invasive cardiac surgery versus conventional cardiac surgery: incidence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome

The present study was conducted to evaluate the degree of stress in patients induced by minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) in comparison with that caused by conventional cardiac surgery. We did this by assessing the incidence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). A total of 48 adult patients who underwent surgery for single valve disease were included in this study, 27 of whom underwent conventional surgery and 21 MICS. We evaluated the stress inflicted on the patients in these two groups by analyzing the duration and degree of SIRS and the level of C-reactive protein (CRP). SIRS was assessed by measuring body temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, and white blood cell counts. There were no significant differences in the operating times, perfusion times, or aorta clamp times between the two groups; and the mean volume of blood transfusion did not differ significantly either. There was no significant difference in the incidence of SIRS or the mean duration of SIRS between the two groups. The CRP levels did not differ significantly between the two groups. Thus although MICS is superior to conventional cardiac surgery in that only a small skin incision is required, the stress experienced by the patient may be the same as that experienced by the patient undergoing conventional cardiac surgery.

Selected mutations in a mesophilic cytochrome c confer the stability of a thermophilic counterpart

Mesophilic cytochrome c(551) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA c(551)) became as stable as its thermophilic counterpart, Hydrogenobacter thermophilus cytochrome c(552) (HT c(552)), through only five amino acid substitutions. The five residues, distributed in three spatially separated regions, were selected and mutated with reference to the corresponding residues in HT c(552) through careful structure comparison. Thermodynamic analysis indicated that the stability of the quintuple mutant of PA c(551) could be partly attained through an enthalpic factor. The solution structure of the mutant showed that, as in HT c(552), there were tighter side chain packings in the mutated regions. Furthermore, the mutant had an increased total accessible surface area, resulting in great negative hydration free energy. Our results provide a novel example of protein stabilization in that limited amino acid substitutions can confer the overall stability of a natural highly thermophilic protein upon a mesophilic molecule.

[Urethral diverticula surrounding the urethra in women: report of 2 cases]

We report two cases of female urethral diverticula. A 49-year-old woman (case 1) complained of perineal pain when she voided urine. A 36-year-old woman (case 2) complained of perineal pain. In both cases, intravenous pyerography and urethrography revealed diverticula around their urethra, and we diagnosed them with urethral diverticula which surrounded their urethra by magnetic resonance imaging. We treated them by transvaginal diverticulectomy. Case 2 was successfully treated, but the diverticulum recurred after one year in case 1. There are over 200 reported cases of female diverticula in the Japanese literature, but a urethral diverticulum surrounding the urethra is rare.

Male sterility in transgenic mice expressing activin betaA subunit gene in testis

Activins and inhibins, which are endocrine regulators of anterior pituitary function, have also been reported to participate in the paracrine and autocrine regulation of reproductive function. To determine the in vivo effects of overexpressed activin/inhibin, we generated transgenic mice carrying the human activin/inhibin betaA subunit mini gene under the regulatory control of the mouse methallothionein promoter. In one of the transgenic line analyzed, the betaA subunit gene was preferentially expressed in the testis. Ectopic and allochronic expression of the betaA gene started at 3 weeks after birth and transgenic male mice became sterile in the ensuing several weeks. Histological analysis revealed testicular degeneration in these mice. The results from this transgenic line strongly support the in vivo activity of activin/inhibin in male reproductive functions.

Benzodiazepine receptor agonists modulate thymocyte apoptosis through reduction of the mitochondrial transmembrane potential

Peripheral-type benzodiazepines have been shown to exert immunological effects. In this study, we examined the effects of the peripheral-type benzodiazepines on murine thymocytes. Murine thymocytes that were incubated with the peripheral-type benzodiazepines underwent apoptosis associated with the collapse of mitochondrial transmembrane potential (delta psi(m)). The drugs stimulated dexamethasone- and etoposide-induced apoptosis with the enhanced collapse of delta psi(m). The central-type benzodiazepines had no effect on either the delta psi(m) or apoptosis. The reduction of delta psi(m) depended on protein synthesis and protein phosphorylation. These results suggest that the immunomodulating effect of benzodiazepines is in part due to the modulation of thymocyte apoptosis associated with the collapse of delta psi(m).